With Josh atop Max Patch

Taken 9/3 at 430pm

At Mile 237.0 of the AT on Sunday, May 25, 2014 (2:57 PM) Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=loc:35.76915+-83.12313

No phone servivce yesterday. Feet and shoes are taking a beating on the rocks may have to go to boots. Feet are really sore for the first time.

How do you watch for snakes in stuff like this?

Been hiking 3 1/2 hours, a good morning, sunny and hope to do a around 13 to 14 miles.
The Hiker and bear catcher

At Mile 209.9 of the AT on Friday, May 23, 2014 (7:02 PM) Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=loc:35.63038+-83.38757

Fog moved in at night and wind picked up making for a cool night. I finally saw my first bears, must have all been cubs as the biggest was only about 30 to 36 inches long (back only) and the other two were only about 14 to 18 inches long (guessing from about 20 feet). Hope to be out of the Smokies in 2 days and can sleep in my hammocks (must sleep in shelters do to animals).

Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, mile 199.1. I knocked this baby out in two hours elevation 6655 ft.

Test, which way would you go? The winner gets free sleeping quarters on the AT for a week. A hint, straight is not correct.

Fontana Lake, unfortunately bathing suits are required.

Well, food for 3+ days plus water. This should get me near Gatlinburg the next resupply point. Food down still working on permit.

Fontana Dam

Reached Fontana Dam mile 165.8 today. Going to Robbinsville to wash clothes, resupply food and make plans for next leg. Really filling good but fewer people are on the trail now.

At Mile 143.9 of the AT on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 (5:54 PM) Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=loc:35.33076+-83.66705

Tough day all up hill 6.5 miles but elevation change from 1750 to 4710. Took 6.5 hours.

No bears yet but this bunny chased me back to my room. I named him killer.

The fog rolling into the valley this morning.
5/12/14 near Topton, NC

This was the toughest downhill climb yet. I thought my toes were going to come out my shoes.
5/12/24

On the trail heading to Nantahala Outdoor Center.
5/12/14

In case you have been wondering what happen to me here's the story. I went back on the trail on April 20 after 5 days at home with severe sinus problems , thinking I was better. I was feeling OK but could not get rid of my cough and a fever which lead to me waking up wet from sweating. I felt good while hiking with the change in my meals and my new pack I was covering more miles and really getting my rhythm on the trail. I was waking up around 4:00am with a fever which brought on coughing and the sweating thus I would start off hiking with wet clothes and cool temperatures, not good. After 5 days and no improvements, I came off the trail at Tellico Gap (mile 129.2) for a night stay at Aquone Hiker Lodge and to restock my supplies. It was there that I realized I wasn't getting any better and decided to see a doctor. He was very concerned about my breathing and suggest I get a chest x-ray ASAP. It being Friday and the earliest I could get one there would be 4 days, I chose to go home and see my doctor. He started treating me for bronchitis and send the x-rays off to be read by a technician. They came back normal but he suggested I stay home until the bronchitis was completely gone and allow time for me to heal. So I was released on May 6 and will head back to the trail on May 12 after Mother's Day. I have a 10 day plan to see how things work out (Lord willing) and if I can overcome the health problems as I continue my hike. Living out doors brings new challenges but it also has shown me how Blessed we are to live in America and what Freedom we truly have. I will share more later about my hike but just wanted to get you caught up for now. 

Keep praying for sick Mick,

Meekness

Day 20:

At Mile 115.7 of the AT on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 (9:01 AM) Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=loc:35.15464+-83.58062  Looking for McDonalds, no luck. - Meekness

This seems to be my favorite position: 

Day 19:

At Mile 113.8 of the AT on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 (9:57 AM) Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=loc:35.14380+-83.57330 Spent the night at Panther Gap, very windy from 3:00 until 6:00 but it couldn't blow my tarp away. Made it to the next shelter and had a big hot breskfast as I wait to see what the rain does. Love to all as I hope to head out after the rain. - Meekness

Day 18:

Up and going, at mile 104 had to skip about 8 miles due to bear on trail. A good reason to go back and visit Franklin (NC).

Day 9:

 Made it to NC!  (They are doing great compared to their plan.  They are dead on schedule.)

Day 8:

"At Mile 69.6 of the 

AT on Saturday, April 12, 2014 (10:21 AM) Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=loc:34.91226+-83.61875

We have done 16 miles in 11 hours."

This was around lunch time.  So I'm sure they made it about 4-8 more miles.

Day 8:

 "And from the two hikers good night and sweet dreams. We probably had our best day as we also hiked the farthest and were not pooped."

They walked about 14 miles today.  They got to mile 64.1 of the AT on Friday, April 11, 2014 (8:03 PM) Google Maps link to my location: http://maps.google.com/maps?z=14&t=m&q=loc:34.86354+-83.

Day7:

 The morning view from our bedroom.

  A Christian group brought "trail magic" out to the hikers "and I was able to share, encourage and pray for them."

They're ending their day by stocking up on supples in Hiawassee.

Day 6:

Taking a break...

Guess what this is: 

Day 6:

Our kitchen and breakfast.

 And then the climb out.

Day 6:

They're starting off.  Just shy of Low Gap.  Beautiful stretch of weather coming up.  The 10lbs of weight he removed is definitely noticed.  Seemed to have a new bounce in his step when we talked.   -Tara

Day 5:

Where we get our water using our filters.

 Cooking supper.

We met up with fellow hikers, one is married to one of Tara's high school classmates.  The other is his stepfather.

Day 5:

Took 2 hours to get from that mountain to where we are now.

Day 5

 Headed out bright and early.  Leaving Neels Gap.

Day 2:

Did I say the scenery is breath taking. Miles and miles but I found out that you better keep you eyes on the trails out you may fall

Day 2:

Our first trail magic and guess who was out of water. Thank you Jesus!!

Day 2:

My buddy had been a great help and encouragement

Day 2:

This is what we tackled on Saturday, miles and miles of it. Going down is much easier than going up but all mountains have two sides.

Day 2:

One of the shelters you can stay in

Day 1:

Just a little of the scenery

Day 1:

This is where it begins and I'm off

My dream has come true, walked 8+ miles and will sleepppppp goooooooo tonight.

We are off and only 150 +/_ days to go

Now to pack and get my stuff out of the house

Home

A great big Thank You to Tara for creating my blog and TRYING to teach me how to use it.
I hope I learn before the hike is over.

The 5 reasons I may not complete my hike this year.

The brains behind all my equipment and clothing choices.

My hiking buddy Frank Thornhill

In training at Linville Gorge for the big one.

Use meekness2014at@gmail.com to contact me on the trail.

April 4, 2014 will be the starting date on my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail northbound.