Hail the Aesir! Hail the Vanir! Hail the Disir! Hail the Landvaettir!, Hail the Ancestors! Awake! Awake from your slumber! Hear the sweet sound of your names! Hear your blot! The holy apples and mead await! Your folk honor you!
Holy Host your folk are beset by trickery and deceit. Trolls are arrayed against your folk to wipe them from the face of Midgard. The skraelings are approaching the rainbow bridge, as they reek havoc in Midgard. The trolls abuse your children, who call out to you.
Allfather, shake your spear! Cause the forces arrayed against us to tremble in fear!
Tyr, bring the judgement of the sword upon our enemies, who have abused the folk!
Thor, warder of Midgard! Loose your hammer Mjolnir and grind the enemy with your might!
Frigg, beloved mother who knows all, but says little! Bless our homes and children. Lament for those we have lost and will loose; knowing in the end we will be together again.
Freyja, Lady of the Vanir! Saddle your battle boar, the rock glistens red. Take to the sky with your Valkyries. The Einherjar grow eager.
Freyr, bless our fields and crops to carry your folk through the long winter!
Heimdallr, leap upon Golden Top and blow the Resounding Horn! Trolls are afoot! Awake! Awake Holy Host! You have been asleep because your children had forgotten your names, but your children are awake now! Holy Host hear your sweet names again! Listen to your blot! Taste the sweet mead and the apples!
Hail the Aesir! Hail the Vanir! Hail the Disir! Hail the Landvaettir! Hail the ancestors! Hail the tru folk!
I have been hearing neighbors shooting fireworks in anticipation of the Fourth of July. I find myself in astonishment. There is little to celebrate, because we celebrate victories not losses. Government buildings have been sacked, historical icons destroyed, people beaten and murdered, while the streets of major cities are in chaos. Police are walking off the job because they have no support. Neo-Marxists have warned they will burn flags and riot on the Fourth of July 2020. Instead of celebrating the Fourth of July, maybe we spend that time in somber reflection, blot and prayer.
With the first round of Covid 19 behind us, we are beset with western cultural destruction by Neo-Marxists (Thurs/trolls). Riots, beatings, homicides, arson, and vandalism of things of cultural significance continue unabated. The government has offered no resistance to this destruction, leading one to believe the government is supporting the destruction of the west. The idea of course is to destroy the past, so people can only move forward to a Utopian future (without our folk). In other words, burning the bridges behind us to keep us from returning home. However, westerners who are going home to their ethnic religions, are finding their groups are growing and getting stronger.
Heathens are working hard to meet the challenges of a world in the Wolf Age. Heathens do not ignore what is going on, while expecting to be “Raptured” out of the chaos. We will not leave ours behind. The fires of the Wolf Age will but harden the heathen heart like a blacksmith hammering heated steel taken out of the forge, quenched and ready to take the edge. We will rise like the phoenix out of the ashes of the past to a glorious future.
The “”shelter in place” has given hiking and other outdoor activities a major setback. However, this downtime should be viewed as an opportunity to practice gear set up, hone camping skills and make short local trips. And as always, observe and appreciate nature in its awe. Wander in Wonder with Wotan. Seek the mysteries. Alu.
According to Ramdino Roaming the Trails, The Blazin Bakers will be carrying Eddie “Noon” Noonkester’s Appalachian Trail thru-hiker tag to Mount Katahdin. The Blazin Bakers are a husband/wife team from Tennessee and are vlogging their hike. You can subscribe to The Blazin Bakers on YouTube.
Those taking their first trek in the American wilderness will most likely ask the question, “How safe is it?” And, “Should I carry a gun on the trail?” Of course there is always a risk of serious injury or death in the back country. However, most likely back country hazards are falls, “widow makers” (falling trees/limbs), and hypothermia; followed by bugs and snakes. “What about bears?” This is a rational concern. Especially when sleeping in a “bear burger” (tent) or a “bear taco” (hammock) in bear country. This writer had a close range black bear encounter in a campsite and it can be unnerving experience leading to a restless night’s sleep.
That said, one is more likely to have problems in back country shelters with persistent “mini bears” or rodents; which will steal food and chew holes in your equipment looking food and salt. If you loose your food you won’t starve, if you can walk out. The use of proper bear bag (food bag) hanging techniques along with Ursacks and bear canisters will reduce incidents of food theft. Not eating where you sleep will be better bear protection than bear bells and bear spray in black bear country. That said, black bears are not grizzlies. In grizzly country, I would follow the local recommendations or rules.
“What about human predators in the back country?” Good question. I will limit my response by referring to the Appalachian Trail. The approximately 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail was completed in 1937. Myron Avery is reportedly the first person to section hike the trail. WWII vet Earl Schaffer is generally believed to be the first person to thru-hike the trail in 1948. In 1974 Joel Polson was murdered at Low Gap Shelter. In 1975 Janice Balza was murdered at Vandeventer Shelter. In 1981 Robert Mountford Jr. and Laura Susan Ramsay were murdered on the A.T. In 1988 Rebecca Wight was murdered on the A.T. In 1990 Geoffry Hood and Molly La Rue were murdered at the Thelma Mark Shelter Duncannon, PA.
Ronald “Stronghold” Sanchez Photo via Facebook
In 1996 Julianna Williams and Lollie Winans were murdered in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. In 2001 Louise Chapet was murdered in the Whites. In 2008 Meredith Emerson was murdered near Blood Mountain. In 2011 Scott “Stonewall” Lilly was murdered and found at Cow Camp Gap. In 2019 Robert “Stronghold” Sanchez, a vet with three tours in Iraq, was murdered in Wyeth County Virginia. This list may not be complete and does not include people who survived the attack. Some victims were shot, some were stabbed to death and some were strangled.
Until 1980 there were approximately twenty completed thru- hikes per year on the A.T. After Bill Bryson’s book “A Walk in the Woods” was published in 1998, the number of hikers on the A.T. has risen dramatically. It is estimated approximately two to three million people hike on the Appalachian Trail each year. The sheer number of people on the Appalachian Trail indicates the levels of crime on the trail is low. The Appalachian Trail was designed as a main trail to be accessed by local blue blaze trails. The blue blaze trails give long distance hikers access to trail towns for rest and resupply. The blue blaze trails also give locals easy access to the Appalachian Trail. If one wanted, one could get on the trail, take the guise of a hiker and minimalize the possibility of contact with law enforcement.
“What can I do”? Hike with a partner or trusted group. Carry an emergency locator device such as a Spot or InReach. Video people you come into contact with. Carry a weapon. Nothing is 100% effective. Several of the above listed murders included hikers and their partner. I did not list the ones who survived. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy discourages the carrying of firearms on the trail. It is legal to carry a firearm in certain jurisdictions and illegal in others. Openly carrying a firearm on the A.T. will attract unwanted attention from the authorities. Common sense dictates the weapon must be concealed and light. However most distance hikers will not carry a firearm. Why? Weight. It is a one use item and its weight versus usage will cross it off the gear list.
This is not a moral issue. We have moral authority. “Never go a single step without a weapon at your side; you never know when you might find yourself in need of a spear.” Havamal 38, Jackson Crawford. It is a question of practicality. Most will opt for a practical knife over a firearm in a long distance hike.
Eddie Noonkester- Trail Name “Noon” Photo- Dawson County Fire and Emergency Services
Eddie Noonkester was a 60 year old thru-hiker from North Carolina. It is reported that on Friday February 14, 2020, “Noon” registered his hike at the Amicalola Park Office, got his tag before going through the arch and setting off on his trek. On Sunday February 16,2020 emergency services received several 911 calls, including one from “Noon” himself indicating “Noon” might be in trouble. It appears “Noon” was disoriented and possibly lost. Emergency services put out a BOLO and a search began involving approximately 130 searchers, including “Noon’s” brother Wesley. The situation was critical because of the rain and cold.
The Approach and Hike Inn Trail before they separate
Employees for the Len Foote Hike Inn located “Noon’s” pack and other items on the the Len Foote Hike Inn trail approximately one mile from the Inn. The Len Foote Hiking Trail diverts from the AT Approach Trail and converges with the Approach Trail before reaching Springer Mountain. On Wednesday February 19, 2020 searchers located “Noon” deceased near Cochran Falls. There were no obvious signs of foul play, pending a ruling of the medical examiner.
Approach Trail Way Point
At this time we do not know if “Noon” accidentally took the Hike Inn Trail and became disoriented after realizing he was on the wrong trail, if he was suffering from hypothermia, if had a medical issue or a combination of these things. An adventure inherently contains actual risk and this adventure had a sad ending. The inspirational thing was the way people came together during the search. While searching for “Noon,” Wesley Noonkester happened upon a hiker with a sprained ankle who needed help. Wesley helped the injured hiker to safety. “Ramdino Roaming the Trails” has reported the Noonkester family wants “Noon” to fulfill his dream of thru- hiking the AT. “Noon’s” thru-hiker tag will be given to another thru-hiker who will carry it toward Mount Katahdin. If that hiker is unable to complete the journey, the tag will be passed on until “Noon’s” tag summits Mount Katahdin.
“Cows die, family die, you will die the same way. But a good reputation never dies for the one who earns it well.” Havamal 76, Jackson Crawford translation.
This writer recently did some wandering at Amicalola State Park in Georgia. The park is the jumping off point for north bound Appalachian Trail hikers. Amicalola in Cherokee means tumbling waters. The center point of the park is the 729 foot waterfall making it the highest waterfall in Georgia. From the top of the falls one can access the eight and a half mile approach trail to Springer Mountain, which is the southern terminus of the trail. The approach trail is strenuous and marked with blue blazes.
Amicalola Falls Park Office
There is a lodge above the falls which can be reached by automobile. The view from the lodge is spectacular. Cabins and camping spots can also be rented. Additionally there is the Len Foote Hike Inn, which is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Frosty Mountain. The Hike Inn can only be accessed by a five mile hiking trail, which is blazed green. The first .35 miles of the Hike Inn Trail is also part of the approach trail before the trail forks. Approximately one mile north of the Hike Inn, the Hike Inn Trail rejoins the AT Approach Trail, which enables AT hikers to stay at the Hike Inn at the beginning or end of their hike.
Amicalola Arch
Appalachian trail through hikers will typically start their hike by going to the Amicalola park office; which is just inside the entrance to the park. The hiker registers and receives a year specific tag to attach to their pack. It is traditional to weigh the pack before walking to the famous arch located behind the office. Photos are made and goodbyes are said at the arch; before the hiker turns and begins to walk the lower portion of the Approach Trail. The trail meanders to the reflecting pool and around the pool. There are benches for those who want to sit and meditate on the journey to come. The trail goes around the reflection pool and begins to gain in elevation as one approaches the base of the falls. At the bottom of the falls, there is a series of stairs with six hundred and four steps enabling the hiker to ascend the mountain next to the falls. The stair climb is strenuous, especially with a loaded pack.
Reflection Pool- “Odin, I know where you hid your eye in the famous waters of the well of Mimir.” Voluspa 28, Jackson Crawford. Amicalola FallsThe Stairs at Amicalola FallsBlue BlazeRoaring Waters- “I see the earth rise a second time from out of the sea, green once more. Waterfalls flow, and eagles fly overhead, hunting the fish among the mountain peaks.” Voluspa 57, Jackson Crawford
At the top of the falls one can look back on a spectacular view before continuing on the Approach Trail. It is tradition; however, one does not have to do all or any of the approach trail. Because it is not an official part of the Appalachian Trail. Although it is discouraged, the Appalachian Trail can be accessed by Forest Service Road 42 from which it is a .90 mile hike to the summit of Springer Mountain and the plaque. Some hikers catch a ride to the service road, walk south bound on the AT to the Springer Mountain Summit before turning around and start walking north bound.
The Stairs
Top of the StairsFrom the top of the Falls, looking Back at the Reflection Pool.Amicalola before the Falls- “I see the river that feeds the muddy waterfall where Odin’s eye hides. Have you learned enough yet, Allfather?” Voluspa 27, Crawford Jackson
Resuming the Approach TrailApproach Trail Way Point The Approach and Hike Inn Trail before they separateAmicalola LodgeView from Amicalola LodgeFireplace at Amicalola LodgeInterior of Amicalola LodgeThe Appalachian Trail Map View from the lodgeView from the LodgeWandering on the Trail
