Made it up the summit of Mount Evans. The altimeter watch is a little
of, but was still close enough. I start my hike in a week and a half!
“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote." - Melville
Monday, June 9, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
First Test of Blogger/Flickr Combo
Well....this is my first blog post featuring a flickr photo. I'm
trying to set it up so that I can email photos and blog updates. I am
also trying to set it up so that I can updates from my cell phone.
Currently, It looks like my phone doesn't support the right type of
messaging format.
I head off to trail days in a couple of days and will hopefully
getting a lot of useful information down there from fellow hikers
about the Colorado Trail.
I can't wait!
trying to set it up so that I can email photos and blog updates. I am
also trying to set it up so that I can updates from my cell phone.
Currently, It looks like my phone doesn't support the right type of
messaging format.
I head off to trail days in a couple of days and will hopefully
getting a lot of useful information down there from fellow hikers
about the Colorado Trail.
I can't wait!
Pocono Marathon, the House, and Colorado
It's been a while since I posted a blog entry. I just wrapped up my spring semester (and thankfully survived Math Modeling...*ugh*).
Had a couple of updates that I thought I'd post.
First off...the house did finally sell in Cleveland. I am just waiting for the final closing (in another month or so) before I finally take that long sigh of relief.
Second...In 3 weeks I leave for Denver Colorado where'll I'll spend 3-4 weeks studying the latest ice-core that was drilled last season in Antarctica. Here's the best part though: After the research stuff is over, my advisor has given me permission to stay an extra 3 weeks in Colorado so that I can hike the Colorado Trail! SWEEET. I am trying to set up a blog site with live txt, blog, and photo feeds that I can update right from the trail (thanks jeremiah, stitch, and figgy for the inspiration on this) It will be at the following address:
lakewoodhiker.blogspot.com
It is still under construction...and will be for a while. I am still new at getting all the plug-ins working so it may end up not working...I don't know.
I'll also be updating my trailjournals site as well:
www.trailjournals.com/lakewoodct
Lastly...
last Sunday, I successfully survived my first marathon. Over christmas break last year, my good friend Aaron was in the last week of marathon training. After he told me that, I felt rather inspired.....so.....when I got back to school in January, i decided to give it a try myself. I started a marathon training program (Hal Higdon) and religiously stuck to it. My goal was to simply finish...with a secondary goal of finishing in under 4 hours. The race was in the Pocono Mountains in Eastern PA, and was a beautiful course. Mom and Carri drove down to cheer me on...it was great. I somehow managed to finish...AND, in 3hrs 53 minutes. woohoo.

Had a couple of updates that I thought I'd post.
First off...the house did finally sell in Cleveland. I am just waiting for the final closing (in another month or so) before I finally take that long sigh of relief.
Second...In 3 weeks I leave for Denver Colorado where'll I'll spend 3-4 weeks studying the latest ice-core that was drilled last season in Antarctica. Here's the best part though: After the research stuff is over, my advisor has given me permission to stay an extra 3 weeks in Colorado so that I can hike the Colorado Trail! SWEEET. I am trying to set up a blog site with live txt, blog, and photo feeds that I can update right from the trail (thanks jeremiah, stitch, and figgy for the inspiration on this) It will be at the following address:
lakewoodhiker.blogspot.com
It is still under construction...and will be for a while. I am still new at getting all the plug-ins working so it may end up not working...I don't know.
I'll also be updating my trailjournals site as well:
www.trailjournals.com/lakewoodct
Lastly...
last Sunday, I successfully survived my first marathon. Over christmas break last year, my good friend Aaron was in the last week of marathon training. After he told me that, I felt rather inspired.....so.....when I got back to school in January, i decided to give it a try myself. I started a marathon training program (Hal Higdon) and religiously stuck to it. My goal was to simply finish...with a secondary goal of finishing in under 4 hours. The race was in the Pocono Mountains in Eastern PA, and was a beautiful course. Mom and Carri drove down to cheer me on...it was great. I somehow managed to finish...AND, in 3hrs 53 minutes. woohoo.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Springer Fever
Well, everyone warned me...and I didn't believe them. I was told that once spring started to inch its way closer, I would inevitably come down with what is known as "springer fever". Springer fever can be defined as: "The overpowering urge to get outdoors and get hiking. Specifically, to go back to Georgia's Springer Mountain and thru-hike the Appalachian Trail again." Sure enough, even after how miserable I was at the end of my hike last year....here I sit, and all I can think about is how badly I want to get out there and hike again. I keep reading all of these trailjournals for people that are prepping for their thru-hikes this year and it makes me jealous and miss it even more. It really is in my blood now, and I don't think it will ever go away. This is my first bout of Springer Fever, but I'm positive, not my last.
Monday, December 31, 2007
2007 Thru-Hiking Year Comes to an End
Well...2007 has finally come to an end. I have survived my first semester of Grad School and my mind has never fully left the A.T. It's amazing how much I couldn't wait to be finished...and now all I want is to be back out there. I feel almost compelled to thru-hike again in 08. People always talk about how it gets "in their blood". Well, It is in mine. I don't know if it always was and I simply woke it up, or if it was a newly added thing...but regardless, it's there now.
2007 will always be one of the most important years of my life. I set an incredible goal for myself and actually accomplished it. All the things that I had hoped to "sort out", I was able to....and I also was surprised by a lot of other unexpected experiences. Whether or not I'm hiking next summer, I am definitely going to go to trail days...since I missed it by a few days this year. So hopefully I will see many of you there. Happy Holidays to everyone and for those of you still on the fence on whether or not you can make an 08' thru hike happen....you CAN. I was in the same boat, and was able to pull together a plan in less than a week this year. It might be a little stressful, but it will be worth it. I only wish I could thru-hike every year.
I want to personally thank the following people for helping me to make my hike a reality:
My Mom: For sending all my PO boxes, taking care of my bills, and for her genuine support. Love you mom.
My sister: For watching my cat, and taking care of my car.
Aaron Nolan: For driving from Providence RI, to meet me in Ft. montgomery NY and hike with me for a day and a half. (And for sharing a few beers and good 'ol times)
Patrick McGinty: For driving over 10+ hours round trip from Cleveland to Shendandoah to hike with me for a day and feed me the best food on the entire trail (Thanks for the cornish hens!!!!!)
"Nature Boy"/Willy Syndram: For the good company throughout the Smokies and into Hot Springs
"Wrongturn"/Michael McDaris: For the awesome company from Gorham NH all the way to Katahdin. I sincerely do not know if I would have made it through Maine alone. Take care of yourself Mike. I hope someday we cross paths on the CDT or PCT.
My Cousins April and Patrick: For printing out a large AT map and following my progess every day. And patrick...I was honored to be the subject of your show and tell in school and loved sending you post cards at every town stop.
My Fegy Family: For hosting the Fegy Fest (reunion) at the perfect time so that I could take a break mid-hike to see everyone.
and most importantly:
My Dad: for hiking every step of the 2174 miles by my side. I know that every time I wanted to quit, I thought of you dad, and refused to give up. I hope that I make you proud.
My Dad: for hiking every step of the 2174 miles by my side. I know that every time I wanted to quit, I thought of you dad, and refused to give up. I hope that I make you proud.
take care everyone, and again....Happy Holidays/New Year.
-john "lakewood" fegyveresi
Lakewood 2007 NOBO |
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Reconstructing Paleoclimates On West Antarctic Ice Sheet Using Ice Core Bubble Number-Density
woooo...that's a mouthful.
this is the tentative title for my master's thesis as of Dec 6th. I have officially chosen Dr. Richard Alley as my advisor...which I'm extremely excited about. Dr. Alley is literally world famous when it comes to climate change, ice-sheet response, and glaciology. (google him) He co-wrote the IPCC report on climate change and indirectly just co-won the Nobel Peace Prize (with big Al). I couldn't have picked, in my opinion, a more fascinating person as my advisor.
Tentatively, it looks like I'm going to be going to Denver late next semester to the NICL (national ice core lab) to take measurements on some ice cores. I was hoping to actually get to antarctica, but that probably won't happen until next season. The core I'm going to study is being drilled right now. Oh well. This is all very tentative. I am also excited to be taking some cool classes next semester. On of them (tectonic geomorphology) has a week long field trip to study the geology in southern California!
anyway,
that's it for now. I'm hoping if I do end up in denver, I might try to hike the Colorado trail. I've always wanted to...and since ending my AT hike, I miss being out there. I hope to someday do the PCT. I really do.
-john
this is the tentative title for my master's thesis as of Dec 6th. I have officially chosen Dr. Richard Alley as my advisor...which I'm extremely excited about. Dr. Alley is literally world famous when it comes to climate change, ice-sheet response, and glaciology. (google him) He co-wrote the IPCC report on climate change and indirectly just co-won the Nobel Peace Prize (with big Al). I couldn't have picked, in my opinion, a more fascinating person as my advisor.
Tentatively, it looks like I'm going to be going to Denver late next semester to the NICL (national ice core lab) to take measurements on some ice cores. I was hoping to actually get to antarctica, but that probably won't happen until next season. The core I'm going to study is being drilled right now. Oh well. This is all very tentative. I am also excited to be taking some cool classes next semester. On of them (tectonic geomorphology) has a week long field trip to study the geology in southern California!
anyway,
that's it for now. I'm hoping if I do end up in denver, I might try to hike the Colorado trail. I've always wanted to...and since ending my AT hike, I miss being out there. I hope to someday do the PCT. I really do.
-john
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Into the Wild
Last Saturday I saw "Into the Wild" down at the Cedar Lee with a very good friend. During my thru-hike this summer, like most other hikers, I read this book. Guess it's kind of a rite of passage. There are varying opinions about Chris McCandless. Some say he was a sort of jack kerouac free spirit that needed to roam....that needed a block of time to find himself. Others say he was a selfish idiot, that put his parents, sister, and those around him through hell, so that he could have some unnecessary long-hair hippy-dippy experience. I've spent the last 4 days thinking about this movie. Whatever you believe about Chris, this movie will change your life. I can't imagine watching this and not coming away with a sense of "life is too short" and "we must live-it" kind of attitude.
I could spend hours talking about this movie...what I liked, how amazing the soundtrack is, analyze it to the bone...But I don't want to do that. While I may not have gone roaming into alaska, I can honestly say that I can empathize with Chris. I know what it means to have to roam, and "breath in the air" as it were. I know that hiking the A.T. is not even close to spending 2 years roaming the country, but at the heart of it, I think I have a small clue as to what he was looking for.
for any of you want to know what that feeling is, I will tell you. There is a scene in the movie about 30 minutes from the end, where Chris climbs to the top of a mountain in Alaska. He stretches out his arms, closes his eyes, and it is right there....at that moment, that you will know what he was looking for. I have felt it, and I think before we leave this earth, we all should.
Please people, you don't need to spend two years roaming in alaska to find it. You just need to recognize it. There is so much unnoticed awe in this world....make time to find it for yourself. It really is worth it.
-john
I could spend hours talking about this movie...what I liked, how amazing the soundtrack is, analyze it to the bone...But I don't want to do that. While I may not have gone roaming into alaska, I can honestly say that I can empathize with Chris. I know what it means to have to roam, and "breath in the air" as it were. I know that hiking the A.T. is not even close to spending 2 years roaming the country, but at the heart of it, I think I have a small clue as to what he was looking for.
for any of you want to know what that feeling is, I will tell you. There is a scene in the movie about 30 minutes from the end, where Chris climbs to the top of a mountain in Alaska. He stretches out his arms, closes his eyes, and it is right there....at that moment, that you will know what he was looking for. I have felt it, and I think before we leave this earth, we all should.
Please people, you don't need to spend two years roaming in alaska to find it. You just need to recognize it. There is so much unnoticed awe in this world....make time to find it for yourself. It really is worth it.
-john
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Appalachian Trail - Final Update - Katahdin Defeated!
Well for days I dreamed about writing this blog update. I am sitting at a coffee house in Millinocket Maine about 20 miles from Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin. Yesterday morning I climbed the 4000+ feet to the summit and laid my hands on the sign stating "Katahdin - Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail". It was truly one of the greatest feelings I've ever had in my entire life. I have never worked so hard for something, and put myself through such hardship in order to reach a goal. Without question this was the hardest thing I've ever done, but also without question, the most rewarding. I don't know if I'll ever again be able to match the feeling I had on top of that mountain yesterday. I am very anxious to get back to life and start my Masters Program at Penn State. In my final trail journal entry at Baxter State Park, I wrote something that pretty much sums it up:
"I learned more about myself over the past 100 days than I ever thought possible. I met people and made friends that I will keep for a lifetime. I was finally able to say my much needed goodbyes and truly clear my head. Most importantly though, I have filled my empty heart and mind with some of the most amazing memories that any person could ever ask for. I know that I will never forget the summer of 2007. Good luck to everyone reading this and to all those that will thru-hike in the future. Good luck also to all of the amazing people I met along the way. I will miss you all. Signing out for the last time:
Number 85 up Katahdin in the Class of 2007 Thru-Hikers:
--Lakewood"
I will see you all back in the real world...real soon,
--john
"I learned more about myself over the past 100 days than I ever thought possible. I met people and made friends that I will keep for a lifetime. I was finally able to say my much needed goodbyes and truly clear my head. Most importantly though, I have filled my empty heart and mind with some of the most amazing memories that any person could ever ask for. I know that I will never forget the summer of 2007. Good luck to everyone reading this and to all those that will thru-hike in the future. Good luck also to all of the amazing people I met along the way. I will miss you all. Signing out for the last time:
Number 85 up Katahdin in the Class of 2007 Thru-Hikers:
--Lakewood"
I will see you all back in the real world...real soon,
--john
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Appalachian Trail - Update 18 - Monson, Maine
Well I made it to Monson Maine (Mile 2060) ...the last town on the A.T. From here, all that remains is the 100 mile wilderness and then the climb up Katahdin (114 miles to go). I wish I could explain just how glad I am to be almost done, but there's just no way to put it into words. I am very ready to be done though.
Tomorrow I head in to the "100 mile wilderness" which is considered the most remote part of the entire trail. There are no roads, no stores, and no places to go. Just me and the wilderness. Supposedly there are a lot of moose and other wildlife in this area. In less than a week, I'll be on Katahdin.
I have a load of videos and pictures that I will post as soon as I am finished.
See you all soon.
-john
Tomorrow I head in to the "100 mile wilderness" which is considered the most remote part of the entire trail. There are no roads, no stores, and no places to go. Just me and the wilderness. Supposedly there are a lot of moose and other wildlife in this area. In less than a week, I'll be on Katahdin.
I have a load of videos and pictures that I will post as soon as I am finished.
See you all soon.
-john
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