Fungi of the Appalachian Trail

Last biology post for a while. You've seen the animals and the plants, now it is time for the fungi to shine. These really are the most fascinating organisms I encounter on the Appalachian Trail. They thrive on death and contribute to the recycling of nutrients and matter in the ecosystem: the fungi! This is also the kingdom that I am least knowledgeable about so I would love to learn more, so feel free to share with comments or by emailing me: mfryska87 (at) gmail.com

Plants of the Appalachian Trail

Just as with my previous post about the critters on the Appalachian Trail, I am equally mesmerized by the diversity of plant life I see along this adventure. Here is a sampling of the amazing plants I have encountered. If you can identify a particular specimen or have any interesting information about any of the plants, I would love to learn more about them. Leave a comment or email me at mfryska87 (at) gmail.com

Critters of the Appalachian Trail

I've always cultivated a healthy respect and admiration for nature, and as I've been hiking along the Appalachian Trail, I've encountered many remarkable creatures. Some of the organisms I've discovered along the trail are familiar, but many are unique and bizarre. When I was a teacher, I used to ask my students to identify insects and other organisms for extra credit. This was truly a mostly selfish assignment, because it allowed me to learn more about animals without having to do the research myself. So I'm curious to see if random people of the Internet will be willing to indulge me as well. Below are pictures of the animals I have encountered along the trail. If you know anything about a particular organism (i.e. what species it is, any interesting behaviors, trivia tidbits, etc.), I would love to learn more about them. Either leave a comment with your knowledge or email me your info so I can be a little less ignorant about the creatures I am encountering- mfryska87 (at) gmail.com

1. Worm of some kind 

2. Beetle

3. Black and yellow worm 

4. Big black snake

5. Rattle snake

6. Light colored snail

7. Bee

8. Loud-tweeting bird

9. Bright green beetle

10. Dark colored snail

11. Butterfly or possibly moth

12. Bunny rabbit

13. Grasshopper

14. Another orange butterfly or moth

15. Orange salamander 

15. Black and blue butterfly

16. White-tailed deer

17. Orange and black beetles

18. Mouse 

19. Snake

20. Cow (obviously not a wild animal) 

21. Frog and salamander

22. Katydid

Trail Name!

On the Appalachian Trail everyone acquires a trail name, usually a quirky nickname based on your behaviors, interests, looks, or other defining characteristics. Trail names make it easier for hikers to remember and identify one another because they are usually much more unique and memorable than traditional names. Although some people choose their own trail names, the more common practice is to acquire a trail name through your interactions with other hikers.

Since I am not exactly a social individual, I didn't really get to know many of my fellow hikers and ended up going over a month with no trail name. I usually wake up at 5:30am, get on the trail by 6:30, hike quickly all day, and then get to bed by 8pm at the latest, so that doesn't leave much time to waste on socializing.

But the time has come and here in Damascus, Virginia, after a month and 3 days of not having a name, I have finally been dubbed she-who-must-not-be-named: Voldemort! Although Voldemort was the notorious, evil wizard from the Harry Potter saga, I enjoy the nickname and was thoroughly amused by how my naming finally came about. After a month of being asked "what's your trail name?" and having to respond "I don't have one," I am now fittingly named after the Dark Lord whose name was not to be spoken in the magical world of Harry Potter.

I am Voldemort. 

The Kindness of Strangers

For those of you unfamiliar with the Appalachian Trail, there is a phenomenon out here called Trail Magic. It can come in many different forms, but the general idea is that the trail and the people on/around it somehow always end up providing everything you might need just at the right time.

My general history with the human race has been rather sordid, so I tend to expect nothing but the worst from everyone I meet. In spite of my cynical outlook, I have been pleasantly surprised by the amazing kindness, generosity, and general goodwill I have encountered throughout my hike.

Thank you from Monika and Roxy! We wouldn't be here without you!

Due to my rather negative outlook toward other human beings, I am hesitant to ask for any favors or assistance. No matter how bad things get, I stubbornly push on and am determined to make things work alone rather than reaching out to anyone else. Amazingly on the Appalachian Trail all sorts of people have selflessly volunteered assistance, supplies, and even funds without any prompting on my part. I've even had unexpected readers of my blog send me care packages! It really has blown me away how absolutely amazing and supportive everyone I interact with these days has been.

Maybe I have made a habit of surrounding myself with negative people in the past, so now that I am interacting with kind, decent human beings on a regular basis, I am very moved by how outstanding people really can be. During the past month I have received food, water, hiking gear, emotional support, and even money from complete strangers. I am not the type of person who accepts gifts easily, so the outpouring of support from people I barely know is completely overwhelming in a very good way. Slowly I am learning to accept support in times of need without feeling guilty. To everyone who has helped make this journey a success, I would like to extend a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is sincerely appreciated.

Although Roxy and I are out here hiking on our own, we couldn't do this alone. Although I have tried to send personal thank yous to everyone who has helped us out, there have been many people who have supported us out here whose names I never even learned. So I just want everyone to know, that I truly and deeply appreciate how absolutely amazing you all are. I hope in the future I can repay all the favors I have received.

Staying Strong

Last week I had a moment of weakness and bought a box of poptarts and a jar of peanut butter. In a sugar-induced delirium, I decided this was a suitable dinner option. 

Unfortunately, my body disagreed and I had 4 sluggish, painful days of hiking. It was amazing what a difference diet can have on both my physical and mental wellbeing. 

Not to sound too much like a brand spokesperson, but today I'd like to focus on why I love my Foods Alive super foods. After my impulsive poptart phase, I see even more clearly why it is so important to care about what you are putting in your body. Good food = good life. 

One of the most important parts of a trail diet is a good source of protein. Some proteins can be built by your body, but others must be ingested. Unlike carbohydrates and fats, proteins can't be stored, so especially while hiking it is essential to have a diet rich in protein. Your body uses protein to build muscles, bones, blood, hormones and other body chemicals. Eating proteins helps reduce muscle loss and curb hunger during periods of strenuous activity. 

Feeling strong thanks to great foods fueling my hike.

One of the staples of my trail diet is Foods Alive Chia Protein Powder. This high protein and high fiber powder is a great addition to my morning granola to boost its nutritional value from the start of my day. Additionally the Chia Protein Powder contains calcium and antioxidants. 

By starting my day with nutritious foods, I feel stronger throughout my entire hike although it is tempting to give in to sugar cravings, I've learned that by being conscious of what I'm putting into my body, I can significantly improve my overall happiness and wellbeing. 

Beautiful Sights Everywhere

We've just finished about a week of doing 17 mile days. The heat has been rough, and we've fallen about 4 days behind schedule. As we sit at our hostel I really can't think of anything profound to write for tonight, so instead here are the views you are missing by not hiking the AT.

Little Hump Mountain

Jane's Bald

Just north of Carver's Gap

A grassy mountain meadow, it probably has a name but I can't remember it. 

These pictures are being posted in reverse chronological order and I can't remember many of the names of locations. 

Bald Mountain

Somewhere in the Smokies.