Average People; Extraordinary Trail, Volume I - The Appalachian Trail

uniquely.

Chapter 1 – First Steps

Amicalola Falls State Park, GA to Neel’s Gap

30.7 mile segment (30.7 A.T. miles + Approach Trail (8.8) miles) – 5 days

Ramblings: Step Out

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Confucius

Set a date and get on the Trail. North, as it does with a compass needle, will guide you forward. One of the difficulties is just getting out there!

Planning: Finding the Time

Where does one start when trying to plan a six-month, 2200 mile hike from Georgia to Maine? A time honored approach to handling any major project is to break that project down into manageable parts. That’s the approach we’ll take together, getting ready for our hike of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)

First, how much time do you have? Hiking the entire Appalachian Trail continuously (or in one season) is called a thru-hike. The average hiker plans on taking four to six months to complete the journey. However, don’t despair if you don’t have that much time. According to figures from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), 20% of the people that have hiked the entire length of the Trail have completed their hike in sections. These hikers are called section hikers. By the way, people who have completed the entire Trail, whether in sections or during a thru-hike, are categorized as 2000-milers.

If teaching is your profession, and you have your summers free, you could theoretically hike the entire Trail in 4 years. Simply plan to hike for approximately 45 days each summer. Some have taken many years to complete their section hikes of the entire Appalachian Trail. One could take an annual one-week trip to the Appalachian Trail and complete the entire Trail in approximately 30 years. Several hikers have actually taken over 30 years to hike the entire Appalachian Trail.

In today’s world, finding the free chunks of time to simply go out and hike in the wilderness might be the most difficult part of making this dream a reality. However, once out there and hiking, you will find that it will be some of the best time spent in your life! You’ll find peace and freedom known by very few. So, how much time do you have?

[Next Planning Section: One Week at a Time]

1. Map courtesy of ATC

Equipment: Proper Footwear

The importance of proper footwear selection cannot be over-emphasized! Think about it for a second. Your footwear will literally take every step of the trip with you. You will use your feet to cover every inch of that 2200 miles. Actually, you will cover about 50 yards of it in a canoe! No kidding. You’ll take a canoe ferry to cross the Kennebec River in Maine. But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here!

As you will find out as you do research for your hike, there are many different theories on what is the best footwear for the Appalachian Trail. Here’s the secret; there is no best footwear. Hikers have completed the entire Appalachian Trail in every kind of footwear imaginable; sandals, tennis shoes, running shoes, trail runners, and of course, hiking boots. And there are many different types of each of these.

Finding the best footwear will be the hardest equipment choice to make. However, no matter what footwear you do choose, you can control the most important aspect of that decision: fit. Small word, fit, but it will be huge in determining how successful and enjoyable your hike will be. I offer that a poor selection of good-fitting footwear is much better than purchasing the best hiking boot available that doesn’t fit right.

How do you get a proper fit for your footwear? First, go to a store that specializes in the type of footwear you choose. If you decide on hiking in running shoes, go to a store that specializes in running shoes. If you are going to hike in hiking boots, go to an outfitter and get properly fit. Let them know that your intention is to hike 2200 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Obviously, it will help if they are familiar with the Trail.

Second, get fit using the exact kind of socks and sock liners you plan to use on your hike. Socks like SmartWool come in various thicknesses (e.g. light, medium, and heavy) which will affect footwear fit.

Third, have your foot actually measured. Be sure to ask about different width options, and which is correct for your foot. And don’t forget about those socks!

During your research, you will come across those that insist that you should buy a ½-size to full-size larger than you would normally. Some even insist that your feet swell during the hike. I can’t confirm or refute these claims, but I wanted you to know these theories exist so you can make informed decisions. If you are between sizes and not sure of which size is right, knowing this might lead you to pick the larger size.

Everyone likes that definitive answer. You should wear this type, and this brand, of footwear for a successful hike of the Appalachian Trail. And it would be great if that were the case. That is not the way it is. A person’s ultimate decision on footwear is as unique as that person’s foot is unique. This is one of the toughest, if not the toughest, equipment decisions you will have to make.

2. Time to swap footwear

You will need more than one pair of footwear during your thru-hike. I went through 4 pairs of footwear during my thru-hike. If your type of footwear requires a break-in period, you’ll have to do that prior to starting your hike for all pairs. I wore light hiking shoes and trail runners during my hike. If you choose a more rugged hiking boot, you probably won’t need 4 pairs. You will most likely need at least one replacement pair though.

As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the pack and the person, the sturdier the boot should be. I recommend a sturdier boot for those carrying heavier packs. In other words, a hiker carrying a pack with a 15 pound base weight may be able to get away with hiking in Trail Runners. I absolutely wouldn’t recommend hiking in Trail Runners with a heavier than average pack!

Your footwear will get wet! Woops, I mean soaked!! Think about this as you make your selection and let the retailer know that your footwear will get wet and that you will have to hike in that wet footwear.

For all the equipment sections, my intent is simply to make sure you are asking the right questions when making equipment decisions and that you are providing the right information to the retailers that will hopefully help you make the right choice for your successful adventure.

[Next Equipment Section: Socks]

Journal Entry: Day 1

(NOTE: These words were taken directly from Bison’s daily journal. Journal Entry editing was kept to a minimum to preserve the original content and emotion. Basic editing like spelling and some formatting was accomplished.)

10 March – Amicalola Falls State Park to Springer Mountain Shelter

Day’s hike: 9.0 miles (0.2 miles on the A.T.) (8.8 miles on A.T. Approach Trail)

Total: 0.2 miles

Ouch, OUCH and OUCH. OMG!!! The Approach Trail kicked my butt! That is one difficult hike. I did start a day earlier than planned. The forecast was just too good to not hike ... and hang around the park.

3. 600 Steps up Amicalola Falls

Woke up at 5 am after going to bed around 9 pm. Nice cabin. Woke up to sunny and mid-fifties. I signed the register and got a couple of pictures. Then over to weigh my pack ... 47 pounds ... first ouch. So I start with 47 pounds, including 4 days of food and water (3+ liters). Already can't wait to get to the Walasi-Yi Center (Mountain Crossings) and have the experts go through my pack.

The first obstacle of the day was the 600 steps (yep, real steps) that take you to the top of the Amicalola Falls ... second ouch. I took my time, took breaks, took pictures, etc.

I had to drop off my cabin keys at the lodge and check out. Well, after getting my butt kicked by a bunch of stairs, I had breakfast at the lodge!!

I was hurting all day long and was very glad it was nice out. Hats off to those who started last week in snow, and below freezing temps, and are still out here.

The walk today was through leaf covered forests of leafless trees ... but still beautiful. I met 6-Legs today who was on the last day of her hike from Maine to Georgia. She has a dog with her, hence 6-legs. She started in October and hiked through the winter. I thought it was cool to meet someone on their last day, while on my first!

I signed in at Springer Mountain where I met Ian and Kendra from Eagle River, Wisconsin who are also going to Maine. I set up my tent at the Springer Mountain Shelter, ate, and went to bed.

My initial thoughts on the hike ... what have I got myself into. Tonight I am a wreck, both physically and mentally. If it had been 9 degrees and snowing, I probably would have turned around tomorrow and quit!!

Journal Entry: Day 2

11 March – Springer Mountain Shelter to Hawk Mountain Shelter

Day’s hike: 7.6 miles

Total: 7.8 miles

It was very hard to sleep last night for many reasons. Out of my element for one; it was 50 degrees out for two. I have a 15 degree bag, so it was tough to get comfortable and find the right mix of clothing and bag cover.

Woke up at sunrise to 50 degrees and partly cloudy. Packed up my gear and was on the trail about 9:30 am. Scenery was beautiful today. Trail was in great condition, packed dirt.

Today was awesome ... night and day compared to yesterday. I'm glad I started a day early as I met Marc Deluca today. We had corresponded earlier through the Trail Journals website and I thought we were both starting on the same day, 11 March. However, he wasn't doing the Approach Trail, but was starting on Springer Mountain. So I got to meet him tonight at Hawk Mountain Shelter and we had time to talk some.

Along the trail today I came across some Army soldiers doing some training. I come blundering down the trail and I see a group of about a dozen of them with one guy in the prone position with his machine gun pointed right at me. It was very cool. I quietly asked one of them if I could take pictures and got a shot of them and their helicopters. I appreciate their service!!

I am surprised at how many hikers are out here with dogs. I met Jones today with her two dogs. This is her second thru-hike attempt. I met Karl from Asheville, NC with his dog Joni. He is a very nice guy ... and the dog is cool too ... more on them later.

I camped tonight with Ian and Kendra again, Marc Deluca, and Bruce from New Orleans. He verbally expressed how most of us must feel; What do we do next, what is the rhythm of life out here?

We'll see what tomorrow brings, easy hike to Gooch Shelter. Eating good, no injuries, and better spirits today.

Journal Entry: Day 3

12 March – Hawk Mountain Shelter to Gooch Mountain Shelter

Day’s hike: 7.3 miles

Total: 15.1 miles

Woke up to 42 degrees and mostly cloudy. Still haven't slept well. First time sleeping in a mummy sleeping bag which is confining and hard to get comfortable. I'm not comfortable sleeping flat on my back all night long, so this is something I will need to figure out.

I did some measurements and found out that my tent adds about 10 degrees of warmth ... woke up to 52 degrees inside the tent and it was 42 outside. I think it would add even more warmth if I would let the fly rest against the tent instead of staked out, which I could do on nights that were sure to be clear (no rain) and no condensation.

Started out the day hiking out of camp at 9 am with Spokes (Marc Deluca) for just a bit. I knew he would be blazin' and he left me in the dust at the first uphill we came to.

Todays' obstacle was Sassafras Mountain. It also kicked my butt! Today's trail was in perfect condition, but was either up or down ... no flat hiking today. Mid-day temperature was 55 degrees which was just perfect to me!

4. Pudgie Pie and Mudslide from Wisconsin

Thanks Peanut, AT '08, for the suggestion to tear out and carry the Thru-Hiker's Handbook pages for the section I am hiking. It helps me keep track of my pace (about 1.5 mph right now) + it's nice to know the slope of the upcoming terrain so I can get mentally prepared for the climbs. Everyone hiking around me thinks it’s a great idea too, and are always asking me where we are and how far we have to the next point of interest.

Today I leap-frogged all day with Ian and Kendra and met Amanda, Goof, Steve (from Manchester, England), Daniel (Mr. Right), and Chris (Amanda's brother). Chris' pack weighed in at 60 pounds!! Ouch!

I met a girl, Heather, today who was hiking at her family's disapproval. I hope she does well. I really think she is safe out here. Definitely more threats back wherever she lives.

OK, so far the body is good, although sore as heck. Going out tomorrow for 12 miles (the next shelter). I think I will probably end up stopping short, but we will see.

My favorite equipment so far are my hiking poles. These have saved me from falling at least a dozen times already. And the strain they take off my knees on steep descents and stepping down is incalculable. They work just like cross-country skiing poles when hiking on the level or slightly uphill acting to push you along. Then you use them to pull yourself up on step-ups. I think anyone with a heavy pack or rookie hiker legs would benefit greatly from using poles. I already know I will never hike without them again, with a pack. Before I started the hike, I found a cool website that explained the proper use of poles and it has paid off big time!

Journal Entry: Day 4

13 March – Gooch Mountain Shelter to Woods Hole Shelter

Day’s hike: 11.9 miles

Total: 27.0 miles

Woke up at sunrise to 44 degrees and cloudy. Got packed up and out around 9 am knowing I had a long day ahead of me. It started raining immediately as I started hiking and rained all day long.

Today I am Bison. That will be my Trail Name. I leap-frogged again today with Ian and Kendra and they thought it was fitting. I told them the story of how bison are more durable than cows because they will travel into the wind thus being in the bad weather for a shorter time than cows that will walk with the wind thus being in the bad weather for longer periods and possibly become weak and sick. Early farmers preferred bison to cows because they didn't get sick as much, but the bison were more stubborn and hard to control ... thus there are many cows today and the bison are endangered. Anyhow, I had my head down into the weather today determined to make the 12 miles, stubborn as a Bison.

Not much to see today with the weather the way it was so I pushed along at a good clip and arrived at the shelter around 4:30 pm. We had a full shelter tonight. It says it holds 7 people but we squeezed in 9. Great bunch of people, same group as last night plus Karl, and dog Joni. Fred came in late and ended up setting up a tent ... literally no room in the Inn and he didn't want to sleep in the gravel under the overhang.

I used my stove for the first time tonight ... made hot chocolate. My camera got some moisture inside (rain and cold temps) and it shows up on all the pictures ... hopefully it will dry out and be fine.

By the way, the temps dropped during the day and was at 40 mid-day. This is my first night sleeping in a shelter. Too tired with long hike + didn't feel like setting up a tent in the rain.

Sorry for the long entry, but here are some notes on the Trail itself: The Trail is usually wide enough for just one person to travel. It really resembles the footpaths through the woods in my hometown; Franklin, PA. I am amazed at how less-traveled the trail actually is. The woods are still mostly dead from the winter. With the fog and rain today, the forests look like a backdrop for the next Friday the 13th horror flick. The terrain so far through Georgia has been very up-and-down with very few level stretches. Some of the gradual ascents and descents have allowed some easy going at times.

Journal Entry: Day 5

14 March – Woods Hole Shelter to Neel’s Gap (Mountain Crossings)

Day’s hike: 3.7 miles

Total: 30.7 miles

Sleeping in the shelter last night was surprisingly comfortable. Basically, everyone climbed in bed at sundown and we all woke up together at sunrise. We were all out around the same time around 9 am for a short 3-hour hike into Neel's Gap. Woke up to 40 degrees and rain.

Todays' obstacle was Blood Mountain. Thank God the Trail up and down Blood Mountain is very rocky because it has been raining constantly for the last 2 days now and the trail that is not rocky is muddy and slippery. The shelter at the top of Blood Mountain was built in 1937 and is very cool. It is built of stone and has a fireplace inside. The top of Blood Mountain was also cool as it was solid rock. Who knows how big that rock is ... I had to have taken 50 paces on top of one piece of solid rock ... just the part sticking out of the ground!!

OK. So we get to the Walasi-Yi Center (Mountain Crossings) and Farsang went through my pack with me. We cut 10 lbs of weight out of my pack ... a smorgasbord of items. Unfortunately part of that was buying a new pack. I thought it may come down to that so I was prepared. The pack I was using was not the correct size for my torso. A friend of mine gave me the original pack to use ... he had it and had never used it. I still thank him as it did get me and my equipment on the Trail and to the Walasi-Yi Center (Mountain Crossings). Not to get ahead too much, but the new pack feels so nice and I can tell now how a pack is supposed to feel. I also switched out my water bladder and headlamp.

I did laundry and got a shower!! Yeah! And I'm sure everyone within sniffing distance of me appreciated it too.

I highly recommend the Hostel here hosted by Pirate. Pirate told me he has hiked the A.T. 21 times and carries a 70+ pound pack. Wow! Just hanging at the Hostel tonight chillin ... people playing cards, watching movies, etc. Very comfortable place to stay. Pirate cooked up some Jambalaya and potato stuff followed by some delicious cake. Awesome food!!

Met Shelley today, a National Guardswoman from South Carolina. Very pleasant girl. That girl can hike ... she left me (and our whole group) in the dust (tomorrow)!

[Next Journal Entry: Day 6]

Chapter 2 – Refit and ready to go!

Neel’s Gap to Dick’s Creek Gap, Hiawassee, GA

36.8 mile segment (67.5 total miles) – 4 days + Zero Day (1)

Ramblings: HYOH

Hike your own hike (HYOH): HYOH is the Appalachian Trail mantra, and so true. People hike the entire Trail fast, slow and every speed in between. Some carry packs that have a base weight as light as 10 pounds, while others carry packs weighing over 60 pounds. Some sleep in tents, some in hammocks, some only in shelters, and some under the stars (sleeping cowboy). Whatever it takes to keep you on the Trail is what is right!

Planning: One Week at a Time

Many of the hikers I talked to, or read about, were at a transition point in their life that allowed them time to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Two of the people I hiked with had just graduated from High School and were completing the thru-hike prior to starting college. Several had just retired, as was my case. Several had been blessed by the down-turn in economy and were laid-off and between jobs. I say blessed because once they get back on their feet, I hope they will be able to look back on the time allowed to hike the Trail as a true blessing.

5. This sign can be intimidating!

Let’s assume now you’ve set aside time to hike the Trail and decided that hiking the Appalachian Trail is something you really want to do. It’s now important to set a positive mindset for your adventure.

Thinking about planning for and walking literally millions of steps to cover over 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine can be overwhelming. You can avoid this sensation. Instead, think of your journey as a string of one-week hikes. Generally, most hikers travel 4 to 6 days between stops for resupply. Really understanding this point will go far in setting your mind correctly for the hike. Right now, you don’t have to make it to Maine. You just have to make it to the next town. When you stand at Springer Mountain, the Southern Terminus of the A.T., ready to head north, you don’t have to make it to Maine right then. You simply have to concentrate on the 31 miles to Neel’s Gap and the Mountain Crossings hostel. You can do that!

In a moment, we’ll dive into thru-hike planning. But first, are there advantages to section hiking? Depending on time availability, the first major advantage is that you can choose which season in which you hike each section. If you like fall foliage, you could hike each section in the fall after the leaves change, taking perhaps 6 years to hike the Trail. You could also avoid historically buggy seasons for sections as well.

Another advantage to section hiking is that the section hiker might not be as prone to fall into the thru-hiker zombie zone, as I called it. There were times when I got caught up in just making miles and forgot to take time to smell the roses. I think every thru-hiker goes through this at periods during their hike. Since the section hiker is out there for a shorter period, I believe they may be less likely to fall into this zombie-like hiking trance!

Let’s plan a thru-hike! Yes; you can thru-hike the Appalachian Trail!

[Next Planning Section: Which Way Should I Go?]

Equipment: Socks

You’re right! I guess socks are technically footwear also! Purchase well-fitting quality socks. Replace them at the first signs of wear. You can see sock-wear easier by turning the sock inside out. Pay particular attention to areas at the Achilles tendon and ball of the foot. The most popular type of hiking socks is wool-blend, like SmartWool.

I used a total of 7 pairs of hiking socks during my hike. At any time, I carried 3 pairs of socks. One pair I used only at night at camp (Heavy SmartWool). I then rotated the other two pair for hiking. I ended up replacing these two pairs twice. The pair I used at night lasted the whole trip with little wear.

Consider this next paragraph as personal editorial. I swear by the use of sock liners. I also recommend using form fitting Asics Kayano running socks as liners, if you can afford the added expense. Since they form-fit to your foot, there is no bunching of material or rubbing. I walked 2178.3 miles without a blister or a rub. I used a total of 6 pairs of sock liners and simply replaced these when I replaced my hiking socks.

From what I witnessed, a lot of hikers did not use liners. And I do offer that if you are doing something that most hikers are not doing; or if you are the only one carrying some type of equipment; that something needs to be evaluated. For instance, I was the only hiker carrying my specific model of tent. I evaluated it and decided it was a bad choice. It was simply too heavy. There were options out there that offered as much room and protection but at half the weight. However, I just loved my tent and couldn’t give it up!! No one is perfect! So take my sock liner opinion with a grain of salt.

[Next Equipment Section: Backpacks]

Journal Entry: Day 6

15 March – Neel’s Gap to Low Gap Shelter

Day’s hike: 10.8 miles

Total: 41.5 miles

Got up today at 6 am and hung out with Karl (and dog Joni). It was nice talking with him and also Bruce from New Orleans. Pirate turns on the sleeping-quarter lights at 7am sharp and serves up some breakfast.

It was cold and rainy this morning, but Katahdin wasn’t coming to us. Shelley and I were the first out the door at 8 am. She soon left me in the dust. I'm hiking at 1.5 mph and am one of the slowest in the group.

The hiking was muddy but quick. It rained and was misty all day so there were no views, so you hike fairly quickly. However it was very comfortable hiking. I had on my REI convertible pants; no rain pants. I had on a capilene top, a shirt, a fleece shirt, and an anorak (rain pullover) and was perfectly comfortable (i.e. dry and warm) all day long.

6. Typical trail through Georgia in spring

The new pack was awesome!! Left the Walasi-Yi (Mountain Crossings) with a 37 pound pack, and one that fit perfectly ... they even heat-molded the waist belt to fit my hips! I had 4 days of food again + 2 liters of water. By the way, I started out with all my gear in an 80 liter pack. After the shakedown, they showed me how to pack all my stuff in a 60 liter pack ... and my sleeping pad and water were inside the pack. On the original pack, I had the sleeping pad and water on the outside of the pack. The pack shakedown at Walasi-Yi (Mountain Crossings) was time well spent!!

I got to the shelter tonight early, but decided to tent so if people rolled in late they could just jump in the shelter and not have to set up a tent late. The sun actually came out at 6:30 pm and about 60 degrees ... yahoo!!

Band on the Run was the song of the day! It seems each day while hiking, some song will pop in my head and I'll be singing it most of the day! Smoke on the Water was another one I was singing previously!

A slew of people here tonight: Ian and Kendra, Amanda, Mr. Right, Chris, Goof, Shelley (Jolly Ranger), Fred (White Shoes ... he wears white Crocs at camp), Finch, High Tops, Weatherguy, and Gator 65 from Jacksonville, Fl.

Just in case you’re curious: During these rainy days I am wearing sock liners, socks, and shoes; pants; capilene top, shirt, fleece top, and rain pullover; windstopper gloves to keep rain and wind off hands; safari hat. The wide brimmed safari hat is awesome as it keeps sun and rain off my face and back of neck.

Right on schedule so far ... light day tomorrow.

Journal Entry: Day 7

16 March – Low Gap Shelter to Blue Mountain Shelter

Day’s hike: 7.2 miles

Total: 48.7 miles

Woke up to rain again (day #4 in a row with rain) and 44 degrees. Up and out at 9:30 am. A stray dog followed us out of Neel's gap and has followed us for 2 days now. He slept outside my tent last night as a watchdog. Barked a few times during the night. I didn't shut him up though ... figured I'd trust his wilderness instincts and if he thought there was something out there that needed barking at ... go for it!! He barked for a long time once, so I got out my tent to see ... I don't know what!! So if the bear isn't afraid of the barking, ferocious, not scared dog; do you think he's going to be afraid of the scared hiker in his underwear banging the two hiking sticks together??

I've stayed dry through the rain so far. Took my time getting up and was last out of camp today. And still ended the hike at 2:30 pm. Kept mileage low today knowing I have two tough climbs tomorrow. The trail today was very muddy and slippery. One of the benefits of being last is that you know when it’s really slippery when you can see when someone ahead of you had put their foot down in one place and then slid for about 3 feet!!

The stray dog, which we named Bear followed me out of camp today and up the trail. We had called back to the Walasi-Yi Center (Mountain Crossings) but no one knew who owned the dog. How slow do I hike? When I took my first break, the dog just kept on going!!

The whole gang is here chillin at the shelter. I stayed in the shelter tonight. Definitely didn't feel like setting the tent up in the rain again. Ian brought a sling with him and White Shoes spent the afternoon honing his knew skill. Ian got a fire going today just in time for heavy rains to drive us all into the shelter.

A couple of thoughts on equipment: The REI convertible pants are the bomb! Quick drying, comfortable, definitely a keeper. The watch which clips on to my belt loop is also a keeper. The anorak has been awesome at keeping me dry, but also breathes enough to not be a sweat box.

I'm sitting in the shelter in my capilene top and bottom with my down jacket on and am perfectly comfortable. I sleep in socks and my underwear liners and my capilene top. I leave the top of the sleeping bag open since it has been in the low 40's at night and the bag is rated to 15 degrees. If I zip it all the way up ... I sweat my butt off.

Journal Entry: Day 8

17 March – Blue Mountain Shelter to Tray Mountain Shelter

Day’s hike: 7.8 miles

Total: 56.5 miles

Woke up to a beautiful sunrise on Blue Mountain! It was 44 degrees. Everyone was up with the sun ... so happy to actually see it still existed!

Packed shelter last night with the bunk row full, two on the ground under the overhang and one in a hammock + Bear (the dog)! I could hear the mice scurrying around last night but they never bothered me and I got more sleep last night than any night so far ... finally!! Chris slept next to me and said a couple of mice scampered across his forehead!

Everyone pretty much headed out together around 9 am. We came off Blue Mountain on a good descent into Unicoi Gap where we were met with our first trail magic courtesy of Dwayne and Linda who fired up a grill and cooked us eggs, cheeseburgers, potato salad and macaroni salad. Thanks Dwayne and Linda ... great grub and our first Trail Magic! Good timing too. We were just about to start our first big climb of the day ... Rocky Mountain ... 1000 feet in one mile. Dwayne and Linda also took Bear into the local animal shelter where he can find a good home! He'll make someone an awesome pet. He was a great hiking partner and watch dog ... we think he was a red chow.

7. Typical A.T. footbridge

Great hiking weather today ... actually perfect. Great trail ... couldn't believe how fast it dries up. Great views ... finally nice to actually see something other than fog, mist, and the trail right in front of you. By the way, camera dried up nicely and works fine. Very slow pace today! Today's trail was all ups and downs ... no flats at all.

Met Backyard Boogie, AT '07, today at a Forest Service Road handing out Trail Magic in the form of Baby Ruth Candy Bars. Then he actually hiked with us all the way up Tray Mountain and hung out with us a while. He had a great sense of humor and some great stories from his hike.

Very relaxing night at camp tonight. The MRE's are working out great. So very convenient, and tasty too!! The entrees I have had so far are Beef Stew, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Pasta with Veggies, and Chicken Tetrazzini.

Journal Entry: Day 9

18 March – Tray Mountain Shelter to Dick’s Creek Gap (Hiawassee, GA)

Day’s hike: 11.0 miles

Total: 67.5 miles

I was the last out of camp again this morning at about 9:30 am. It rained last night a bit, but the sun was out by about 8:30. Forgot to look at the temperature but it was warm and had to be in upper 40's when I got up.

Today the whole group was going on a mission to conquer 11 miles and make it into the town of Hiawassee, GA. The weather was incredible ... sunny and low 60's. The Trail was in awesome shape and the scenery was gorgeous. It was the perfect day to be hiking! The obstacle of the day was Kelly Knob, another 1000 foot climb in one mile.

These types of climbs are killers and I find myself climbing from one chair to another. When a huge tree falls across the trail, the group maintaining that section of trail will go out and chainsaw the section of tree that covers the trail. Well that leaves two logs right by the trail which can make for a good resting seat. I look forward to these seats on these big climbs and take advantage of most of them!

There was a vista between Kelly Knob and Powell Mountain that was absolutely gorgeous. I took pictures but they do not do the view justice. Wow! This was exactly why I am out here.

It was a long hard hike today. Sam, from the Hiawassee Inn, shuttled us all in to town. Most everyone is staying at the Hiawassee Inn but Sam brought me down here to the Holiday Inn Express. The Holiday Inn had a computer with Internet Service and I knew I had several hours of computer time needed to update this journal. Plus the Hiawassee Inn was having water heater problems and I really, really wanted a hot shower badly ... and a long one!

We all went out to dinner together at an AYCE (All You Can Eat) Chinese place and chowed down ... great food, great company. Mike (aka Flat White) from Atlanta was just finishing up a section hike and had hiked with us for the past couple of days. He was kind enough to give me a ride from the Holiday Inn to the Chinese Place and back. Thanks so much ... last thing I wanted to do was walk another step. Great guy ... wish he was going farther with us.

Now here I sit at the computer, relaxed, typing away on Trail Journals. There is so much to write about, but I also don't want the entries to be too long. Tomorrow is a Zero Day (no hiking) so I'm going to try to write a little about the group of people I have been hiking with for most of the last week. They are very cool people and I am fortunate to have had the chance to share this part of the journey with them.

Journal Entry: Day 10

19 March – Dick’s Creek Gap (1st Zero Day)

Day’s hike: 0.0 miles

Total: 67.5 miles

Today was my first Zero Day. A zero day is when you hike zero miles, or a day of rest. It was a busy day, catching up on the journal, getting a mail drop at the post office (food for next few days), washing clothes, etc.

I have been blessed to have started this adventure with some great people. I met Ian and Kendra on day one at Springer Mountain. We have hiked together for the entire time so far. They are from Eagle River, Wisconsin. They are an awesome couple and are two extremely pleasant people. My trip so far would not have been as enjoyable without them around. Ian is a big fellow and I have to give Kendra huge props for hiking with him all day. I wouldn't be able to keep up with him. I haven't seen him take a break on an uphill section yet. I take about 10!! She mentioned that they say you take 5 million steps on the Trail to Maine. She says she's taking 6 million while he's only taking 4 million ... so the average works out!

Daniel and Amanda are a couple from San Francisco. I met them early on also ... maybe day 2 or 3. Daniel is a cool cat with a great sense of humor and just pleasant disposition. Amanda is very pleasant also and always has a smile on her face ... and there is plenty out here trying to wipe the smile off your face!! They are a good pair, Daniel the take-it-as-it-comes type, and Amanda, the planner ... good balance between the two.

Chris from South Dakota is Amanda's brother and is just an all-around good dude with a great attitude. Strong dude, hauling a 60 pound pack to Maine!

Goof is our group's youngest member at 19. He is from Southern California. It's going to be cool to watch him grow as a young man over the next 6 months. I've watched young men mature as aviators while training them in the B-52 ... watching them grow from un-sure kids to confident navigators. I saw some uneasiness in Goof early on, but I think he's going to come out of this journey assured that he can handle anything life throws at him.

Fred (aka White Shoes, Chef, Legionnaire, etc.) is from Washington DC. Great sense of humor and always entertaining. He hikes really fast though, so I'm not sure how long he'll be able to hold back! We call him White Shoes, because he wears white crocs in camp. He's called Chef because he used to be a catering chef and has all kinds of cooking ingredients with him. I missed where the Legionnaire name came from.

Bert (aka Rusty) has been hiking with us for 3 or 4 days now. That man is a trooper. There have been some hard days of hiking but he's getting it done. Really nice guy. I asked him why he was doing the A.T. He said he was tired of just sitting around and wanted to get out of the house!! That's getting out of the house all right.

Having this good bunch of people around is great for morale. The chat and games help keep the mind off the aches and pains.

Well, I'm sitting here right now writing this and am ready to be out hiking again! I will be on the trail again tomorrow between 9 and 10 am for a short hike of about 5 miles. It will probably be 4 or 5 days before my next resupply.

NOTE on Hiawassee: I highly recommend the Hiawassee Inn ... they really do take great care of hikers and are geared toward them. The Holiday Inn worked better for me because I needed much computer time to update this journal and catching up with family and friends (e-mail). They also have bikes to use which saved me a lot of effort and time this