tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9907877374665123702024-02-07T20:23:49.613-05:00KP on the ATMy 2012 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike SupercenterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-87109723063777515232012-11-10T13:39:00.002-05:002012-11-10T13:39:47.545-05:00Long Overdue Posting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_cfibIIWzvlLRJvb47n4qz4UrAGqK4MI9GxxjJI7M6s8w9m6sGCC42DZedEfTnksyjRBc7LpRi-zpqTW1-WOsgQZs3_ThivKeXz21P3_oj2wPLn0WPWv50z4QI36gU2BJN5ZXJ0Dgnc/s1600/DSC01824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_cfibIIWzvlLRJvb47n4qz4UrAGqK4MI9GxxjJI7M6s8w9m6sGCC42DZedEfTnksyjRBc7LpRi-zpqTW1-WOsgQZs3_ThivKeXz21P3_oj2wPLn0WPWv50z4QI36gU2BJN5ZXJ0Dgnc/s640/DSC01824.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige5W83z7jWSTzqphoCS1paox1OgR75C-hOqsMrzhiXB5-Cl5u9154dMX78CeKZb1S31nPlCQwLkLWThbHgsO8izqztfdbwm33DrOHfgLY9e6RYs8G22RHCG9Ajl157HtqsHuIKcf9F_o/s1600/DSC01818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>So last time I updated this was while staying at the Port Clinton Hotel in the middle of July. Unfortunately, my iPhone fell into a rock crevasse on top of the Pinnacle, just after Port Clinton, PA. A lot has happened since then, but most importantly, I completed my thru-hike on September 28th! It was a beautiful day and I got to share it with some of the best people I met on the trail.<br />
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I intend to fill in the missing states in the coming weeks, and maybe offer a little insight into the experience, so I have a more full recount of the past 6 months. So stay tuned!<br />
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Les Resistance at the Katahdin sign</div>
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The rest of the crew we hiked with up Katahdin</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-23292421270885697632012-07-13T21:35:00.001-04:002012-07-14T00:21:38.678-04:00Milestones and magic from Port Clinton, PASo last time I posted I was about to head into the Shenandoahs following two days off to visit with family/recover from a stomach bug. I quickly caught up with my hiking buddies Brooke and John, who informed me that our trio has been dubbed "Les RĂ©sistance" due to our lack of trail names. The Shenandoahs were pretty nice, with the good views coming on the north end of the park. <br />
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The ending of the Shenandoahs also became the start of a barrage of milestones, which have made the past few weeks fly by. First, we hit the famous Roller Coaster, 13 miles of rapid ascents and descents. The coaster wouldn't have been terrible if it weren't for the humidity, 95+ degree days, and multiple blowdowns from those epic storms obstructing the trail.. The end of the roller coaster coincides nicely with the end of 550+ miles of Virginia and the 1000 mile mark. the day after 1000 miles we hit Harper's Ferry (considered the psychological halfway point) and registered our hikes with the ATC. We quickly said good bye to Harper's Ferry and West Virginia, crossed the Potomac, and said hello to 41 miles of Maryland. John pushed out those 41 miles in a single day, while Brooke and I split them over 2 days. After spending the 4th of July with the fantastic Rosesniffer family, I crossed the Mason-Dixon line and welcomed the switch from 'app-a-latch-in' to 'app-a-lay-shun'. My first full day in Pennsylvania was also my first 30 mile day, the crossing of the official halfway point, and the day of the half-gallon challenge. Finally, just yesterday I hit the 1000 miles to go mark, and now feel comfortable counting down the miles.<br />
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While Pennsylvania is most known for its rocks and rattlesnakes (and I've seen plenty of both while out here), I need to mention the unbelievable generosity of Pennsylvanians. Every single day I've been in the state I've received some sort of trail magic. From a cooler of sodas at the side of the road, to a fresh salad and chili dinner brought to the 501 shelter, Pennsylvanians have stepped their game up. Most notably, are the two families who let hikers, as complete strangers, into their homes and even cooked us our first home cooked meals on the trail! I've had two great experiences with Pennsylvania families. While it might seem a bit strange to outsiders, it says a lot about the trust in the trail community. You can't help but feel humbled by the experiences.<br />
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I'm in Port Clinton now, and after two off trail visits (more on that later), I'll be a mere four days from being in New Jersey and knocking out some more of these mid-Atlantic states!<br />
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Photos below! I also got a question about my photos. Most are taken with a Sony Nex c3, and are transferred wirelessly to my iPhone using the awesome eye-fi SD card and my jailbroken iPhone. I then upload them from my phone. I can give more details if requested. <br />
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<b>After the Highlands</b><br />
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Virginia is the largest state the AT crosses, spending over 550 miles in it's borders. After parting ways with Lisa and Joe in Grayson Highlands I headed north (duh) feeling a little behind. While I think I'm permanently behind certain people that I hiked with previously, I've also met some excellent new people have even begun hiking regularly with a small group of folks. Virginia has been a long, hard slog, and I've seen more people that I know get off the trail than I have. On the other hand, the views have been some of the most rewarding and I know the states will start to fall much faster when I get out of VA. I'm still feeling good, although spent the last two days off trail visiting with family/recovering from a stomach bug I caught somewhere along the way. It was great to see my new niece for the first time since I left for the trail, but I must say I felt pulled back to the trail the entire visit. <br /><br />Anyhow, here are some photos from my last 3 weeks of the trail, with more info where needed.<br />
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McAffee's Knob, the most photographed spot on the trail.<br />
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Sunset on Tinker's Cliffs<br />
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A foggy Blue Ridge Parkway<br />
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FAA tower (I think)<br />
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The Guillotine!<br />
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The longest footbridge on the AT crosses the James River<br />
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Myself and fellow hikers John and Brooke took a side trip into Lexington to stay at a hiker friendly bed and breakfast. They treated us far better than we could've asked and gave us some time to explore Lexington, VA and the history there.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-49712541994781562432012-06-10T18:06:00.001-04:002013-07-19T08:59:57.767-04:00Mt. Rogers and Grayson HighlandsTrail Days weekend also saw the arrival of some friends from home to hike with me for a few days. The Wurmdell's (Joe and Lisa) arrived on Saturday, ready to conquer about 50 miles of the trail. They brought with them some of the best trail food I've seen, and fresh coffee every morning. 50 miles over 5-6 days would normally not work for me, but following the doctor's orders I was glad to slow down and enjoy my time through this section<br />
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It was a perfect spot to take some time through, as the views and landscape was unlike anything on the trail so far. While we battled some bad weather, Joe and Lisa toughed it out with the best of us. I hope the photos speak for themselves.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5752532012206703954"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8pKGmf7OS-V_RJGzvb65P3EPu1zx_aBQBsnMsUCYIdkfeKe-Q2FLajI_bIvMrZxOtz0TOaDMzqxMVGUNPaVkXGKjOD96a2-r_SSzah2KCnFFf0BfNwe-74zPxmGBN1C7IdR40Qmz3oE/s640/41.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="640" /></a></center>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5752532443221384850"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNsvvvZsOPrt-s1gNS5U2NkXBty1eu5XcmA-APm1QT7Fh7TU59MZqshLYkdxzyIP6mfwNPNB_aN26NlXcdAT_VExk-Lfn5Ep-nBswFRu_rs5Fo398lQW4r99yvAoC9pZqe-GHFysAwB0/s640/43.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="640" /></a></center>
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-6831843745363066232012-06-02T17:59:00.001-04:002012-06-03T14:54:16.395-04:00Damascus and Trail DaysI walked (hobbled) into Virginia just as one of the friendliest trail towns (Damascus) was gearing up for their annual Trail Days festival. It's a weekend to celebrate the AT and it's hikers with gear vendors, lectures, and the occasional free meal. The weekends highlight is a parade in which thru-hikers are attacked by the parade audience with water balloons and squirt guns. I'll let you figure out the symbolism in that. <br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s1_LBlH3M_4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I also got to have my knees checked about by a doctor, and while there was quite a bit of fluid on one, he was hopeful some slow days and a lighter pack would help ease the pain. The time was right for friends from home to pay me a visit!<br /><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oP1DG-Fi5t6cNYZqFku1WN_rRZ2ASABDFvHUlF09E5RtIxaA3gwJqasWj97MwGkXIQ71tSzBomf3i77y03cUG_V_6Hy6gDBTuRK0LhVSxZmm8otLCM5_qILfRHF_DMsjVGNpbOLm_fY/s640/blogger-image-2109479329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oP1DG-Fi5t6cNYZqFku1WN_rRZ2ASABDFvHUlF09E5RtIxaA3gwJqasWj97MwGkXIQ71tSzBomf3i77y03cUG_V_6Hy6gDBTuRK0LhVSxZmm8otLCM5_qILfRHF_DMsjVGNpbOLm_fY/s640/blogger-image-2109479329.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8910XoI2XHD3wObhDnl0sIey4Db2s8P4fsHXg9Om3gybAhNDyyFUL24YbktQxkJRRtRjOXzTMb0dKB0awzsJeaZ8z9gdN0QOaaZtN6eXoyyPGT_lu_DgKKnIJxV2HaWlPfYu0vzpsaI/s640/blogger-image-564967735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8910XoI2XHD3wObhDnl0sIey4Db2s8P4fsHXg9Om3gybAhNDyyFUL24YbktQxkJRRtRjOXzTMb0dKB0awzsJeaZ8z9gdN0QOaaZtN6eXoyyPGT_lu_DgKKnIJxV2HaWlPfYu0vzpsaI/s640/blogger-image-564967735.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AnqwMzkXMzTkKp2nbeL0jOoLBL00HuSElCnsk2rCJDdtbFs6QCaSqGE_xRyjC2WsWhBV915bCUicAdIzb15VJrGpKT-qgdIr69J7_dQFisgUib-xQt-yvFdF9H2Gmy9laTuzCaZRxCM/s640/blogger-image-433627224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AnqwMzkXMzTkKp2nbeL0jOoLBL00HuSElCnsk2rCJDdtbFs6QCaSqGE_xRyjC2WsWhBV915bCUicAdIzb15VJrGpKT-qgdIr69J7_dQFisgUib-xQt-yvFdF9H2Gmy9laTuzCaZRxCM/s640/blogger-image-433627224.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_fLoYmT5NtgqoQnmNcscOzSYTksE9eb-crv6wJIPkEcTNenMuILWrPZKq_jas2uwyKy73XGZiM0eQ_bSca14jyeRLrf85N9lEDXFb_ohkL5B-lFUFuGRJwaW_yFC9Ve1EzG9Unhlyjs/s640/blogger-image--339684939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_fLoYmT5NtgqoQnmNcscOzSYTksE9eb-crv6wJIPkEcTNenMuILWrPZKq_jas2uwyKy73XGZiM0eQ_bSca14jyeRLrf85N9lEDXFb_ohkL5B-lFUFuGRJwaW_yFC9Ve1EzG9Unhlyjs/s640/blogger-image--339684939.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqtjOqHaoDsyZxpU0fmQLI7fkcfUFNdVZUdWtMKfBm_5h9kRwr8GEIu6-7K-7wDKPU-qin3iuRvPKcBjI4mB0EOAMVIz_D4DDaLqxHbszK85yAFDky5WFZeLLV95DaVVLNtH4aU2Hxh0/s640/blogger-image-614051709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqtjOqHaoDsyZxpU0fmQLI7fkcfUFNdVZUdWtMKfBm_5h9kRwr8GEIu6-7K-7wDKPU-qin3iuRvPKcBjI4mB0EOAMVIz_D4DDaLqxHbszK85yAFDky5WFZeLLV95DaVVLNtH4aU2Hxh0/s640/blogger-image-614051709.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkJwGspYAOEoMGsyNXN4ZH2qQQTZZyCzoSftZpj2xJpn7zKwSryCY2h5CGmsI9e18OQ6B7qjN0iOSeIlty97ETaY9_Vorrsdcm2H1QZi_W3XhZm_WUqd4unepl-BaRrA3eGC3hGU-CgA/s640/blogger-image-1715985658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkJwGspYAOEoMGsyNXN4ZH2qQQTZZyCzoSftZpj2xJpn7zKwSryCY2h5CGmsI9e18OQ6B7qjN0iOSeIlty97ETaY9_Vorrsdcm2H1QZi_W3XhZm_WUqd4unepl-BaRrA3eGC3hGU-CgA/s640/blogger-image-1715985658.jpg" /></a></div><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-37182785186315933882012-05-19T10:00:00.002-04:002012-05-19T10:00:18.473-04:00Hot Springs, NC and Erwin, TennesseeI hope everyone doesn't mind my short stream of conscious posts followed by photos. It's easiest for me on my phone and the limited time I have between coverage areas (plus we all know you're here for the photos).<br />
<br />Immediately after the Smokies I spent a night at Standing Bear Farm, a hiker paradise tucked along a gravel road the AT crosses. I stumbled into it after a 19 mile day, and was immediately relaxed with an outdoor shower and a 'personal' pizza. The next day I hiked to Max Patch Bald, one of the best balds I've seen yet (that may have changed after going through the Roan Highlands.)<br />
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My next town stop was Hot Springs, the first town the trail actually directly crosses. I stayed at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, which is an awesome guesthouse run by Elmer (obviously) and a few former thru-hikers. Hot Springs was a small and friendly town, and I actually took my first zero day (no hiking) there.<br />
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Leaving Hot Springs, I hiked my first 21 mile day, and it turned out to be over the toughest terrain I've had in a single day. Rock scrambles and steep inclines were the name of the game, and that combined with 20+ miles left my knees in some pain. A few days later I had a short hiking day and landed in Erwin Tennessee to rest. Erwin was unimpressive, but will leave a lasting impression on me for two things. First, the <a href="http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/content.php?336-Norovirus-Infections-among-AT-Hikers-in-TN-NC&s=68e3d0471f1a93b617377296b57a3fcb" target="_blank">'Erwin bug'</a> rushed through the hiking community, knocking more than half of the hikers on their asses for a day or more. Thankfully I didn't get the bug, but those that did could look forward to 24 hours of their bodies rejecting anything that went into it. The second was a <a href="http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=100221" target="_blank">hostage situation turned to hiker heroics</a> that happened a few days before I got there. You can read all about it in the link above, but I had the chance to read first hand from the hikers involved in one of the shelter registries. Quite the crazy story. <br />
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Photos below, as usual. <br />
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Elmer's Sunnybank Inn</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-64737865986890385662012-05-18T19:03:00.001-04:002012-05-18T19:03:25.565-04:00The SmokiesSorry for the delay. Blogger doesn't seem to be the best platform for mobile blogging. The lack of a solid signal and uncooperative platform has made things tough on the blogging front. I'm in Damascus, Virginia for Trail Days, but am backtracking to some of the sights I've seen in the past few weeks.<br />
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The Smokies came up on me fast. While the miles are slowing adding up, the sights are coming up fast, I couldn't believe I had made it to the Smokies so fast. I missed meeting up with Jordan and Kate for their big shindig by a few days, but got some excellent rides into Gatlinburg and a Shoney's buffet. I also hiked my earliest day, walking before 6:00 am to hike up to Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6,644 ft. Photos from my time in the Smokies below.<br />
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Fontana Dam walkway</div>
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River trying to coax a ride on the horse. </div>
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Clingman's Dome viewing tower. Hit this at 7:30 am to avoid crowds.</div>
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Ice Water Shelter had one of the best views in the Smokies</div>
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A packed Tri-Corner Knob shelter. This is the shelter that is farthest from a road on the AT (18 miles either way).</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-41877989602685710232012-04-25T08:00:00.001-04:002012-04-28T15:20:17.747-04:00The NOCSpent today at the NOC, or Nantahala Outdoor Center, resting a sore knee. I seem to have found my legs in Hiawassee, and have been cranking out bigger and bigger miles everyday.<br />
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I also hit a lot of milestones in recent days, including hitting North Carolina, 100 miles, and my first trail magic. On a rainy morning I was walking toward a rock scramble climb of Mt. Albert, when I crossed the Ocokee Hiking Club of South Carolina and their spread of fresh fruit, candy, pancakes, and chili.<br />
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It was the perfect fuel to keep hiking in the rain and push up the mountain. To add to the magic, a thru-hiker from last year showed up at the shelter later that night with brownies! The next day I ran into the Ocokee hikers again, and got some more treats. The charity they provide to hikers can not be overstated, it's a powerful motivator and greatly appreciated.<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5735306409147712354"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v2Voua-vZ6DcCs3i5roRZiSlZPDKBv-JNTLLPUQEl-nDUAg0-VhtchmASGmpU8q7iZdFSN8iHhsfvYpa_L6fttgpoHzb3VE9YXiN-6OtSDaJ54hz9e_2uydEKOFTjXtittvW7WS26SA/s640/10.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="640" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5735306906867004386"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDy5k95HyYS7q7PHhFhan3dSQCoF0JrsYrG4Pw38KHIWkcSKMqRaxjOq6bZY5ozPm5NRrH0DHIPMe6oY2TIYIKkkLPnKECRKSlX7OY9M5EJiGUIIqLG95Wq3pdxSrLQcX1Jx4vO6d-Jg/s640/15.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="640" /></a></center><br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />
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Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Noc%20Way,Bryson%20City,United%20States%4035.333828%2C-83.591997&z=10">Noc Way,Bryson City,United States</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-77121044513060563542012-04-18T16:31:00.001-04:002012-04-28T15:22:39.406-04:00Hiawassee, GAAfter a great dinner by a church group and pancakes for breakfast from Pirate, the hostel manager, I hiked out of Neel's Gap in a cloudy mist. It was quite cool to hike with that dense fog and it kept me cool and going at a nice pace.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5732840885627577138"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhDJdT9ZDP3jZN5cL4QujvWF3vPQKjP-RV4TWMIX4eRpORSozHDGhTdRDTtDmoJOTk9jqglwc5c5UqqrxVQQpcc1yqWmF06G0blnxXhhzLmUiHzUC_hD7HZc8pCh_SrfvrxNa6EHSH24/s640/1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="640" /></a><br />
I stayed in the top bunk on the left.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5732840935322561186"><img align="left" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxh1uwtw1htQMShia0Z7JKS9IKDMhpuc-9wk4PBDN23bAE41GWCnpMrA-Rii5VdqVx2fbaZb-N9ussIf8o2a4hryrkyLMlYQlruCR4RhmVO8HKbzkgC7otS0Yu3u7_GL_n1iOiT4Y9D8/s640/2.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="640" /></a><br />
Staying in a Budget Inn in Hiawassee, GA today where I can resupply and get some big meals in. I was definitely increasing my mileage, and hope to really amp it up this weekend and next week to try to make it to Gatlinburg by next Friday (a somewhat tall order). <br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5732840992755220546"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vueeHskV6FxCfJ9Le8SGUkRWYSE7yBs9zZWa5hdKDKVqyCVVPgFyfur4KK0KoE8kygerZGeyYGSHXTmhuUGYkEnLm0t30qpwXLT0X2o1xeinWmh7CQzIY_usf5zXosLuDRiRl5-cekE/s640/3.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="640" /></a><br />
Peak of Tray Mountain.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5732841015462588674"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlilWVprZi0-zK0TKEjXWVKix-Qs0ix-qSqI95oCZ6dMuLtl4TOc0vxnPxMa21Wn0-sIZAtVvCN0LtkCayKs5kOxJ4Q7pzP8zK1KtzNauDAgsupE_gJ8PhpCttSGNl3ZCAEUA7LkUK8EY/s640/4.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="640" /></a><br />
Found on trail yesterday.<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5732841090707744914"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLHJwPEIYIjZL8FDLJBPA4bLqGj9M2TtiJR7aSsEjMADMa5kO8rC2A4E_Y4SWHiiufANQCPQMp71IBJhvPlp660HzyCvTuIMetuVt2iBuzTPR_MGSJd2E6FO-6bwmlFI9C2RVGLbXHcc/s640/5.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="640" /></a><br />
Tough photo, but there is a bear in the center tree. First bear of the trail for me!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5732841123965890498"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4j1wkakSGoRdB55WApFbzZvK-0ZXIO5h-TitvLCDU31hWosmK2bsR_mDCrnXo_1PXyR5wwd4Vuqi-MyWxQ9FvosFXJhKhYXYX0Am3vK9Ku7ZtipbeSbnXjnOD5jo0tmcQQ0RlZ4B6cI/s640/6.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115516984253192971080/KPOnTheAT?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiG8sHV7_LtDA#5732841144328784786"><img border="0" height="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgn6ButUNg2iAJn0kZgW82uQpUWBK-oE9dD1e5hdl63hu6gg4cr5ULhsagZe1Yiaq_Bz2D8CHMiGG5WdZop54LRGqyGqTw_0xBF4GNdGw5-wpX2EakzTW4lyK5UUtSwyc69WecwZy25k/s288/8.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="0" /></a><br />
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Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Oakmont%20Dr,Hiawassee,United%20States%4034.944778%2C-83.753384&z=10">Oakmont Dr,Hiawassee,United States</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-48979781726231127842012-04-14T17:44:00.001-04:002012-04-28T15:24:08.816-04:00At Neel's GapFour days on the trail and I'm planted at the hostel at mountain crossing. Been hiking mostly alone, but have met up with Grans, Omaha, and a few others along the way. Thinking about getting the shakedown to lighten my load, but I'm not sure what to drop. Strongly considering letting go of my camera, as I'm just starting to feel the weight a little more. Still slow going on mileage, but I can feel myself getting better. Lots of photos below, an might be out of order. Includes Springer Mtn, Gooch Gap shelter, Blood Mountain Shelter, the hostel at Neel's gap. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey5eITxOLcsIR_3q7t1l4ldGLI_SC9N37z3w_RT5B0fF-c059EfO9pl3pZqFmBN6Jx4rcnxH88IIQJvxXaL9_IJMjeSmgDVQ7lt9A4uK78Stfjb9HQgcaF8LeaNwOHBjTRec1l4Gv-IM/s640/blogger-image-681574412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjey5eITxOLcsIR_3q7t1l4ldGLI_SC9N37z3w_RT5B0fF-c059EfO9pl3pZqFmBN6Jx4rcnxH88IIQJvxXaL9_IJMjeSmgDVQ7lt9A4uK78Stfjb9HQgcaF8LeaNwOHBjTRec1l4Gv-IM/s640/blogger-image-681574412.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-51324631831903263002012-04-10T18:35:00.001-04:002012-04-10T18:35:12.727-04:00First NightSpent last night with my mom, sister, aunt (not the same person) and her kids at the Amicalola Falls lodge, for some awesome views and walks up a horrible 604 stairs. at my first shelter after a TOUGH hike. My pack was, as the anonymous commenter guessed, 40 lbs. Hiked most of the first day with a guy named Blue from Chardon, and actually ran into two others from Cleveland. Also met some nice Israelis who offered some hot cider earlier on, and out hiked me easily with their 60 lb military gear. I'm technically on the approach trail, but will reach Springer Mtn. and the AT early tomorrow morning.<br />
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Entries will be short and sweet most of the time and will try to post a few times a week. Forgive typos (pleeeaaassee), I'm working from my phone. I'm also trying to get location services working on here, but having some problems.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
Kevin<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbnL-0zYaNgEkAU-heHZATCFHzdjUmC2ae_e22R1ikgwLgwqMabfKKrOFG7fOpobDgvctR1BvgcVTT0QvsjOabQKSngDQH8fl_rXl79Sl5AHOyxTU2RiinRDHwsKk6b1aB8XMxU4pQ30/s640/blogger-image--588254195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbnL-0zYaNgEkAU-heHZATCFHzdjUmC2ae_e22R1ikgwLgwqMabfKKrOFG7fOpobDgvctR1BvgcVTT0QvsjOabQKSngDQH8fl_rXl79Sl5AHOyxTU2RiinRDHwsKk6b1aB8XMxU4pQ30/s640/blogger-image--588254195.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiewHR30RhwIUtzEBBC9ko6UOzMtgDxOGlIOiSIkCrC8EY09oMpAIPg-zEw39kgMBSiHej4uzFplyBkonH1rPneB23wwAJPfUzcuM3uzyUsLm0CY-K6C8-l70Gj9HkLuUctGrTSRmvJY/s640/blogger-image-1864533088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiewHR30RhwIUtzEBBC9ko6UOzMtgDxOGlIOiSIkCrC8EY09oMpAIPg-zEw39kgMBSiHej4uzFplyBkonH1rPneB23wwAJPfUzcuM3uzyUsLm0CY-K6C8-l70Gj9HkLuUctGrTSRmvJY/s640/blogger-image-1864533088.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2yledCkJiBi97kBOiUS1y9BJ5hHABlffLMAFJeWnjH877uYSAKeATsuTMP7nw4mjITG4H-njBP4KUA0ae_ATV5KdGrKVrlj-43tjLdXDZ9A2OoZlbgBtT9vI5ru3oiVHUQ1fN36HyTw/s640/blogger-image--642777147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2yledCkJiBi97kBOiUS1y9BJ5hHABlffLMAFJeWnjH877uYSAKeATsuTMP7nw4mjITG4H-njBP4KUA0ae_ATV5KdGrKVrlj-43tjLdXDZ9A2OoZlbgBtT9vI5ru3oiVHUQ1fN36HyTw/s640/blogger-image--642777147.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWsWMxvJpEvvSPaZf7217SM-gUBfYDIYaYDtHatEB1W0XbLQn6potMAGddd7z7ydvb_srReCZvZzvXR8Wdzl_SGBNdPrMsmI9Edt1oy3hdMG7_Ahm4ApoXzRLXJpvbkx8KFg2h9_LoB0/s640/blogger-image--1420939260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWsWMxvJpEvvSPaZf7217SM-gUBfYDIYaYDtHatEB1W0XbLQn6potMAGddd7z7ydvb_srReCZvZzvXR8Wdzl_SGBNdPrMsmI9Edt1oy3hdMG7_Ahm4ApoXzRLXJpvbkx8KFg2h9_LoB0/s640/blogger-image--1420939260.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-53236696440540342272012-04-03T22:01:00.002-04:002012-04-03T22:01:22.333-04:00The AT CommunityWanted to post a quick story as I finalize my planning in my last week before the trip. On this past Friday I had a going away party with some friends and colleagues. It was a fantastic night, and I think everyone had a fun night. After my friends had surprised me with a most epic and unexpected farewell gift, a guy overheard me talking about the trip and and interrupted to tell me how his girlfriend has previously thru-hiked and was inside. I thought it'd be a great chance to make pick someone's brain that's gone through the hike recently.<div>
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This may have been one of the best parts of the night.</div>
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The woman was so helpful and sat through and answered all my questions, gave me some much needed advice, and was super positive about the whole thing. After she wished me the best and hugged me good luck she gave me her card with a little note on it:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxx_x4rd-Oj_Q0MdDLrcv3FOEsZaSFgQVh-T5aThJTqkLYU7JPiwrM9JL6P_PYv8iNpB8QUeg-K65vfATNnheGPy6_qaSfBXUumSCIXQ2ZjvzdHKKmRFGNuD0vqYA40gX-oubZzvjMbU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxx_x4rd-Oj_Q0MdDLrcv3FOEsZaSFgQVh-T5aThJTqkLYU7JPiwrM9JL6P_PYv8iNpB8QUeg-K65vfATNnheGPy6_qaSfBXUumSCIXQ2ZjvzdHKKmRFGNuD0vqYA40gX-oubZzvjMbU/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had always heard and read about how strong the thru-hiker community was and how quickly they'd offer help or provide 'trail magic', but I unfortunately questioned that sincerity, or at least thought it was a bit exaggerated. The fact that I have already experienced that sense of community before I've even stepped on the trail has sent me a powerful message.</div>
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I've moved up to Parma for the week and I am doing some final prep, adding and subtracting some gear, and getting my travel plans and first few days of food ready to go for next week. Will update if something comes up, but I'm anxious and ready to go!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-64215820861340406942012-03-25T21:12:00.004-04:002012-03-26T09:39:56.257-04:00Gear list!<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note: I've also made this a permanent page on the 'My Gear' tab. Any changes to gear will be made there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without question this has been the most viewed page on my site, so I figured it's about time I get something up on here. I started having issues with some of the gear grams features, so decided to skip out on using that on here, and instead I'm just going to post my gear in sections. All in all, my base weight (without food or water) is a hair over 20 lbs. By no means in the ultralight category, but I was not expecting to get that low (some items are just out of my price comfort). I'm ok with the weight, but would definitely be interested in seeing where I might be able to shed some ounces. I'm still sorting out some small odds and ends (toiletries, fire starter, etc) but have tried to take their weight into account. An extra special thanks to the folks at <a href="http://everestgear.com/">Everestgear.com</a> for helping get me suited up for the trip!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Big Four (Backpack, Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Tjdh1soRlOEjiYgKxAD7zM_ucE41tYQcDL1FkyAhYR3U05gX71WHvN3aeQbqpt7gtaKmSDI1XMq6Ysm9_vQanbSoaC2DXCMzZdYkzuPMF3eCZ0V7ExwNnPe_MuipWJ3DdtP1vj4uR4/s1600/DSC00132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Tjdh1soRlOEjiYgKxAD7zM_ucE41tYQcDL1FkyAhYR3U05gX71WHvN3aeQbqpt7gtaKmSDI1XMq6Ysm9_vQanbSoaC2DXCMzZdYkzuPMF3eCZ0V7ExwNnPe_MuipWJ3DdtP1vj4uR4/s640/DSC00132.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> REI Flash 65 pack, REI Quarter Dome T1 tent, Marmot Sawtooth 15 f bag, Thermarest z-lite pad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I plan to use a trash compactor bag as a pack liner, and to store my sleeping bag in a compactor bag (or 2) at the bottom of my pack. There's an S-biner on my bag that I'll be using for bear-bagging. I'll swap in a lighter sleeping bag just around Damascus, and will bring the sawtooth back in the whites. These all weigh in at just about 10 lbs.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clothing</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-mpv6C6UsG10yjM7DEDPrmBhqavuOU1e7EIp_DbiIghDTJ_x2nXsoU8fwgtHlKn3YDrlvdwohuSL0UHO3mKprld8R4Eq_8goWt-YaEKrlYNllzjuY7B8R3Ye_ebZZclHmlBvlCGNoHQ/s1600/DSC00133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-mpv6C6UsG10yjM7DEDPrmBhqavuOU1e7EIp_DbiIghDTJ_x2nXsoU8fwgtHlKn3YDrlvdwohuSL0UHO3mKprld8R4Eq_8goWt-YaEKrlYNllzjuY7B8R3Ye_ebZZclHmlBvlCGNoHQ/s640/DSC00133.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 pairs of wool socks (2 for hiking, 1 for camp), 2 pairs of compression shorts for underwear, Icebreaker 200 merino leggings, Mountain Hardwear convertible pants, Icebreaker 260 tech top longsleeve, Icebreaker merino tshirt, 2 synthetic tshirts, synthetic gym shorts, and a Mountain Hardwear Compressor jacket. Not Pictured: Winter hat. I will be starting the hike with La Sportiva Onix GTX on my feet, and will switch to trail runners once they wear out. Still need to get crocs for camp shoes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTr87hZLeyjdkNdINtjF4jYfYfiTUw_VAuvb3wN0PXx3mCqukrM_qyHPkA17mJ2_U8_eXNCejOIPxRf6JGK0SaZUAGK8wYO4nST_e3Y2Ofiq72osVPMmcV6aElye9-w9q4g8IxMc0Cfg/s1600/DSC00136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTr87hZLeyjdkNdINtjF4jYfYfiTUw_VAuvb3wN0PXx3mCqukrM_qyHPkA17mJ2_U8_eXNCejOIPxRf6JGK0SaZUAGK8wYO4nST_e3Y2Ofiq72osVPMmcV6aElye9-w9q4g8IxMc0Cfg/s320/DSC00136.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is one area I'd love some advice, as I'm having a lot of trouble sorting out a few things. My Icebreaker tech top is technically a baselayer, but I bought a large and it fits better as a half-zip pullover. I've got a lightweight synthetic baselayer top, but I'm not sure if that's over kill or if it makes sense. Also not sure on the 2 synthetic shirts, some recommend a shirt for town to look presentable/it's easier to get rides. My merino tee will be my hiking shirt as it will hold off smell better, and one synthetic will be for camp. Would appreciate any thoughts. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillM-R04McAi-1SX20CLdjyLEcZWugXWReg9rkGha18J6b7Y7uSc94hxoRSpwlZ5qZHrkr3JHfjPQgTOMGWeXu6tKpL9WKIycItRi3sKsPMrF86i32PdwKOuD_AVQxGh9-3rMqPUfnzVk/s1600/DSC00115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillM-R04McAi-1SX20CLdjyLEcZWugXWReg9rkGha18J6b7Y7uSc94hxoRSpwlZ5qZHrkr3JHfjPQgTOMGWeXu6tKpL9WKIycItRi3sKsPMrF86i32PdwKOuD_AVQxGh9-3rMqPUfnzVk/s640/DSC00115.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Osprey 2L bladder, widemouth Nalgene 1L, Steripen Adventurer (primary). NP: potable water tablets (backup)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV7_Z898wgE6wENMI6J2NoUHGcitLGfs21lnQsL0XikrlLqQbMXCVA_AF2xxEcg7z6HrUQ3QeQKzDK_8Z6HDp2Ihze65poJn2_3f_ciJzyT4Y2F6vom-Gpdaxf7UQOg0ckmJy6tiGzhk/s1600/DSC00111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV7_Z898wgE6wENMI6J2NoUHGcitLGfs21lnQsL0XikrlLqQbMXCVA_AF2xxEcg7z6HrUQ3QeQKzDK_8Z6HDp2Ihze65poJn2_3f_ciJzyT4Y2F6vom-Gpdaxf7UQOg0ckmJy6tiGzhk/s640/DSC00111.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> GSI Dualist, Pocket Rocket Stove, 2 alcohol canisters, Columbia River Eat'n Tool, waterproof matches (backup). NP: Bic Lighter (primary), and I've taken the sporks, extra bowl and insulated mug out of the dualist to cut weight. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC8RQIfj57ZJM7nxSMWE3lsji2n7DazyrGzEIRQ3Ip88XlKbkyYfnPJcx27dh8Tj3n9y1bWkGwfA7i9NyxWvLPWJCqDvptO7uUD3Oy4AmnHkTs_Vf3ww9mif36UHlGYG4R5oUEBGc6Q0/s1600/DSC00134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC8RQIfj57ZJM7nxSMWE3lsji2n7DazyrGzEIRQ3Ip88XlKbkyYfnPJcx27dh8Tj3n9y1bWkGwfA7i9NyxWvLPWJCqDvptO7uUD3Oy4AmnHkTs_Vf3ww9mif36UHlGYG4R5oUEBGc6Q0/s640/DSC00134.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 20 L Sea to Summit ultralight drybag for food, MHM compression sack for clothes (will line with large turkey oven bag), Medium dry bag for toiletries, small dry bag for phone, cables, batteries, headlamp, etc, extra small bag for camera inside camera bag. The OP dry bags are pretty shitty in terms of being dry bags, so I've used seam sealer and will waterproof them myself. If that doesn't work, I'll line them with ziplocs. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Odds and Ends</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LhWrJIZOdvVr5KG9Vh-kjyImeM70I7IDwx6tKQ3eC17JqyzToH_vuG1OZa0545FcPsneXpS_5B8TMvqDUk49HxR1d3JsnXSjBaw4kBJHSBxKyaTrpQbTo1eT5r6h7BJCSUryRi6g2Mc/s1600/DSC00135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LhWrJIZOdvVr5KG9Vh-kjyImeM70I7IDwx6tKQ3eC17JqyzToH_vuG1OZa0545FcPsneXpS_5B8TMvqDUk49HxR1d3JsnXSjBaw4kBJHSBxKyaTrpQbTo1eT5r6h7BJCSUryRi6g2Mc/s640/DSC00135.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Digital watch, 50ft paracord, Smith and Wesson folding knife, Buff, packtowel, 2012 AT Guide, first aid kit (still need to do some re-engineering on it), rite in the rain notepad and pen. NP- iPhone 4, Petzl Tikka XP2 headlamp.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Trekking Poles</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcnkIPuvXauGi7y3Ka8cmYUXz6nRQNiF8X0h3xbNxo3i1QiJqtZtpf72-NNSEFrgMy-Z_Rnl4gefg9SpU1-PXp-h_ZMkaFwDWTuCv5zGKEyAnVjTs_Lm8FwOjPMkEMZLF2wXvOckqRcg/s1600/DSC00108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcnkIPuvXauGi7y3Ka8cmYUXz6nRQNiF8X0h3xbNxo3i1QiJqtZtpf72-NNSEFrgMy-Z_Rnl4gefg9SpU1-PXp-h_ZMkaFwDWTuCv5zGKEyAnVjTs_Lm8FwOjPMkEMZLF2wXvOckqRcg/s640/DSC00108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Black Diamond Ergo Cork Trekking Poles. This is my first time using trekking poles, so I've been testing them out and trying to get into a rhythm with them. I also plan to use them as a duct tape holder and am considering making a stickpic for my camera.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rain Gear</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnDUlGdPDJd9nUCct8OHQ6Dcy7l2TYc08nId4zav2QAQfU69zSj79yjSHZYXfCSHdUBnndQgTjSRmUEst9DRWjUPIRHSgFNnREknU2Z8ETNvu0dMf6LEN0t3AqcoUthcG_tgJcQQzus0/s1600/DSC00112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnDUlGdPDJd9nUCct8OHQ6Dcy7l2TYc08nId4zav2QAQfU69zSj79yjSHZYXfCSHdUBnndQgTjSRmUEst9DRWjUPIRHSgFNnREknU2Z8ETNvu0dMf6LEN0t3AqcoUthcG_tgJcQQzus0/s640/DSC00112.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Klymit Zephyros rainshell, FroggTogg pants, and Osprey ultralight pack cover.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Camera</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoiNKpk2EP4bJS43Tj4Y-IRI4zmoD8z6gyOiTzDIpqTaamOer4z4yh7gF1xjc6gKczh0owUmQ3QRNKmb-UgSh_2Ys8GwmjW26DVp4vN7sQjX6nE43dARNrZYI1_bh6UrfUyM-xc5S31k/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoiNKpk2EP4bJS43Tj4Y-IRI4zmoD8z6gyOiTzDIpqTaamOer4z4yh7gF1xjc6gKczh0owUmQ3QRNKmb-UgSh_2Ys8GwmjW26DVp4vN7sQjX6nE43dARNrZYI1_bh6UrfUyM-xc5S31k/s640/photo+(4).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sony NEX-C3 plus Lowepro compact courier bag (worn on hip belt). iPhone cable and wall plugin, Sony battery charger. This is one area where I can probably make up some weight savings by downgrading, and also one that I'm least likely to budge on. The camera fits nicely on my pack belt, and the x-small dry bag fits in it to store my camera in rain. I clip the camera with an s-biner to the pack's lifting strap, so no pressure is put on my neck. I really like the set-up, and love the camera too much to give it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-10228597241319013982012-03-14T22:20:00.001-04:002012-03-14T22:46:48.313-04:00Fear Itself<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I've shared my hike with those beyond my close circle of friends and family I've received a variety of reactions ranging from the overexcited to the underwhelmed. Across all reactions, there were underlying fears and concerns about various aspects of the hike. Between the questions about bears eating me to how I'm going to carry all that food, my expectations that my fears would not match others became abundantly clear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without question, the most frequent response I've gotten is 'You're going alone!?'. It only briefly crossed my mind to do this with a partner or two. Unfortunately, I couldn't think of anyone with the resources or timing that matched mine, let alone someone I would be comfortable spending 6 months hiking alongside. While it'd be awesome to share this experience with someone else, I have fellow hikers and friends who will meet me on the trail for a few days for that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've read enough to know what I need to be cautious and concerned about (and no doubt I'll learn more when I get on the trail). When it comes to actual fear, my irrational fear of snakes will never disappear, so stepping on one of those bad boys will always be haunting my thoughts. I feel prepared, and I think that has done<span style="background-color: white;"> quite </span>a bit to ease any actual fears I have. I know all my expectations of trail life will likely be thrown out the window as soon as I start the hike, but you'll just have to tune in and find out for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm planning to head out on an overnight this weekend to test out some of my new gear, and will plan to report back and finalize my gear list.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990787737466512370.post-20362169565997135242012-03-05T11:25:00.001-05:002012-03-05T11:25:29.982-05:00Welcome!My name's Kevin and I'll be your guide for the next six months as I traverse America's greatest long hike, in an attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian trail. I've camped my whole life and give full credit to my parents for instilling a wanderlust in me from an earlier age. In my first few years of adulthood, I've carried on this tradition with multi-week trips with my brother Chub both through New England and the Pacific Coast/Southwest. Both only temporarily satiated my appetite for travel and adventure. I've never been a serious backpacker, but have always enjoyed hiking, camping, and everything that goes with it. An AT thru-hike seemed like the perfect next step for my travels.<br />
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Sometime last year I started seriously considering a thru-hike of the AT and have been slowly acquiring new camping gear since, with the visions of thru-hiking popping up consistently in my day to day thoughts. I fully committed to myself in December and began more serious preparations. I'll be leaving April 9th to head down to Springer Mountain in Georgia, and will be detailing my last month of preparation and the trials and tribulations of the full hike as often as I can on this blog.<br />
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As a way to make this hike useful and worthwhile to someone other than me, I've also set up a <a href="http://www.uhgiving.org/Page.aspx?pid=886&frsid=156" target="_blank">fundraising page</a> for Rainbow Babies and Children's hospital in Cleveland. As many friends visiting this page know, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 19 years old, and had my surgery at Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital. I am incredibly indebted to the hospital and thought if I could help raise <b>any </b>money for them, I would. Check out the fundraising page for more information and to donate!!!<br />
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I'll be adding more to this page regularly, so check back often!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14902192734192407723noreply@blogger.com0