It's that time again...

Hello friends,
Fall is in the air and that could mean only one thing--time to do some hiking. I've been training for the past month plus, getting ready for another Appalachian Trail adventure. Had to miss last year--2010--due to some personal issues, but I'm rearin' to go in 2011. Please stay tuned for further updates and news from the Trail. My EDT is next Sunday, Oct 02.

It's That Time Again

I know it's been a while, but Fall is in the air and that means time to hit the trail again. I'm planning on heading out next Tuesday, Sept 15th for a month, resuming where I left off last year. I'm hoping to make it from Erwin, TN to central Virginia near Roanoke. As a special bonus feature, my good friend Harry "Zen Pig" Siegal will be joining me for the fun.

I've been training for several weeks (though not as much as I'd like) and trying to find ways in Florida to simulate the rigors of hiking the southern Appalachians. I think once we get past Roan Mtn. it will ease a bit. Probably won't post as much video this time, but I hope to give you some good moments on the blog. Until then, wish us luck.

Zen Pig and Laree at Standing Bear

Many thanks to Harry for bringing the goods out to Standing Bear. A Mamacita's Veggie Mama, some fresh fruit, and a Grande Iced Coffee did the trick. Rocketed me to the top of Snowbird.

Hiking the AT with Thich Nhat Hahn

When planning for this hike, keeping pack weight down was a big consideration. I wanted to bring something to read, but needed something small yet engaging. On a hunch, I chose For a Future to Be Possible by Thich Nhat Hahn. The Power must have directed me, because this tiny book would be worth 10 lbs. of packweight. The foreward begins with this poem:

"The Road is Your Footsteps"

Wanderer, the road is your
footsteps, nothing else;
wanderer, there is no path,
you lay down a path in walking.

In walking, you lay down a path
and when turning around
you'll see the road you'll
never step on again.
Wanderer, path there is none,
only tracks on the ocean foam.

Antonio Machado

Unicoi Gap

55mi into my hike, pausing on morning of day6 before the big uphill climb out of Unicoi. It will be my first 1000' climb--YIKES! Planned a short day today because of the extreme elevation change, 4500' total. Hold on knees.

Low Gap Shelter

Stopped for a lunch break at the Low Gap shelter at approx mi 40 on the AT. I was pleasantly surprised at how clean and well-maintained the shelter is. Part of my discipline hiking, especially early on, is to make frequent stops and make sure that I eat and drink plenty. What a nice spot.

Walasi-Yi Center at Neel's Gap

After 3 days of hiking the Walasi-Yi center seems like an oasis with hot shower, laundry, and supplies. The caretaker, "Pirate", a long-time AT hiker himself, has decorated the place in holiday spirit.

View back to Springer from Blood Mtn

Start of Day 4, about mile 28. A break in the rainy, foggy weather allows for a view back to Springer Mtn. The hike has been great so far, making good time. The only issue has been lack of water. With the extended drought, several water sources were dry. Had to make it through last night on cold food and half a quart of water. So it goes...

Hawk Mtn on the AT

Morning of Day 2, camsite at the Hawk Mtn shelter, mi8 on the AT. Starting out the day's hike with some beautiful weather.

Three Forks

Harry and I stop at Three Forks for a lunch break. A beautiful spot at the confluence of three streams at mile 4 of the AT.

Taking off from Springer Mtn, GA

We headed north on the AT on a beautiful Indian Summer day, Wed., Oct.15th. My dear friend, spiritual advisor, and hiking coach Harry Siegel and I touch off from the famous plaque marking the southern terminus of the trail. Awesome.

Five days until Liftoff

Well, here it is: my first post, so I guess it's official. I'm going out for a late season section-hike on the AT. I've talked about this for years but now it's finally happening. The physical training is winding down and I'm focused on the final planning and prep: food mail drops assembled and sent out; itinerary being finalized; one or two more gear checks before heading out. It's both exciting and scary going out for a month, especially since my longest outing was 3-4 days. For now, time to sleep.