April 30 Update

I'm currently at mile 1382, the Buena Vista, VA exit. Things are going great, I feeling better and better as my hiking legs seem to have come in. My breathing is very strong and other than the really tough climbs I can go all day. I hiked Priest Mtn yesterday with an alitude of 4063 ft and 4 miles of trail. I would rate this the Priest hike as one of the top 3 toughest so far of all I have done. I would also rate it as one of the prettiest mountains as the top 1/4 has a creek with little water falls right down the middle. I had some trail angels (workers) that I hiked down with in the sleet take me to Buena Vista where I will probably stay 2 days when the cold rain is suppose  to move out. I will try to post more items while I'm confined to this dry warm room.
Meekness

4/24 Update 14 Days on trail

I wanted to clear up the confusion on the mileage I have posted. Last year I was northbound and this year I am southbound. So currently I'm at mile 1282 southbound (SoBo) or 903.3 northbound (NoBo). I will use only SoBo in the future. So I have hike 115.7      miles in 14 days with 629.2 to go. That includes 2 "0" days, one to help arrange Frank's return and one to wait out the cold nights. My buddy Frank had a bad fall and injured his right ankle and back at the 7 day mark. Thus he had to return home 1 week earlier than planned. He had to walk 2 to 3 miles after his fall to get to the hostel where we were staying. I really didn't think he would get up from the fall but as I raised the big rock over my head he suddenly jumped up and said let's go. I guess all he he needed was a little encouragement. I really miss his companionship and I'm glad he's always there to get me off and running.
I'm differently better prepared this year and know how to pace myself to stay strong. I'm at 10 to 15 miles per hiking days and if on the trail early can get in 9 to 10 before noon. It seems my tank is empty around 2:30 - 3:30 which normally is around 8 hours on the trail. Yes it's very tiring, I'm in bed by 7 or 8 but it brings a joy that I will remember forever.

Meekness
Sewing seeds for the Lord
Psalms 16:7

6 Days on the trail

Well my first week is about over. Heading south has turned out to be a wise decision as the hiking has been much easier then last year. Starting on Springer Mtn and heading north was a much tougher hike. You had to climb more elevation and it seemed to be mountain after mountain. Going south has less elevation change and longer stretches of flater trails. Most hikes starts around 8:00 and finish anywhere from 3:30 to 5:30 as rule. It seems 3:30 is the dieing hour as your body just starts to rebel. If you have an uphill, just suck it up as it takes everything you have. The only good is when you throw that 30+ pounds pack of your back it's like you start floating. Then you get off your feet, take off those shoes/boots that seem to be glued to your feet and it's like you pass out from the joy. Then you cook you meal and hope someone will have pitty and feed you. Fat chance as you look around and people are already getting ready for bed. The next morning, same people wearing the same clothes that most slept in get the joy of doing it again. The only difference is, if you can believe it the same people that almost died the day before try to do it faster and longer. Well thats enough for tonight as I don't want to make it too exciting. All we need is more nuts out here living the good life why we could be home working. So keep the cards and letters coming thats why I'm out  here trying to kill myself. Oh one last thought, not a single shelter has a tv but we do have a privy. I also writing a book about the proper way to use a privy in my spare time.

So from Meekness to you see you someday.

April 13 Update

Well the hike is back on. Lessons learn, improvements in place this old boy is a lean mean hiking machine.  We hiked 9.8 on Saturday, 6.8 on Sunday and 3.9 today to position us at Bears Den Hostel for what looks like a rainy Tuesday. If the rain ends Tuesday afternoon, we plan to get to Sam Moore Shelter another 3 miles (shorten day) which would set us up for Rod Hollow Shelter adding another 6.9 miles. This hiking team is rolling and becoming widely know in the PHW (Pro Hiking World). So keep posted as you may witness records that may never be see again.

So from Meekness to my following
a very peaceful goodnight and may God find your life pleasing.
Proverbs 16-7.

Walking the Appalachian 2015

The beginning with Hot Springs, NC the goal. That is 725 miles plus the 275 from 2014 which will equal 1000 miles. Start date is April 11.

Walking the AT take 2

Well, I plan to pickup my hike of the AT on April 11 starting at Harper's Ferry and heading south. My goal for 2015 is 1000 miles to go with my 274 miles. I finished 2014 at Hot Springs, NC mileage 274.