Countdown to Amicalola: Springer Saturday #8

The Appalachian Trail on the way up to Springer Mountain. A lot of the places along the trail in Georgia look like this.

Date: February 28, 2015
Current Week: 02/25/15 - 03/03/15
Days until Amicalola: 25
Pounds to next weight goal: 7.6 (+1.2)
Total gain Last Week: 1.2
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 15
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 154
Minutes Exercised, Week: 60
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0.00
Miles Hiked, 2015: 3.76

My goal for this week was to lose weight in five of the seven weigh-ins. So far my two increases have already occurred, so the cushion has been erased, and I have two weekend readings left to record. We'll have to see how things go.

Countdown to Amicalola: The Packing, Part Two

Here's a terrible picture of my pack sitting in a chair. It's a victory that there isn't anything hanging off of it. Well, besides the 75 straps.

Date: February 27, 2015
Current Week: 02/25/15 - 03/03/15
Days until Amicalola: 26
Pounds to next weight goal: 8.4 (+2.2)
Total gain Last Week: 1.2
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 30
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 154
Minutes Exercised, Week: 45
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0.00
Miles Hiked, 2015: 3.76

Someday I'm going to learn that just because I exercise a fair amount and cut of my eating at around 8:00 doesn't mean I can eat whatever I want. Or at least someday (in about, say, 26 days or so,) I'll be exercising so much that the amount I eat can be effectively unlimited. Unfortunately, yesterday was neither of those things. My goal is to be down five of the seven days, so I'll have to buck the trend with my weekend and be down two of the days.

Countdown to Amicalola: The Packing, Part One

My quite comfortable and spacious REI Half-Dome will not be making the journey with me, as it is just too much tent to carry, considering it's just me in the tent.

Date: February 26, 2015
Current Week: 02/25/15 - 03/03/15
Days until Amicalola: 27
Pounds to next weight goal: 6.2 (-0.6)
Total gain Last Week: 1.2
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 15
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 15
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0.00
Miles Hiked, 2015: 3.76

In terms of the daily grind, it was a pretty typical day. I exercised, did OK in the evening, and reversed the stagnation of the previous day. Nothing too elaborate, nothing really different from many days during this journal's duration.

Countdown to Amicalola: That Brings Us to Four Weeks

The view to the north from atop Blood Mountain. Blood Mountain is the highest point along the AT in Georgia. For reference, this was taken about three weeks earlier in the calendar year before we'll be hiking through here towards the end of March. Those trees, while not technically true krummholz, have similar characteristics. The trees on prominent peaks in Georgia, like Blood Mountain and Brasstown Bald, are often stunted because of the harsh and windy weather conditions. 

Date: February 25, 2015
Current Week: 02/25/15 - 03/03/15
Days until Amicalola: 28
Pounds to next weight goal: 6.8 (+0.0)
Total gain Last Week: 1.2
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 25
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 154
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0.00
Miles Hiked, 2015: 3.76

My self-described "crap week" ended at least with a fairly neutral result. I didn't go up again, but I didn't go down. This left the week up 1.2 pounds from last Wednesday. Frankly, given the stressful situation I had at work, I'm glad it wasn't worse. Considering that I can be a major stress eater, particularly when things are kind of chaotic at work, I maintained pretty well. Had I kept down a bit of the snacking on sweet stuff the past couple days, I probably would have turned it around.

Countdown to Amicalola: 5000 Candles in the Wind

The colors of Turkey Run, in a great photograph by Erin. This picture of an Indiana park is in honor of the end of Parks and Recreation.

Date: February 24, 2015
Current Week: 02/18/15 - 02/24/15
Days until Amicalola: 29
Pounds to next weight goal: 6.8 (+0.4)
Total loss Last Week: 1.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 40
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 129
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0.00
Miles Hiked, 2015: 3.76

So I was up 0.4 pounds yesterday, which certainly was a bit disappointing but not really indicative of much, other than perhaps I ate too much at dinner. It wasn't like it was a terribly awful reversal, just not a decrease. All in all, a thoroughly "meh" day in this journal.

Now that Erin has put her cards out on the table with her gear list, I suppose I need to follow through and put my list together.  And also, I need to make sure that list of gear will actually fit in my pack. I'm not sure, but that might be a bit important.

Countdown to Amicalola: The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance

Looking through Cumberland Gap into Kentucky. Right here is near where Virginia and Kentucky border each other, but Tennessee is also part of this picture. This picture has nothing to do with the Appalachian Trail, but it does have everything to do with thinking about weather that isn't incredibly freezing cold.

Date: February 23, 2015
Current Week: 02/18/15 - 02/24/15
Days until Amicalola: 30
Pounds to next weight goal: 6.4 (+1.0)
Total loss Last Week: 1.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 39
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 89
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 1.10
Miles Hiked, 2015: 3.76

So a night where I gave in and had some snacks masked a day of short, yet vigorous, hiking. I took a trip out to Spring Valley Nature Preserve here in Schaumburg to give my microspikes a good tryout. While the hike wasn't anything too bad, it was certainly icy. Between the melt from the rare thaws we've had since the Super Bowl Sunday storm and a fair amount of traffic on the main trail, the path was a sheet of ice. I never had an issue with traction, worrying more about stepping in a now-frozen foot hole that could possibly turn my ankle.

Countdown to Amicalola: The Winner Is

Sunrise near the top of Clingman's Dome. Those are clouds deep in the valley below, although they certainly look like lakes. About a half mile up the Clingman's Dome trail from here is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail.

Date: February 22, 2015
Current Week: 02/18/15 - 02/24/15
Days until Amicalola: 31
Pounds to next weight goal: 5.4 (+1.2)
Total loss Last Week: 1.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 25
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 50
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

So it looks like the expected gain on Friday showed up a day light. I actually adhered pretty closely to the 8:00 rule yesterday, but perhaps the stuff I ate before then was still too much for the day. Even with the 25 minute walk I took in the evening.

With a few more gear purchases I made this weekend, I think I'm now pretty much set with what I'm going with for the trail come a month from now. I still plan on buying a new pair of hiking shoes of the same type I currently have, so I can start fresh.

Countdown to Amicalola: Springer Saturday #7

This is the blue blazed path from the main Appalachian Trail path to the Springer shelter and camp site.

Date: February 21, 2015
Current Week: 02/18/15 - 02/24/15
Days until Amicalola: 32
Pounds to next weight goal: 4.2 (-0.4)
Total loss Last Week: 1.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 0
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 25
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

Yeah, I'm kind of surprised by that. Despite having a large meal last night, and having no formal exercise (outside of a slow but steady walk up the stairs to the 6th floor of my office building) I still was slightly down today. Granted, this is probably a bit of a side effect from weighing in well after noon (having had nothing to eat before that). This was a combination of sleeping in late and having to do some emergency work, which pushed off the usual start of the day activities.

With less than five weeks to go, I still have some things to deal with to get ready for the hike. Namely, I need to get some practice in packing my pack. I purchased some thinner (and smaller) water bottles yesterday, so I could use the pockets on the side of my pack. My previous bottles were too fat. On our shakedown, I was able to pack everything I needed, but I only had two days worth of food, and didn't have a full complement of clothing. I also didn't have any sort of rain gear packed. My pack's big enough I'll get everything I need in there, I just have to be smart about it. My usual strategy of throwing everything in a bag pell-mell just won't cut it.

Countdown to Amicalola: Rebound Friday

The high ridge of the Smokies on the cusp of autumn, from an overlook near Cataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appalachian Trail is somewhere along the high ridge in the background.

Date: February 20, 2015
Current Week: 02/18/15 - 02/24/15
Days until Amicalola: 33
Pounds to next weight goal: 4.6 (-2.0)
Total loss Last Week: 1.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 15
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 25
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

It was a strong bounce back in the right direction following Thursday's less than stellar result. Like the best days, it was achieved by cutting myself off from eating after 8:00 and limiting what I ate for dinner. I wouldn't expect this result to extend to a second day, as it was a very tough week at work that ended on a very high note. As such, I enjoyed violating both the 8:00 rule and my "go easy on dinner" rule. It's probably mitigated a bit by the fact that I didn't go overboard at lunch, but only a bit.

Countdown to Amicalola: Meh Thursday

One of the views from the tower atop Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. I believe the Appalachian Trail is on one of the ridge lines in the distance.

Date: February 19, 2015
Current Week: 02/18/15 - 02/24/15
Days until Amicalola: 34
Pounds to next weight goal: 6.6 (+1.4)
Total loss Last Week: 1.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 10
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 10
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

Eh, yesterday was the first in a long line of non-holiday weekdays that I didn't keep my pace. Circumstances kind of forced me to eat dinner after the 8:00 deadline had passed, and also limited my exercise to about ten minutes of walking in the incredibly cold conditions in Schaumburg. Perhaps this just means that the weekend will be the opposite of usual, and actually turn out pretty well. We'll just have to see.

Looking Towards the AT: Virginia Blues, Part 3 (Troutville to Waynesboro)

I believe this may be along the Blue Ridge Parkway close to its northern terminus at the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park. 

Section: Virginia, from Troutville to Waynesboro 
Region: South
Miles of trail: 132.4
Highlights: The Priest, James River Bridge, Blue Ridge Parkway

For most of the 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it has little to do with the Appalachian Trail. It starts several miles down US 441 from Newfound Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and heads in a northeasterly pattern from there. As the AT follows the western edge of the Blue Ridge, the BRP follows the eastern edge, going by the Black Mountains (and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak of the Appalachians).

The last 100 miles however, the trail and the parkway become intertwined, with the trail making a crossing of the Parkway many times. These 100 miles are also the part of the BRP in Virginia that looks closer to the high vistas of the first 100 miles of the roadway, rather than the pastoral meadows and woods to the south of Roanoke. It's a beautiful drive, and I imagine it is a pretty nice hike as well.

While the trail begins deep in the heart of Virginia, the northern end of this segment marks the move of the AT into the northern portion of the state. Here, near Waynesboro, is the crossing of I-64 and the beginning of Shenandoah National Park (specifically the southern terminus of Skyline Drive). As such it would be easy to define this part of the trail by its end.

However, there are some sights to see along the trail. Most famous is probably The Priest is a peak along the blue ridge that is famous for a rocky outcropping near the summit, giving a panoramic view of the Tye River valley. The pictures I've seen look rather interesting, but also a possible place for my latent fear of heights to kick in.*

While there are plenty of places along this section that are high up above the valley, the hike is also defined by two major river crossings. The second, across the Tye River, is after an over 3,000 foot descent from The Priest. The first encountered by the NOBO hikers is the James River, making its way out of the mountains down to Richmond, the Hampton Roads, and eventually the Atlantic. Here is a footbridge across the wide river, the longest foot only bridge on the trail.

There aren't any trail towns directly on the trail along this segment once you leave Troutville, at least until you get to the other end. Even here Waynesboro itself is a couple miles off the trail, but should be fairly easy to reach, upon where a multitude of hotels, restaurants, and shops are available for a hiker preparing for the hike through Shenandoah.

* I know, I know. "But Andrew, if you have a fear of heights, why do you hike?" The answer is that I don't have a fear of all heights. For instance, I'm fine flying, or in a tall building (that doesn't have floor to ceiling windows). For the most part I don't feel it while hiking down a hill with drops on the side. However, overlooks, particularly those on rocky outcrops, can make me a bit nervous.

Countdown to Amicalola: Five Weeks to Go

This is Amicalola Falls, but the vantage point is a bit different than some of the other pictures I've used. It's taken during the Summer, when the vegetation crowds around the falls. Also, it's taken from the bridge between the upper and lower stairs. The falls can be reached from a parking lot and a short, gentle walk for those who can't (or prefer not to) take the stairs.

Date: February 18, 2015
Current Week: 02/11/15 - 02/17/15
Days until Amicalola: 35
Pounds to next weight goal: 5.2 (-3.2)
Total loss Last Week: 1.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 25
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 162
Minutes Exercised, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

My suspicion about yesterday morning appears to be correct. A good night's sleep and a return to the usual pattern resulted in a total improvement for the week. I would still like a better pace than what I've seen, but I'm still happy I'm heading the right way. I know the pace will pick up if I can continue to improve during the weekends.

So here we sit, five weeks out. There's been more time logged in this journal than there is left, yet it still feels a bit surreal. There's a lot to get done in the next thirty-five days. Actually, it's more like thirty-two days, given that a few days before the big day will be spent traveling to Amicalola, and our "ceremonial" kick-off walking up the 600 stairs to the top of the falls.

Countdown to Amicalola: Tired Tuesday

Looking NOBO on the Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I wouldn't recommend going too far from the parking lot without some sort of traction assistance on your feet.

Date: February 17, 2015
Current Week: 02/11/15 - 02/17/15
Days until Amicalola: 36
Pounds to next weight goal: 8.4 (+1.2)
Total loss Last Week: 2.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 20
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 187
Minutes Exercised, Week: 137
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

After a good Sunday, Monday was a turn towards the wrong direction. I think this was primarily due to getting up at 5:00 in the morning after not going to sleep until about three hours earlier. As such, the overnight weight loss machinations never triggered completely, leaving me stuck. Had I been able to sleep until 9:00 or so (a more normal wake-up time for me) I may have lost weight, or at least been up less.

Despite the setback, I'm happy with most of how yesterday played out. I made it out for a 20 minute walk in the frigid cold, and kept to my 8:00 rule. As long as I stick to those principles on the whole, I'm confident I'll keep moving in the right direction.

Countdown to Amicalola: Bucking the Trend

The Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park namesake rock formations in the East Fork of the Black River. When the river isn't high (like it was this day), this is a popular place for people to swim in the pools of water that form due to these formations.

Date: February 16, 2015
Current Week: 02/11/15 - 02/17/15
Days until Amicalola: 37
Pounds to next weight goal: 7.2 (-1.0)
Total loss Last Week: 3.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 20
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 187
Minutes Exercised, Week: 117
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

The weekend ended quite well, as I was down this morning, the first weigh-in after a weekend day where that has happened in a while. It helped that I only had two meals, and was able to brave the cold to get a 20 minute walk in. I still have two days, including a day off from work today, to erase the increase that remains from the weekend, but I'm glad about the result nonetheless.

Countdown to Amicalola: Out of the Cold

The "bog" at Volo Bog State Natural Area, near Volo, IL. It's not technically a bog, as it does have an outlet for the water to flow. However, the vegetation and wildlife doesn't know the difference.

Date: February 15, 2015
Current Week: 02/11/15 - 02/17/15
Days until Amicalola: 38
Pounds to next weight goal: 8.2 (+1.8)
Total loss Last Week: 3.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 0
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 187
Minutes Exercised, Week: 97
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

Eh, not much to report today. Thanks in large part to the blustery, frigid weather yesterday, I didn't get out and get any formal exercise. I didn't do exceptionally bad on the eating front, although I had a fair amount of calories in liquid form. All in all it's another typical weekend struggle that isn't unexpected. I'm hoping there will be a rally over the next couple days from this long weekend.

Countdown to Amicalola: Springer Saturday #6

The Appalachian Trail is not the only trail to start atop Springer Mountain. Also leaving from there is the Benton MacKaye trail, a long distance trail that goes from Springer Mountain to Davenport Gap at the east end of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is named after Benton MacKaye, who came up with the initial idea of the AT.

Date: February 14, 2015
Current Week: 02/11/15 - 02/17/15
Days until Amicalola: 39
Pounds to next weight goal: 6.4 (+2.2)
Total loss Last Week: 3.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 30
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 187
Minutes Exercised, Week: 97
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

As expected, Friday was an up day on the whole for me. Today may be as well, although I didn't have lunch so I might squeak in under the wire for this one. Not much more to say about that.

Countdown to Amicalola: Friday Night Live

Cloudland Canyon, in the Georgia State Park of the same name. Cloudland Canyon is part of the much larger Lookout Mountain, which is actually part of the Cumberland Plateau. This is the opposite side of the Appalachian zone from the Blue Ridge, where the Appalachian trail is located.

Date: February 13, 2015
Current Week: 02/11/15 - 02/17/15
Days until Amicalola: 40
Pounds to next weight goal: 4.2 (-1.6)
Total loss Last Week: 3.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 32
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 187
Minutes Exercised, Week: 67
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

I appear to have a pretty good system going on here, at least during the week. It's built around three points. First, get at least 30 minutes of exercise. Second, stop eating at 8:00 every evening. Finally, limit the size of my dinner. By following those three steps, I've lost weight every weekday save for one the past several weeks. If I kept that pace up seven days a week, I'd be in a much better position.

Countdown to Amicalola - Creeping Along

The Road to Nowhere, on the far side of the tunnel. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Bryson City, NC.

Date: February 12, 2015
Current Week: 02/11/15 - 02/17/15
Days until Amicalola: 41
Pounds to next weight goal: 5.8 (-0.4)
Total loss Last Week: 3.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 35
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 187
Minutes Exercised, Week: 35
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

The plan marches on, as it appears that 30 minutes may be the magic number as far as exercise is concerned. While I would like a bit faster pace, any daily decrease is a good result. My goal is to break even this weekend, and a day like yesterday would be welcome come Saturday or Sunday.

Countdown to Amicalola: Six (Weeks) To Go

Willow Creek on the cusp of Spring, Forest Glen County Preserve, Vermilion County, IL

Date: February 11, 2015
Current Week: 02/11/15 - 02/17/15
Days until Amicalola: 42
Pounds to next weight goal: 6.2 (0)
Total loss Last Week: 3.0
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 15
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 187
Minutes Exercised, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

OK, so this one actually is going up on Lincoln's Birthday, which will have it's own entry. That wasn't my intention, but that's how it shook out. I haven't gone to bed yet, so as far as I'm concerned it's still February 11. Besides, it's still the right day in half of the timezones in the contiguous U.S.

Countdown to Amicalola - Back in the Groove

The Smokies in the fading light of day, somewhere along Newfound Gap Road.

Date: February 10, 2015
Current Week: 02/04/15 - 02/10/15
Days until Amicalola: 43
Pounds to next weight goal: 6.2 (-1.4)
Total Gain Last Week: 0.6
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 22
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 202
Minutes Exercised, Week: 172
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

As expected, I picked back up with my usual weekday pace yesterday, sending me in the right direction. It shows again that by limiting my meals in the evening I can maintain steady progress. Provided I don't go the wrong way today, this week will end up working out for me.

Countdown to Amicalola: Back To Work

One of the fu dogs at the appropriately named Fu Dog Garden, at Allerton Park, near Monticello, IL.

Date: February 9, 2015
Current Week: 02/04/15 - 02/10/15
Days until Amicalola: 44
Pounds to next weight goal: 7.6 (+0.2)
Total Gain Last Week: 0.6
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 40
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 202
Minutes Exercised, Week: 150
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

As I've said before, weekends are a problem for me. Even a day where I took it fairly careful ended up with a slight increase. I'm weak to the proximity of bad food choices and the ease of staying put instead of going out and hiking, which would be a significant calorie burner with the post holing I would have had to do at times had I hiked.

Countdown to Amicalola: Checking off the List

Bumblebee visiting flowers, at Johnson Shut-Ins State Park in the St. Francois Mountain of Missouri

Date: February 8, 2015
Current Week: 02/04/15 - 02/10/15
Days until Amicalola: 45
Pounds to next weight goal: 7.4 (+2.0)
Total Gain Last Week: 0.6
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 55
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 202
Minutes Exercised, Week: 110
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

I would call yesterday a mixed bag. On the one hand, I once again had trouble with eating too much, so the scale went in the wrong direction this morning. This wasn't unanticipated, and I'm still doing better this week than last. But I can still do a lot better.

Countdown to Amicalola: Springer Saturday #5

The view from atop Springer Mountain. This is taken in front of the first blaze and plaque. 

Date: February 7, 2015
Current Week: 02/04/15 - 02/10/15
Days until Amicalola: 46
Pounds to next weight goal: 5.4 (+1.8)
Total Gain Last Week: 0.6
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 15
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 202
Minutes Exercised, Week: 55
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

So I kind of took Friday off, and while it wasn't the best result, it was still better than last week. The increase this week was less than 50% of the one the previous week. While not necessarily a good result, it was an expected result, considering I knowingly had a snack and some drinks after the 8:00 cutoff point. Keeping to that schedule during the work week is one thing, but doing it on the weekend is a different issue entirely.

Countdown to Amicalola: Heading Into Rough Seas of the Weekend

Some large ferns growing along the Ice Age Trail's John Muir segment. This picture is a good reminder that this cold, snowy weather won't be here forever. Soon enough we'll be griping about warm, buggy weather.

Date: February 6, 2015
Current Week: 02/04/15 - 02/10/15
Days until Amicalola: 47
Pounds to next weight goal: 3.6 (-2.0)
Total Gain Last Week: 0.6
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 20
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 202
Minutes Exercised, Week: 40
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

Adhering to the 8:00 rule has worked out pretty well for me this week, as every night I've done since Monday has resulted in a good result the next morning. It looks like it's the lynchpin in my daily weight loss strategy, right along getting regular exercise. I'm happy that I'm on a four day winning streak.

Countdown to Amicalola: Just Keep on Keeping On

Date: February 5, 2015
Current Week: 02/04/15 - 02/10/15
Days until Amicalola: 48
Pounds to next weight goal: 5.6 (-2.6)
Total Gain Last Week: 0.6
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 20
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 202
Minutes Exercised, Week: 20
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

Not much to report today, it's a pretty typical Thursday during this countdown. I appear to be back on pace again after last weekend, and I've walked two days straight in the cold of the parking garage. I look anxiously towards the weekend, hoping that I won't have another reversal like last weekend. We'll just have to wait and see.

Countdown to Amicalola: The Days Are Falling Away

Anna Ruby Falls, near Unicoi State Park in Northern Georgia. Two streams actually meet below the falls, which explains the two separate sets of falls shown in the picture.

Date: February 4, 2015
Current Week: 02/04/15 - 02/10/15
Days until Amicalola: 49
Pounds to next weight goal: 8.2 (-2.4)
Total Gain Last Week: 0.6
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 25
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 202
Minutes Exercised, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 0
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

So this week ended as it began, with two straight days of going in the right direction. Now only if those three days over the weekend hadn't gone as they did. I'm a bit disappointed in that, but am pretty realistic about the situation. I'm fighting over 30 years of instincts, inclinations, and bad habits, and to expect to just be rid of them overnight is a bit delusional. Instead of looking at this week as a failure, I consider it just a tough week in the journey that still had some promise. After all, I tried out some equipment that may be necessary. I conquered Hawk Hill. And most of the days of the week I did lose weight.

Countdown to Amicalola: Return to Normalcy?

Fontana Dam, the highest dam east of the Rockies. The Appalachian Trail crosses the dam to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Date: February 3, 2015
Current Week: 01/28/15 - 02/4/15
Days until Amicalola: 50
Pounds to next weight goal: 10.6 (-0.6)
Total Loss Last Week: 2.2
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 0
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 250
Minutes Exercised, Week: 177
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 1.16
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

After three days of going the wrong way, I waved farewell to the weekend with a return to the downward trend of last week. It wasn't much, but it is down. This was good especially considering my lack of exercise yesterday.

Countdown to Amicalola: Monday Morning Quarterback

I was very happy to let my trekking poles rest for a bit at this juncture along the Appalachian Trail. The trail ahead is where my brother and I hiked up (always up) from Lake Winfield Scott. The rocks in the lower left are part of a staircase marking the "fun" approach of the Appalachian Trail up to Blood Mountain, highest point on the trail in Georgia.

Date: February 2, 2015
Current Week: 01/28/15 - 02/4/15
Days until Amicalola: 51
Pounds to next weight goal: 11.2 (+0.8)
Total Loss Last Week: 2.2
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 21
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 250
Minutes Exercised, Week: 177
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 0
Miles Hiked, Week: 1.16
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

Upon first glance, this weekend was kind of a bust.  I went up every day from Saturday to Monday, which was certainly not my goal. There are many explanations for this, but the biggest one I think is my breaking of the "no food after 8:00" rule. True, even on the day I adhered to that I still went up. However, considering this was Super Bowl Sunday, and the amount of food I consumed in the two-three hours leading up to 8:00 was immense, I consider that 0.8 a victory, considering it was better than the two previous days.

Countdown to Amicalola: The Occurrence at Hawk Hill

Looking across the Vermilion Valley towards Indiana, from atop the Forest Glen tower. The day was as gray as this picture shows.

Date: February 1, 2015

Current Week: 01/28/15 - 02/4/15
Days until Amicalola: 52
Pounds to next weight goal: 10.4 (+1.2)
Total Loss Last Week: 2.2
Weight Goals Met: 0
Minutes Exercised, Yesterday: 45
Minutes Exercised, Last Week: 250
Minutes Exercised, Week: 156
Miles Hiked, Yesterday: 1.16
Miles Hiked, Week: 1.16
Miles Hiked, 2015: 2.66

In a lesser, more measurable way my hike yesterday was of little consequence. I only averaged a bit faster than 1.5 miles an hour, and hiked just a bit over a mile. However, in a sense that is not measurable but much more important, it was kind of a big deal.