While it doesn't look like much this is going to be a trying day, as it is a two lane highway used for major transportation etc... ? But a route all the same.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
day 17
Day 17...
While it doesn't look like much this is going to be a trying day, as it is a two lane highway used for major transportation etc... ? But a route all the same.
Oliver Springs?... anyone know someone I can sleep in their yard etc...
While it doesn't look like much this is going to be a trying day, as it is a two lane highway used for major transportation etc... ? But a route all the same.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Over view day 8 through day 16 ....
Active map day 8 through 16
While this active map is NOT EXACT it does give you a visual of ABOUT where I have planned to of been at this point.
please call me or email me if you have any questions about this!
While this active map is NOT EXACT it does give you a visual of ABOUT where I have planned to of been at this point.
Monday, November 28, 2011
day 16
day 16 active link
like it or not this is ALL I can do for this day....
I am always going to play it safe ... so this is all I can do... all highway... main road, but appreciate help along the way if anyone hears my cry!
I am always going to play it safe ... so this is all I can do... all highway... main road, but appreciate help along the way if anyone hears my cry!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
the HONEST truth!
Before you go any further if you are not up for the HONEST human truth... then leave now! If you are then take it for what it is worth.
The bottom fell out!
Yes I am still doing this trip!
But that doesn't mean I haven't been grossly and utterly depressed... or feeling like the living dead.
Yes I know life is hard!
I am one that truly believes life is hard from the first labor pain, through the birth canal (personally being pulling out by "tongs") and gasping for that first breath of air. You are at the mercy of those around you and with out knowing it you have already started a game of chess. Yes! that is how I see it!
You can be a quite baby, never crying when hungry, wet, or sleepy and while some get what they need, most go hungry until the doctor notices low weight gain, etc...
OR you can CHOOSE to scream, cry, and somehow communicate with life and demand the next step. (food, shelter, and attention)
EVERYTHING you do in life is a choice!
EVERYTHING you do will have a LONG TERM effect on the rest of the game ( your life choices)
Even as a helpless baby you have to learn to go forward, backwards, sideways, and diagonal.
Don't get me wrong! My parents did all they could, and they were united and good with their "lines" as I call them. Rules, Requirements, and Expectations.
My maternal grandparents only back up the up bringing... So to stop the rattle.
I know and believe that EVERY choice I make in life has a long term effect on me, my life, my community, and future choices of all. I NEVER expect life to be easy! I never think I am deserving of something unless I have achieved my goals of getting it for myself.
The bottom fell out of the ride the other day! BUT so many new things have come to light. (as my Mother said it would)
People offering help on the road crew, (finally... I was really getting panic in my thoughts.)
People saying they'll come out with hay and "a hot meal for me" as no one will want to share my sardines and crackers. ha ha ha
So while grasping the effects of all my hard work going down the drain. Feeling as if I had just been pushed off the edge of the Grand Canyon, battered on rocks by rushing water, and felt dead. Life continues! don't get me wrong, one foot in front of the other sounds easy, but for the first few days I was lucky to shift my weight as a daily chart of progress. Getting no where but making every effort my mind, body and soul had to make.
I am now well enough to 1/2 way talk about it. I am putting in this on line as it is the truth! While trying to research all of this NO ONE ever posted the ups and downs of planning, preparations, and while some have written books, some are somewhat posting on facebook. I find very little of the PAIN and agony that goes along with this type of a trip in modern day.
IN SHORT!
My drop off and pick up fell through.
My cutting through the blue ridge parkway for a few miles looks grim.
My driving my routes is taking SO LONG and SO hard to stay on course it only adds stress to the other issues.
My UK items are not here yet.
My choices of "mule packs" or harness's and panniers is getting slimmer. and I need them yesterday! but $ and $ put it last on my list, as safety was first!
Sounds like nothing BUT it all adds up and it all knocked me for all I was worth!
ON top of taking care of my normal three stops two birds, three horses, and two dogs ALL of special needs ( only another worry for innocent animals in my life) and working the B&B M-F. My life is full, my choices are many! I never sit out the game I play, win or loose I always play!
LIFE.
tiz life! is what I always say,
but the past few days I've wanted to scream at the top of my lungs... give me a break here! but alas... EVERY choice I made in the past put me where I was. So Back Up! Evaluate, LEARN!!!!!! LEARN!!!!! LEARN!!!!! and take a new path!
This is life and this is the DOWN of my planning stages ( or I hope)
Much love to the world!
to my Family and Friends... Thank you all, Thank you SO MUCH!
The bottom fell out!
Yes I am still doing this trip!
But that doesn't mean I haven't been grossly and utterly depressed... or feeling like the living dead.
Yes I know life is hard!
I am one that truly believes life is hard from the first labor pain, through the birth canal (personally being pulling out by "tongs") and gasping for that first breath of air. You are at the mercy of those around you and with out knowing it you have already started a game of chess. Yes! that is how I see it!
You can be a quite baby, never crying when hungry, wet, or sleepy and while some get what they need, most go hungry until the doctor notices low weight gain, etc...
OR you can CHOOSE to scream, cry, and somehow communicate with life and demand the next step. (food, shelter, and attention)
EVERYTHING you do in life is a choice!
EVERYTHING you do will have a LONG TERM effect on the rest of the game ( your life choices)
Even as a helpless baby you have to learn to go forward, backwards, sideways, and diagonal.
Don't get me wrong! My parents did all they could, and they were united and good with their "lines" as I call them. Rules, Requirements, and Expectations.
My maternal grandparents only back up the up bringing... So to stop the rattle.
I know and believe that EVERY choice I make in life has a long term effect on me, my life, my community, and future choices of all. I NEVER expect life to be easy! I never think I am deserving of something unless I have achieved my goals of getting it for myself.
The bottom fell out of the ride the other day! BUT so many new things have come to light. (as my Mother said it would)
People offering help on the road crew, (finally... I was really getting panic in my thoughts.)
People saying they'll come out with hay and "a hot meal for me" as no one will want to share my sardines and crackers. ha ha ha
So while grasping the effects of all my hard work going down the drain. Feeling as if I had just been pushed off the edge of the Grand Canyon, battered on rocks by rushing water, and felt dead. Life continues! don't get me wrong, one foot in front of the other sounds easy, but for the first few days I was lucky to shift my weight as a daily chart of progress. Getting no where but making every effort my mind, body and soul had to make.
I am now well enough to 1/2 way talk about it. I am putting in this on line as it is the truth! While trying to research all of this NO ONE ever posted the ups and downs of planning, preparations, and while some have written books, some are somewhat posting on facebook. I find very little of the PAIN and agony that goes along with this type of a trip in modern day.
IN SHORT!
My drop off and pick up fell through.
My cutting through the blue ridge parkway for a few miles looks grim.
My driving my routes is taking SO LONG and SO hard to stay on course it only adds stress to the other issues.
My UK items are not here yet.
My choices of "mule packs" or harness's and panniers is getting slimmer. and I need them yesterday! but $ and $ put it last on my list, as safety was first!
Sounds like nothing BUT it all adds up and it all knocked me for all I was worth!
ON top of taking care of my normal three stops two birds, three horses, and two dogs ALL of special needs ( only another worry for innocent animals in my life) and working the B&B M-F. My life is full, my choices are many! I never sit out the game I play, win or loose I always play!
LIFE.
tiz life! is what I always say,
but the past few days I've wanted to scream at the top of my lungs... give me a break here! but alas... EVERY choice I made in the past put me where I was. So Back Up! Evaluate, LEARN!!!!!! LEARN!!!!! LEARN!!!!! and take a new path!
This is life and this is the DOWN of my planning stages ( or I hope)
Much love to the world!
to my Family and Friends... Thank you all, Thank you SO MUCH!
day 15
active map to day 15
hopefully once again crossing traffic instead of getting into it!~
Wish me luck... BUT... keep in mind tomorrow is a day of making a LIFE choice ( in my mind) do I go North or south?
Calling Big South Fork! I have map of area and there are SEVERAL trials I could take in order to make this shorter... We shall see! Calling forest ranger later.
Wish me luck... BUT... keep in mind tomorrow is a day of making a LIFE choice ( in my mind) do I go North or south?
Calling Big South Fork! I have map of area and there are SEVERAL trials I could take in order to make this shorter... We shall see! Calling forest ranger later.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
day 14
active link to day 14 ideas
this is going to be my longest day.... and very well may be the most moist night due to being so close to the lake. Lake wind effects are common in winter. Wish me luck.
this is going to be my longest day.... and very well may be the most moist night due to being so close to the lake. Lake wind effects are common in winter. Wish me luck.
Friday, November 25, 2011
day 13.
day 13 active link.
still showing active traffic... I am showing this day 13 from the SECOND choice after many phone calls, but before I have driven the route in my car. REMEMBER things could change any moment if and WHEN I drive this in the car giving my horses temperaments in mind... I may make serious changes, but this is "the plan" at this time.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
day 12
another day to REALLY think over. day 12 active map click these darker words.
this second one is with TRAFFIC areas shown on map!
I know this day is going to be... HARD! always open to ideas from people who know the area.
second idea...second active link idea...
yes I get into traffic, but I get back out ASAP. Anyone around the area ... I'm listening!
I know this day is going to be... HARD! always open to ideas from people who know the area.
second idea...second active link idea... 
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Day 11 A problem day take a look.
an issue day!
Day 11 active link click these words.
How to cross the river is the issue... and prep for it!
I am going to have to drive all these routes before they become written in stone. Any one in the area with ideas ? I'm open for suggestions.
Day 11 active link click these words.
How to cross the river is the issue... and prep for it!
I am going to have to drive all these routes before they become written in stone. Any one in the area with ideas ? I'm open for suggestions.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Warmers
I have been told several things about warmers.
I have learned many people sleep with one or two under their backs to stay warm at night.
I have several types and got more today.
Daddy gave me the boil again and re use type! I have used these and they are good, I'm excited to have anything, but especially something I can use again and again.
I have picked up several throw ways with my tip money as I will not be able to boil the good ones on the road!
So I have full foot,
and TOES only.. types...
not to forget the hand warmers.
It is funny! The larger they are the less time they work, so I'll have to use them sparingly, hoping not to have to use them at all BUT better to have them than not.
I have learned many people sleep with one or two under their backs to stay warm at night.
I have several types and got more today.
Daddy gave me the boil again and re use type! I have used these and they are good, I'm excited to have anything, but especially something I can use again and again.
I have picked up several throw ways with my tip money as I will not be able to boil the good ones on the road!
and TOES only.. types...
not to forget the hand warmers.
It is funny! The larger they are the less time they work, so I'll have to use them sparingly, hoping not to have to use them at all BUT better to have them than not.
Day 10
Day 10 active map click this link.
OK getting close to Knoxville at this point and must cross another river with in the next day... I am sure I will need help / rest or something at this point. ANYbody out there!... as the song says. ha ha ha...
Close up of the HOPEFULL stopping area.
and a far view to give those who do NOT know the area well an idea of where I will be.
OK getting close to Knoxville at this point and must cross another river with in the next day... I am sure I will need help / rest or something at this point. ANYbody out there!... as the song says. ha ha ha...
Close up of the HOPEFULL stopping area.
and a far view to give those who do NOT know the area well an idea of where I will be.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Socks
Socks are a huge piece of equipment.
I have a good pair of boots, that I love, use and abuse!
My socks however also need to be top notch to keep me going.
So Silk liners because they are warmer than cotton or wool.
Then the biggest , most fluffy wool socks I could find.
I also have ski socks but they are going to be my back up as these are more likely to help my feet while I am sitting on the horse with little circulation going on.
But I also have hand and feet warmers... to discuss.
The one good hint I have gotten and hope to get more! (hint)
Is to spray my feet with spray deodorant, each night before I change my socks into my sleeping socks and before I put on a fresh pair the next day.
I was also told to spray my hands! so not to sweat in my gloves on the road! I would have never thought of that!
I have a good pair of boots, that I love, use and abuse!
My socks however also need to be top notch to keep me going.
Then the biggest , most fluffy wool socks I could find.
But I also have hand and feet warmers... to discuss.
The one good hint I have gotten and hope to get more! (hint)
Is to spray my feet with spray deodorant, each night before I change my socks into my sleeping socks and before I put on a fresh pair the next day.
I was also told to spray my hands! so not to sweat in my gloves on the road! I would have never thought of that!
Day 9 of trip
Day 9 link to active map click this writing.
Lots of twist and turns this day... BUT it's all back roads which makes me very happy.
Lots of twist and turns this day... BUT it's all back roads which makes me very happy.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Container
Dried foods are going to be my next best friend. Then protein bars, tuna, and drinks.
This is going to be my life on the road.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Stove
Well this is the one thing that not all will agree on....
I do not like the thought of putting gas on Navarre, having him in the middle of traffic, and thinking life is going to be fine.
So I am going with a solid fuel cell stove.
One that will fit in a pocket!
Yep... Look at this!
all of this is just amazing to me... BUT... I need little more than to be able to boil water.
I am going to need my caffeine in the morning and something warm to drink so I can write up my days adventures, and people I have met.
This is the perfect little set up for a solid fuel cell. It is light, small, and going to be my life savor in more than one way. Each fuel cell last 8 minutes...
I do not like the thought of putting gas on Navarre, having him in the middle of traffic, and thinking life is going to be fine.
So I am going with a solid fuel cell stove.
One that will fit in a pocket!
I am going to need my caffeine in the morning and something warm to drink so I can write up my days adventures, and people I have met.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Air Mattress
I got a medium air mattress. I have had people say 2 inches makes them cold, it is too much space and drains body heat, while others say the one inch will be too little so went in between the two.
Yes the bivy has a bug net too. But the air mattress is going to be a life saver. The one I have is easy to blow up and deflate.
I do have my patch kit, but I can tell you right now on rough surfaces I will be sleeping on the horses' saddle pads as well so not to mess up my equipment!
Yes the bivy has a bug net too. But the air mattress is going to be a life saver. The one I have is easy to blow up and deflate.
I do have my patch kit, but I can tell you right now on rough surfaces I will be sleeping on the horses' saddle pads as well so not to mess up my equipment!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Bivy
My second source of sleeping is going to be my bivy... a TINY tent like structure than I am going to put IN the two man tent so to give me more of a barrier from the cold etc...
I spent the extra money for the bivy with the face room/ small pole area which I am VERY happy I did.
From what little I have used it, this is going to be a good piece of equipment to have for several other types of camping.
Bivy can be used alone, in the tent and even in my hammock (later)
Bivy can be used alone, in the tent and even in my hammock (later)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
TENT
One of the biggest things that will either make my trip better or make it a living hell is going to be my equipment.
Lets just start from the bottom.
I have a tent mat/or pad cover.
I normally carry an oil cloth that fits under my tent ever so perfectly, but they are way too heavy for this trip. So this trip it is the trusted blue plastic most people use.
My tent, it is a full season tent, but it is only a small two man tent. I am using it so I can keep my horse gear as dry as possible and give me even more protection from the weather just in case.
yep in the back yard! I've been sleeping in it every once in a while just to get my up and down quickly. Not to mention everything else.
My next thing is to take the horses out for the weekend to a friends house etc...
Trust me people.. if anyone has any hints, or ideas on how to make life any easier while living outside this winter... My ears are open!
Lets just start from the bottom.
I have a tent mat/or pad cover.
I normally carry an oil cloth that fits under my tent ever so perfectly, but they are way too heavy for this trip. So this trip it is the trusted blue plastic most people use.
My tent, it is a full season tent, but it is only a small two man tent. I am using it so I can keep my horse gear as dry as possible and give me even more protection from the weather just in case.
Trust me people.. if anyone has any hints, or ideas on how to make life any easier while living outside this winter... My ears are open!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Over view of 8 days
Overview of 8 days expected on horseback.
Use the link above in darker red letters... to use the google maping to see where I really plan on going.
Any suggestions or questions are welcome!
Use the link above in darker red letters... to use the google maping to see where I really plan on going.
Any suggestions or questions are welcome!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
DAY 8
Day 8 for trip
A populated area so this one is one TINY back roads that I did not find on other maps. I can only hope this google map thing is going to work.. we all know how bad they can be sometimes. Have you ever lost it with that GPS of yours recalculating... try it on a horse. I'll let you know how it works out.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
day 7
Day 7 link
This will be a big day as well, as I am crossing a river, one of the things I dread on this trip, but I have found this back road in which to use instead of a highway!
It is going to be a good day on horseback!
Friday, November 11, 2011
6th Day
DAY 6 north route
This day appears it could be an exciting day. As the area is populated but spread out.
Any one around this area PLEASE let me know if I can sleep in your yard! I am asking for 20 Liters of water for my horses and a little for myself!
Just let me know!
Above is a close up of the area!
Getting into TN makes me happy, seeing open land, where I may be able to cut through back roads makes me ecstatic!
Any one around this area PLEASE let me know if I can sleep in your yard! I am asking for 20 Liters of water for my horses and a little for myself!
Above is a close up of the area!
Getting into TN makes me happy, seeing open land, where I may be able to cut through back roads makes me ecstatic!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Day 5 of trip
Day 5 for trip
This particular day is HUGE... it will take me FIVE days to cross into TN!
At this point I am getting the horses in better shape, getting further from my home, and should have my packing down to an art!
Any suggestions OPEN to discussion!
At this point I am getting the horses in better shape, getting further from my home, and should have my packing down to an art!
Any suggestions OPEN to discussion!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
4th day of ride.
DAY 4 of ride.
Day four is out in the middle of no where. There are houses at the end of where I am wanting to stop, looks like LARGE plots of land so it may be easy to sleep out under the trees in such an area.
Wish me luck.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
fast pace...
Life here is VERY fast paced, as everyone else's is I am sure.
I have not been able to work on my route, and I am contemplating a back up route as well.
I am hoping I can get several more post put together this weekend, as I have NO ONE signed up to allow me to sleep in their yard... I didn't really expect too... BUT it would have helped.
Lots to tell, much to do... I'll get you all more info ASAP.
I have not been able to work on my route, and I am contemplating a back up route as well.
I am hoping I can get several more post put together this weekend, as I have NO ONE signed up to allow me to sleep in their yard... I didn't really expect too... BUT it would have helped.
Lots to tell, much to do... I'll get you all more info ASAP.
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