Cloud 9 Again

I am back at Cloud 9, hanging out with Crutch. Zero was here, he left this morning. I'm going to meet up with him in Franklin and we'll have a brief "trail marriage" through the Smokies. He can't get rid of me... hope I'm not annoying. Anyways, he should get to Franklin on Saturday, so I'm doing work-for-stay here until then, and then I will have to hike 10 miles over again from Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Bald, but it was a beautiful 10 miles so no complaints.

Crutch thinks I should change my trail name to "Boomerang" because no matter how hard you throw me, I always come back. I'll leave it up to you, my loyal readers. Vote with your comments.

In response to Patrick's question about the "rules". There are no rules, but everybody sets some rules for myself. My personal goal is to walk past every single white blaze, in order, walking north. I can "slack pack" (walk a section without my pack) but I have to start where I left of, or farther back. I can't jump ahead and hike south for a section, or anything like that. So far I've stuck with my rules, but it's a long trip and anything cna happen. Ultimately, it's about doing whatever it takes to get to Maine.

I did some research into exactly how cold it was on Sunday night. In Franklin and the surrounding towns, it was between 0 and 10 degrees F all night, with 30-40 mph winds and 60-70 mph gusts. Up on the mountains it is usually 10-15 degrees colder, so It was probably around -10. I was expecting 20 degree nights with temperatures occasionally dropping to the low teens, so this was way beyond what I was prepared for. I'm happy with my decision to bail for the time being, and now I get to hike with Zero, which is great.

So what I've been up to: Yesterday I got picked up by Laura (owner of Cloud 9) and Crutch. I ate all of crutch's food while he played chess with Zero, then Crutch Laura and I went out for chineese food (Zero was anti-social). We came back, and went over to Laura's for delicious homemade ice cream that we had picked up on the way back from Franklin. Laura bought 16 quarts of it! Zero came this time. Then we three hikers went back to cloud 9 for a game of Scrabble. I won, easily, but Zero had never played before. This morning Zero left. He took my tent so that he could be a little warmer for the freezing rain and snow that's supposed to come tomorrow. I had breakfast, then an hour later I had lunch. I did my work for stay duty, moving piles of logs from the forest down to the fire pit. Tomorrow Crutch and I will split it all. My hiker appettite has hit big time. Yesterday I had:

Breakfast around 9 AM: 2 Bacon Egg and Cheese biscuits at Hardees
Lunch around Noon: Bacon Cheeseburger at Hardees
Snacks at Cloud 9 between 3 and 5PM: 4 scrambled eggs with cheese, bagel with cream cheese, PB & J sandwhich.
Dinner at 5:30PM: 3 courses of Chineese food
Icecream back at cloud 9.

I went to bed hungry.

Waiting out the Weather

Sunday night was fucking cold. I'm sorry about the language -- i'm trying to keep this journal clean -- but there is just no other way to describe how cold it was. My thermometer read 0 degrees F at 9PM, and it got town to -10 at some point in the night. A water bottle that I had in my sleeping bag with me was FROZEN SOLID in the morning. Needless to say, it was a rough night and I didn't sleep at all. In the morning, I walked about 6 miles trying to warm up, but couldn't get my core temperature up. I also couldn't melt the ice in my water bottles. I called Ron Haven from Franklin -- he is an absolutely awesome guy who will do anythign he can to help out hikers -- and he brought me back to his hotel where I'd stayed last time I was in town (uh, saturday night). He'd even told me not to go out, it would be to cold, but typical me, I didn't listen. If you're reading this Ronnie, I just want to say thank you again. You've been a life saver for me this past week.

It doesn't look like it's going to warm up until the weekend, and even then a cold spell might hit again. I've called Cloud 9 in Hiawassee and they are coming to pick me up so I can wait out the weather there, with Crutch and Zero (he's holed up there). I have to say, the people I've met along the trail so far have been the most generous and amazing people anywhere. It seems an entire community has sprung up along the trail, dedicated to helping thru-hikers finish.

I'll be in Hiawassee, and I will post before I leave and head out again.

Quote of the day: "Hiking is just walking where it's OK to pee." -- From Demitri Martin's "Person."

Thanks for the Comments

Before I head out again in a few minutes, I just wanted to thank everybody who has left comments on my blog. It's a great motivation for me and I really cherish and enjoy reading them. Thank you all for reading along and following my journey.

Back In Franklin, Found my Mojo

I've got my momentum back. 11.3 miles yesterday and 16 or 17 miles today, into winding stair gap, where I hitched a ride into Franklin. I've ordered a Pizza and after devouring it I'm going to walk over and get groceries, then head back out tomorrow morning. I should be nearing the Smokies next weekend. Also, today I passed the 100 mile marker!! I climbed Albert Mountain, my second 5000 footer (first was Standing Indian mountain yesterday) and it was a hell of a climb but worth it for a hell of a view. I spent the night at Carter Gap last night with 9 "weekenders" from northern Georgia. They'd built a fire and provided entertainment throughout the night. This morning I passed 6 day hikers (3 couples). I guess it gets crowded out here on the weekends when the weather is nice.

I bought a little FM radio, and while I feel guilty about the extra gadget, I love the thing already. Today I listned to a lot of classical music (Bach and co.) and then som classic music (The Beatles, etc.)

Also, I've been hiking at a speed of 3-3.5 mph today, which is BLAZING.

Mr. Happy is happy, after a day of sunny views and good walking with some (though not much) company. In fact, I'd say today was my best day on the trail so far. I'm actually excited to get back out there tomorrow (though my legs do not share my enthusiasm. Ibuprofen may be in order).

Happy Trails,

Mr. Happy

Warmer weather

Today the temps rose and Mr Happy went back to the trail again after a night in Franklin. He was shuttled back to where he got off yesterday and hiked the 3.7 mile blue blazed Kinsey Creek Trail back to the AT at Deep Gap. Hopefully he then took a left turn (northbound). Wouldn't it suck if he took a wrong turn there and started heading back towards GA? Tonight he plans to stay at Carter Gap Shelter (not bad digs from the look of the picture). We are aware that many folks reading this journal probably don't know a lot about the life of a thru-hiker. If you have any questions you would like to ask Mr Happy post them in "comments" from the link below. For example we heard that last night there was a lively discussion among some of Mr Happy's friends about how many pairs of underpants were in his pack and did he carry a little shovel for digging that all important "cat hole"? When Mr Happy gets to Carter Gap he will be 90.7 miles from where he started at Springer mountain. Today he he will have hiked 11.3 miles for the day.

Tomorrow or the next day he hopes to reach Winding Stair Gap (where the trail crosses Rte 64 on the map above.)

Franklin #1

Well, this morning Hikernutt was really cold and she didn't sleep much, so she decided to drop out at Deep gap. She called Ron Haven who runs several hotels in Franklin, and arranged to be picked up. I had a lot of momentum and wanted to keep going, but in the end decided that a below zero (that was the forecast) night in a fifteen degree bag was probably not the best idea alone, so I'm at the "Sapphire Inn" in franklin. It's not too expensive so I may stay for the weekend and do some slackpacking, and let Zero catch up.

At Cloud 9 yesterday, my hiker appettite hit. I went to an all you can eat Mongolian grill and put away two heaping plates of egg noodles, rice, veggies, and meat. About an hour later I had a snack: a bag of fritos and an entire thing of cheese dip. An hour after that it was dinner -- a hamburger, salad, more veggies. I was still hungry when I went to bed. I'm going to eat at an all you can eat steak house this afternoon :-D

Thanks for all of the comments and donations everybody. It really helps to know that there are so many people rooting for me. This is defenitely the most difficult thing I have ever done (or tried to do), and the help is greatly appreciated. The donations go a long way too. Thank you all so much!

Happy Trails,

Mr Happy

Hello North Carolina

This afternoon Mr Happy crossed the GA-NC state line. One state done! Tonight he's at the Muskrat Creek Shelter with Hikernutt. Cold weather on the way may test the limits of his 10 degree bag as its forecast to be only 6 degrees tomorrow night.

Cloud 9

I'm at cloud9 outside of Hiawassee. It's a great little hostel here. If all goes well I'll head out tomorrow, but I've learned not to make any concrete plans out here since anything can happen. I've been well fed and went into town to get some different food for the next section of trail. Going to get in the hot tub after dinner.

Good night,

Mr. Happy

Thanks

Was still early when Mr. Happy arrived at his planned stop at Tray Mtn so he pushed on to the next shelter at Deep Gap. Said he feels a bit tired sore and a little bit cold but not too much. He's feeling a lot better today after being sick yesterday. Wanted me to be sure to say special thanks to Cornbread, Felicity, and Winton at WalasiYi and also to Zero (who he calls "my psychiatrist hiker buddy") for helping to get him back on the trail.

Back on the Trail

MrHappy spent a comfortable night at Walasi-Yi hostel last night watching the Patriots lose and is being shuttled back to the trail head at Unicoi Gap today to continue his journey. He has been embraced by the hiking community in N. Georgia and is most grateful for all the support and encouragement from everyone. He said the folks at the hostel are fabulous and he needs to spend more time in places like that and less time alone in hotels when he's feeling down. They fed him some Chili which he never ate at home but said it was "the best meal he's had in days". He also met up with Zero again and is planning to slow down a bit over the next several days to let him catch him. This morning he said he still has negative thoughts but is not letting them stop him getting back on the trail.

Nevermind

Well I'm feeling pretty sick again. My good spirits this morning will short lived. I threw up and feel dizzy when I stand. I've called the fine folks at the Walasi Yi center and I'm going to spend a day or more recuperating there, or possibly come home, who knows how long for. I knew this would be hard but I think I've lost sight of my motives and it's difficult to keep going when I'm physically ill and miserable 90% of the time.

6 Miles

Well I'm heading out with 6 miles to go (after 9 miles of hitch hiking that is) and I've got a blister on my toe the size of Texas. I'll send pictures with the next memory card (the first one is on the way home, so you can all see some pictures soon).

Happy Trails from Mr. Happy

Feeling Better

I spent the morning in bed with a hot cup of tea, then finally found my appettite this afternoon and devoured 2 Wendy's Super-Sized meals in a matter of minutes. Tomorrow will be an easy half day (6 miles) to a shelter, then 10 miles on Sunday into Dicks Creek Gap at Hiawassee, where I'll spend the night (but not take a zero day). I've already suffered through so much of the transition, giving up now would be distasteful.

Also, I didn't mention it in my last post, but Cornbread who does the pack shake-downs at Walasi Yi said that I "look like an avid hiker who knows what he's doing". I just need to take it easier on myself. I'm physically capable of a 20 mile day, but it destroys me for the next day, so even if I can keep going near the end of the day, I have to force myself to stop, thinking ahead to the challenges I will face down the road.

Thanks for the support to everybody I talked to today. I'll post again in two days from Hiawassee!

Spirits Low, Feeling Sick

I made it the 20.1 miles yesterday, and came into Unicoi Gap around 7:30. At 8:30 I finally got a ride into Helen... I thought I was going to Hiawassee, so I checked into the only accomadation available -- a Best Western, which was pricer than I'd have liked.

Last night I was too tired to walk into town for food, so I tried calling for Pizza. Even Domino's wouldn't deliver to Helen, nor would the other three places I called. I almost cried when I couldn't get dinner, so I just went to bed. This morning I woke up at about 4, and couldn't fall asleep again. I feel sick -- fever, sore throught, cotton mouth, massive pounding headache, nasuea; You name the symptom, I've got it. I think I need another zero day. I'll try to "Yogi" an extra night out of the receptionist. If not, I'll try calling the various hostels in Hiawassee and see if I can't hitch a ride there. For the first time I'm really thinking about just going home. This really is a very possible feat to accomplish, but not alone this time of year. I nearly killed myself hiking into town last night because I didn't want to spend the night in the woods alone. I know I'll have to at some point if I keep going, but I when it's 20 degree's and I'm exhausted and sick, and there's no hope of seeing ANYBODY at a shelter for the next few weeks, it become a much less appealing scenario. I'm so hungry, but too sick to eat. I had a bit of cheese last night, but felt sick after a few bites. There's an all you can eat continental breakfast here in the lobby. I managed to get some yogurt and OJ down but that's about all I can handle.

The section of trail I hiked yesterday was very pretty, walking along ridgelines with views of Blue Mountain all day, which I finally climbed at about 6:30. At that point I would have stayed at the Blue Mountain Shelter, but the water source was .5 miles away (1 m round trip), and town was only 1.4 miles. I also felt too exhausted to properly set myself up for the night, which would have led to me waking up hypothermic and dehydrated again, which is not a desirable situation. On the mountain all I wanted was a Friendly's Hamburger, but by the time I got to the road and sat there for an hour waiting for a ride, I just wanted a warm bed.

Mountain Crossings/Wilasi-Yi Center at Neel's Gap was a great place run by great folks, but it is out in the middle of nowhere so they didn't offer much in the way of the comfort I was craving (a real bed and some real food).

I also think I've lost my map for Georgia and North Carolina, along with my guidebook. I'm going to explore all of my options and hopefully figure out what I'm doing by 11:00 (check out time).

G'day,

Mr. Not So Happy.

20 Mile Day

Mr Happy will attempt 20 miles today. When we spoke around lunchtime he had already done 13 for the day and was making for Unicoi Gap. When he gets there he will be at the 50.5 mile mark. He took a zero day at the hostel at Neels Gap yesterday and did some odd jobs in return for accommodation. They had little in the way of food available but Mr Happy picked up his re-supply that he had mailed and sent some stuff home. His pack now weighs 34 lb which is very light with winter gear included. He felt strong hiking this morning after his rest day and was also enjoying the beauty of the Georgia mountains on a sunny clear day.

He's decided that his thru hike will probably not change him much but that he will learn a lot of things he can use in life. He's finding that deprivation is teaching him to appreciate more, that pain is showing him joy, and that suffering is teaching him to appreciate inner peace and solitude. He said some people say you learn determination and perserverance from tackling a thru hike but he disagrees. He says you have to have those qualities to begin with or you would drop out soon after you started.

Trail legs are coming...

Signor Felice (Mr Happy) made it to Neels Gap today after a 16.1 mile day. He is sore and tired but happy he made it. He plans to take his first zero day tomorrow figuring he earned it with a big day today.

The reality of the trail has hit...

Mr Happy was huffing and puffing his way to the top of Big Cedar Mountain (3,737 ft) this morning. He spend a cold night at Gooch Mountain Shelter last night (again accompanied by Zero) after completing another 7.6 mile day yesterday. He arrived at Gooch Mountain around noon but elected to stay there rather than push on. He prefers to stay in shelters than to tent and so is planning his days accordingly. Today he hopes he might be able to make it to Neels Gap where he can spend a night in the Walasi-Yi hostel which is right on the trail but that will mean a 16.1 mile day today to make it there. If he doesn't get that far he may stop at the Woods Hole Shelter which will make today a 12.4 mile day. Either way he plans to make use of a real bed, a real toilet, and some real food when he gets to Neels Gap. I guess those of us who have never attempted a long distance hike don't fully understand what the reality of it is - being tired, eating relatively unappealing food, pooping in the woods, sleeping on hard shelter floors with mice crawling over you, and being very alone most of the time. If you read this leave a comment of support and I'll pass it on to Mr Happy when we next touch base.

21 miles down -2,154 to go.

First day on the Trail

Well Mr Happy spent his first day and night on the AT. Yesterday he completed the first 7.6 miles and spent the night at Hawk Mountain Shelter. When I talked to him this morning he was in good spirits and looking forward to another day on the trail. Another hiker named Zero was also at this shelter last night and they will probably be shelter buddies for the next two or three nights given the space between shelters. If Mr Happy continues to learn at the rate he did yesterday he'll be a wiz by the time he finishes. Picture above is his first step on the AT (thanks Tom for the photo).

Here is what Mr Happy learned yesterday.

1. A mile on the AT is further than you think.

2. 7.6 miles is a LOT further than you think.

3. Don't whittle while walking

4. Keep your Iodine away from the stuff you mix into your water after or you end up with salt

5. A waterproof wallet has to be waterproof in order to work

7. Bring wet wipes for that after the event hand wiping ritual

8. All the mice from Maine, NH, Mass, and VT are taking winter vacation in Georgia and party every night with the local mice.

2,167 miles to go and still walking!

D-Day

It's today. I'm starting the Appalachian Trail. I've been waiting for this for over a decade, and the day is finally here. It seems unreal.

I thought I'd make one last post before leaving society behind. In about 10 minutes Tom and Margaret will drive out USFS 42 with me, hike up the Benton Mckay Trail to the summit of Springer, and then I'll start walking north. I plan to walk about 10 miles of white blazes (plus the two mile approach trail) today, camping out between two shelters.

A special thanks to the Clarks who have been so supporting on this end, getting me to the trail and showing me a great time for my last few days in civilization. Also, I just have to say, the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega is an amazing place run by great people (Josh & Leigh). Also, at the Hostel, I met the legendary Minnesotta Smith, who completed his thru-hike last year in 9 months.

I'll post again in four or five days from the Walasi-Yi Center at Neels Gap.

Happy Trails!

Dahlonega

I'm in Dahlonega Georgia at the Hiker Hostel. I set out tomorrow morning. I'll have 2.2 miles to hike on the approach trail, and then see how far I can make it along the trail. There are shelters at miles 7 and 15, so my plan to do 10 miles is shot. If I'm feeling good, I guess I'll shoot for 15.

Also, if you're reading this, please leave a comment to let me know. It's great to hear from whoever is reading.

Thanks!

Mr. Happy

Setting Off

I'm in Mississippi at my girlfriend Margaret's house. In just a few hours we're heading out for Georgia. We're not sure exactly what the plan is, but I'll start walking on Monday morning. I'll be updating mostly through my Dad from now on, so,

Ciao!

Sponsorship Options

There are many ways in which you can sponsor me, and gifts of any size are appreciated. Here's what your money buys:

$1 - One Mile. Sponsor a single mile of trail, or a section ($1/mile). I'll send you a postcard from your section. $1 also buys: 10 packets of Ramen OR 2 Snickers

$10 - Ten Dollars gets me 100 packets of Ramen or a hamburger in town.

$15 - Fifteen Dollars gets me a night in a hostel.

$40 - Forty Dollars will buy me a night in a hotel, with a real bed and bathroom.

$100 - One hundred big ones will buy me a plane ticket home when I realize how freakin' crazy this whole thing is. It could also buy me 1000 Ramen Noodle packets.

To make a donation/sponsorship, please click on the "Make a Donation" button on the right hand side of the page. I'll mention you on my site and you'll have my greatest gratitude. Also, for larger amounts it may be better if you just send a check, since paypal takes a 10% cut.

Sponsor a State: You can sponsor a state for the number of miles in that state. Some states will be split up into sections (like virgina which is 800 something miles). I don't know how many miles there are in each state since I only have a section of the guidebook with me, but I'll ask Fly-By Mike to post that. Off the top of my head, the states are:

$80 - Georgia
$89 - Massachussets

Also, if I drop out or am killed/injured before reaching your state, you'll get a 100% refund. If I make it, I'll send you a picture from your state, along with sincerest gratitude.

Thanks,

Mr. Happy/Signor Felice

50/50 Raffle for Finish Date

Now you can bet on which day I will finish the Appallachian Trail! I've been working all year saving up money, and I'm applying for a loan, but in order to raise some funds (and have some fun), I'm having a 50/50 raffle. For $5 you can buy a ticket and choose a day. The closest day (without going over) wins half of the pool, and the other half goes towards supporting me on my hike. Here's some information to help you bet:

First, the rule is "closest without going over", so if you bet June 30th and I finish on June 29th, you don't win, but if I finish on July 1st (and nobody else bet on July 1st) then you do win.

But when am I planning to finish?

I'm hiking from Springer Mountain Georgia to Mount Katahdin Maine, a distance of 2176.1 miles. The average thru-hike can last anywhere from 4 to 8 months. Since I am starting early (on January 14th), I could finish as early as May, however, access to Katahdin is denied until all the snow has melted from the summit (this usually happens around May 31st). I need to be at school next September, so I won't be finishing after that. Basically, you're best with a date between June 1st and August 1st.

If two or more people bet on the same date and win, the winnings will be split evenly.

Finally, betting will finish on April 1st, at which point you'll just have to wait and see.

The following dates have been bought:

August 10th -- Natalia S
August 7th -- Eva C
August 1st -- Robin S
July 30th -- Jim & Gina
July 29th -- Michael L
July 16th -- Adele L
July 13th -- Joan V
July 12th -- Susie M
July 8th -- Joan V
July 7th -- Lisa Y
July 4th -- Jim & Gina
July 1st -- Chris L
June 29th -- Susie C
June 21st -- Kevin H
June 17th -- Doone M
June 16th -- Jim & Gina
June 13th -- Eva C
June 11th -- Patrick L
June 10th -- Tom C
June 7th -- Margaret C
June 4th -- Susan C
May 31st -- Michael L
May 28th -- Jim & Gina

Pool: $110.00
Jackpot: $55.00

Enter the Raffle:

Month	AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptmeber
Date

Also, some folks have expressed concern that I will "throw" the bet by walking faster or slower to help people out. I am hiking my own hike, and will finish when I bloody well want to. But if you still want me to finish on your day, I accept bribes in the form of Hamburgers and Kraft Easy Mac (just kidding). No, really, I won't throw the results. I believe in the mantra "hike your own hike" and I am doing this to escape from outside pressures.

Thanks

Thanks, Josh for asking me to be your "reporter" during your journey.
For those of you who don't know me, I'm Josh's Dad. I'll be updating this journal as he calls in from time to time and tells us where in the hell on his journey he happens to be. I might also be able to post a few pics too when he sends them.

One week to go before Josh takes that first step from Springer Mountain. One small step maybe but a huge step in Josh's life. We talked tonight. We often talk but sometimes it's just the small change kind of conversation. Tonight was not one of those. Josh told me about how important it was for him to complete this thru-hike of the AT. Even thought he's accomplished a lot in his life and as a Dad I'm very proud of a lot of things he's done, he says that he has a hard time finishing things to completion. He doesn't like the boredom he finds in the journey to completion. His AT Hike is his way of challenging himself to look the tiger (or bear) in the eye and wake up every day and take one step at a time towards completing something HUGE!

I get how important it is for him to complete this journey. As an Aussie I'm familiar with the tradition of "going walkabout" and how one can literally find one's soul on such a pilgrimage. Sometimes I wish I could join him and be there with him but I know that wouldn't work. This is his journey.

I love you, Josh and wish you well every step of the way. HYOH, my man!

Fly By Mike
The Trail Angel with Wings

Ask Zero

As Zero maintains his journal, he has received many questions about things, however out here on the trail he doesn't have time to give in-depth answers all the time. What he's learned is that time is money, and the more time he spends out here, the more money he will need to finish. He'll do is best to answer all questions, but a donation is greatly appreciated.

Zero's Journal

Ask Zero:

How to Send a Care Package

So, you must all be dying to know, how do you send an AT thruhiker a care package?

The very most important thing to consider is weight. While a few more ounces may not be much more expensive to ship, remember that as a thruhiker, I will be carrying everything I own on my back. This includes anything you send me. Please keep that in mind when choosing items to include in a care package.

Ok, so what's good to send? Edible items are always appreciated. The average thruhiker burns roughly 6000 calories per day. It's difficult to replace them all, but we sure do try. Homemade items are great, but a few candy bars can be enjoyed too. For many items, it might be a good idea to remove the packaging (if I know you already), and repackage in zip-lock bags. This reduces the amount of trash I will have to carry around with me.

But sending me packages is supposed to be fun, gratifying, and easy, not tedious, so here's the easiest way to do it. Instead of trying to coordinate with my schedule, and hoping you get the address correct, just send goodies to my base-camp support network (my parents). Call my Mom, Lori, to get the address. If you don't have the number, I wouldn't trust food from you anyways.
This way, it can all be repackaged, and included with my other care packages in adequate portions.

Thanks,

Signor Felice

Resupply List, Part I

Ok, I've begun taking my rough plans, and typing them up in a format somewhat useful for you, my loyal readers and support network. Here is The first month, from Springer Mountain to Smokey Mountain State Park.

Formatting:

Town Names in Bold (Estimated Arrival Date)

Details about the town/hostel

Address in Italics

(see post "How to send a care package")

Distance to next town :: Number of days food needed (how I got it)

------------------------------------------------------

Begin: Springer Mountain

30.5 miles :: 4 days (brought with me)

Neels Gap (Jan 18th)

Overnight Stay

9710 Gainesville Hwy,

Blairsville, GA 30512

31.1 miles :: 4 days (shipped to Neels Gap)

Hiawassee (Jan 23rd)

Long Term Resupply

No Overnight Stay

Crossing into North Carolina

67.3 miles :: 7 days (bought in Hiawassee)

Nanthala Outdoor Center (Jan 30th)

Overnight Stay

13077 Hwy. 19W

Bryson City, NC 28713

28.7 miles :: 3 days (shipped)

Fontana Dam (Feb 3)

Fontana Dam, NC 28733

No Overnight Stay

75.8 Miles :: 7 days (shipped)

Standing Bear Farm (Feb 10th)

Overnight Stay

4255 Green Corner Rd.

Hartford, TN 37753

Date is Set

The start date for my hike has been set. I've bought the ticket! I'll be flying from Albany to Jackson on Friday January 12th. I'll spend the night with my girlfriend Margaret, then she and I will drive to Atlanta. After another night together in Georigia, I'll start walking North, early on the 14th. So, less than two weeks of planning remain!

Also, hopefully tomorrow I'll be posting sponsorship options and other fun raffles, pools, and bets. I'll also be adding a subscription feature, so that you can sign up to receive updates via e-mail.