I'm in Maine.

This will be the last post before I summit Katahdin, hopefully in about 2 weeks. I will write one final post after that to close this adventure and will probably upload the majority of photos and video as well. It's very strange thinking how close I am to the finish, how long ago I started, and how normal this way of life has become to me. But, let's fill you in from Mass to here. 

Massachusetts concluded with my first 3000' peak since VA. Mt. Greylock. I spent much of the afternoon there and watched as dozens of hang gliders and paragliders launched from the summit and flew around during a beautiful day. I was anxious to push for the border and left around 5 to hike the last few until Vermont. I made it and then had a shelter to myself that night. Finally, I was in Vermont. The trail had unfortunatly grown rather monotonous over the last several hundred miles. Low elevation, considerably more urban that I would have liked, and a lack of the awe-inspiring beauty that the southern section had held around what seemed like every turn. A large part of this, I think was I was just getting used to trail life, another part perhaps was that the hardships and challenges I had beaten earlier with the excitement and sheer will power, I now viewed as overwhelming annoyances. Constantly being a meal for a mosquito, heat and humidity, and other relatively minor things (they are minor as I look back on them) were just piling up. But now I only had 3 states left. Some of the hardest and most beautiful trail awaited me. 3000', 4000', and 5000' foot peaks would again be normal. There would again be breathtaking views. All of these things really helped my morale in Vermont. Even as I continued to battle pain in my knees, bugs, humidity, MUD (so much mud), I was excited once again. I was hiking with friends, I was driven, Katahdin was in my sights (silly me, I still had 600ish miles to go), and it was time to finish this thing out strong. 

Vermont was indeed beautiful and seemed like a breath of fresh air. The beautiful mountains and challenging terrain restored a lot of my motivation. However, I was still moving slow, taking more days off to try and heal my injuries. Setbacks like cutting my foot open in Manchester, VT, and my phone breaking in Rutland, VT, further slowed my pace.  All of this adding frustration and again lowering morale. I was dealt another blow shortly before the NH border, what is likely a stress fracture in the first metatarsal of my right foot. I took 2 zeroes in Hanover, NH resting it and trying to take care of my phone. It was a great town (also the home of Dartmouth) and I left feeling rested, but still injured. 

New Hampshire was even better than I could have hoped. Mountains were higher, weather was perfect, and towns were wonderful. I was rapidly approaching the White Mountains of New Hampshire; a section of trail notorious for it's difficulty as well as beauty. I was obviously worried about my foot and my knees as they would undoubtedly take a beating. I got my last new pair of shoes to help support my foot and bought better knee braces; I'm glad I did, I sure needed them. The Whites were incredible, rugged, beautiful, and immensely satisfying. The climbs were brutal, and the decents even more so. But the peaks and ridges were majestic and breathtaking. I couldn't believe where I was and what I was doing. Battling 50mph winds on the presidential ridge and hiking over some of the most rugged trail I've had, also some of the oldest in the country. After the whites I celebrated my birthday in Gorham, NH. I had hoped I would have been home by then but, well, knees. A day after I left Gorham, I hit Maine. I was told that NH would leave you with a kick to the shorts and Maine would greet you with a punch to the mouth. They were right. 

My first day in Maine after crossing the border was 4.4 miles that took 3 hours. I climbed mountains that consisted of wet, slick slabs of rock and crossed bogs with mud about 3+ feet deep. Luckily I was able to avoid falling in, others weren't as lucky. As we approached more difficult trail we decided to call it a day and let it dry out alittle more before pressing on, it was a good choice. After climbing through a jumbled boulder field and climbing and descending a large mountain, we ran into Miss Janet, the trail angel of all trail angels. We loaded up in her van, bought our resupply in town, and relaxed a her friend's (a past thru-hiker) cabin for some rest and wifi. After a night there it was back to hiking. The terrain was limiting my pace to 10-15 miles a day which was frustrating but I pushed through to arrive in Rangely, ME, a wonderful little town on a lake. I split a cottage on the lake with 3 other people and thoroughly enjoyed a day of rest. Now I sit in the Rangely Library, debating hiking a short day out, or staying another night and getting an early start tomorrow.  I'm about 2 weeks out from Katahdin. 

Lately my mind has been full of thoughts of home, friends, family, and Chipolte. I miss home, I am ready to finish and return. I have also been pondering what life will be like at home, it is undoubtedly different from life on the trail, but how will my experiences these last 6 months change life at home? I know I have changed and my perspectives have changed, but what will the effects be? It will surely take me some time to figure it out and to re-acclimate to society, but I look forward to it. I am ready to come home. I am ready to return to school. I am ready to begin my next adventure. 

I hope to see you all soon, 

Shades out. 

The northern presidential range

The top of Mt. Lafayette, looking toward the presidentials.

The top of Lafeyette, looking down Franconia ridge, the Kinsmans and Mt. Moosilauke In the distance

Maine. 

The last border.

Harper's Ferry, WV to Dalton, Mass.

This post will cover just about 7 states, which is something I would like to apologize for. I have been absolutely terrible about documenting my trip as of late and will try to be more consistent for the remainder as it contains the most challenging and rewarding sections of the trail. 

Anyway. Maryland and Pensylvania were pretty similar. Rocky, flat, and wet. I slowed down a lot here. They were states I could have flown through but instead slowed down. I was starting to lose some if the drive and determination and struggled with that for a while. The last half of PA especially. The terrain is extremely rocky and was tearing my feet up. I met up with a group of hikers I hadn't seen in a while and pushed through into New Jersey. I took a few days off with a friend from school on Jersey and rested and enjoyed myself a little. It was great for morale as well as rest for my body. For a while I've been struggling with knee issues. Specifically, Patellar Tendonitis. The first half of New York, which is chocked full of steep climbs and decents, especially exacerbated the problems. So much so that I, thanks to a wonderful trail angel, got a ride to an urgent care to get them checked out. I was worried I was causing damage and the whole day leading up was considering my options. If she did say I was damaging them, do I make the wise decision and go home to finish another time? Or do I press on? Thankfully, lasting damage was not likely, the rest of my trip would just be painful untill I can get off my feet and let the tendonitis heal. She gave me a stronger anti-inflammatory and told me to press on. So I did. My knees are still hurting, but not getting worse. No pain, no Maine.  

One of the great things about this region is the amount of delis we pass. I have eaten more sandwiches in the last couple weeks than I can count and it's wonderful. I have also been blown away by the kindness of so many trail angels. 

From leaving water caches during dry sections, to bringing sodas and food to trail crossings, it has been a great morale booster during some more mundane sections of the trail.  

I moved through Connecticut fairly quickly and am now a day away from leaving Massachusetts. I hit 2000' for the first time in hundreds of miles and am looking forward to the next state, Vermont. It is the beginning of the hardest, and most beautiful section of the trail. I will have much more to post about and will hopefully post again in or just after Vermont. 

Until then, 

Shades. 

P.S. Thank you all so much for the thoughts, prayers, and support. It means so much to me and has kept me going when the trail gets rough and trying. Also, here are a few pics, I didn't take too many during this bit but I do have a few. 

A little look into my humble abode

A look down on some early morning fog

A neat little waterfall I passed by

Swimming in "Nuclear lake"

A view in New York, my camera couldn't pick it up, but I got my first glimpse of the NYC skyline. 

Skipping the detour to travel to real AT route and cutting through a construction site to cross where the bridge used to be. This is Amish, showing proper river-fording technique.

Conecticut coming up strong on the views category 

Again, well done Connecticut. 

Waynesboro to Harpers Ferry

The day I posted my last post, I entered the Shenandoah National Park. There I experienced what Thru-hikers commonly refer to as "The Virginia Blues." But more on that in a second. 

When I hiked out of Rockfish Gap (right at Waynesboro, VA) I did about 8 miles to get to the first shelter. Then I took a nap and left camp again at about 2am. You see, my family had just finished a week of vacation in the area and were close enough they wanted to meet me, we chose the time of 11am so I had to do 20 miles by then to arrive at the location. Anyway, after hiking all night I made it, enjoyed a nice picnic lunch together, and said goodbye until I finish. I hiked a few more miles that day but ended up camping at some trail magic where they fed me dinner and then breakfast the next day. This is when I really started noticing the VA Blues. 

The Virginia Blues refer to a feeling

of depression and lack of motivation that often hits somewhere in Virginia. By this point in our hike, the honeymoon phase is long over. The initial excitement wears off and the trip starts feeling a little monotonous. I had been in Virginia for weeks and it makes you feel like your progress is slowed, when in reality I was pulling big days regularly. Also, Shenandoah is alittle lack-luster in the views category, compared to some of the previous sections anyway. Not only that, but you follow skyline drive all day and cross it multiple times everyday. The stillness of the forest that you have come to love is broken up by the sound of cars every few minutes. I grouped up for a couple days to help get me some push and motivation and then forced myself to change perspective. I'm almost halfway done, Harpers Ferry is a huge point along the trail, viewed as a halfway point, and often a time and place to shift attitude and start setting your eyes on the finish. 

So that's where I'm at now, mentally. I'm looking towards the end, that is my goal. I originally wanted to finish by the end of August, so I'm going to try to do that. Hike consistent, big-mile days at a sustainable pace so I don't burn out or get injured. 

Anyway, after the Shenandoahs, I made a quick resupply run in Front Royal, VA. I met up with a hiker I had hiked with alittle back in the Shenandoahs so we paced together to make a hard push into Harpers Ferry, WV. However, this took quite a toll on me, especially my feet. Worn out insoles were causing a lot of rubbing and I pushed them to the point of almost bleeding in places. The last several miles into Harpers Ferry I was hobbling more than hiking. We did 30 miles that day, the last 3 of which in a severe thunderstorm. But we made it, and it felt incredible crossing the bridge into town. From there I spent a couple days with relatives that live near there and it was great to visit, relax, and heal. I got dropped back off in Harpers Ferry a couple days later. I ran some errands, grabbed a meal, and hiked out.....3 miles and stopped at a really awesome hostel to avoid some severe weather supposed to come through...I got caught in it anyway. I ended up with a zero the next day as well, I still had some stuff to get done and really just wanted to sit around for one more day. I watched some movies, ate some food, and played a 4 hour game of Risk. That I lost. 

And that's where I am right now, trying to convince myself to hike out today. I'll be posting next from Carlisle, PA and hopefully have some good pictures to share. My camera battery was low during the last bit but honestly didn't have anything that I really wanted to snap a shot of anyway. 

Until next time,

Shades

PONIES, and some other cool stuff.

Well, it's been a while since my last post, about 400 miles actually and that post didn't even match up to my progress at that point. This post will cover about 518 miles and it, as well as future posts, will be in a different format that the ones before. It is very time consuming to try to write up every day on a phone and truthfully, most days would be pretty boring to read about. I will be posting more about the section than each individual day, while still walking through chronologically. With that said, let's get started! 

I last left off in Erwin, TN. And as I'm typing this now in Waynesboro, Va, it seems like ages ago. (A month and about a week, actually) This last stretch of TN was varies greatly in views and topography but was absolutely gorgeous. When I stopped in Erwin, I bought enough food to get me all the way to Damascus, VA and was going to try and make it in 5-6 days. A distance of about 130 miles. It ended up taking me 7, but that worked with my schedule better anyway as I was getting picked up in Damascus from a friend. So far this section was my highest average mileage. My highest day so far was the day I arrived in Damascus at about 26 miles. I hiked through hail and torrential downpours, slept at 6200 feet in the highest shelter on the trail, and got to meet some awesome hikers. Including Beaver and Backwoods Barbie, a couple that were sectioning from Erwin to Damascus. They were some of the kindest, most generous, and all around most wonderful people I had the pleasure of hiking with this far and I thank them for the wonderful times and conversation. 

A bald in the Roan Highlands, looking at the storm I was going to literally walk right into. 

Arrow and I after walking through a couple hours of thunderstorm and hail.

After such a rigorous section at a fast pace, I walked into Damascus tired and sore. A friend if mine from Liberty, Job, lives in the area and picked me up to stay for a couple days. Shout out to him and his family for a wonderful couple days of R&R that was very overdue. After staying for a couple nights I hiked a few days out if Damascus and then returned for the big AT festival "Trail Days". It allowed me another couple days off as well as being able to visit the tents if a bunch off vendors and get a bunch of free stuff (I'm always a fan of free stuff). Thanks again to Job and his family and friends for being so awesome and making my time there great. 

After Damascus, my sights were set on Lynchburg. My Sister was graduating High School in less than 2 weeks and I had alittle over 300 miles to do...an average of about 23 miles a day. I even did my biggest day so far of 35.6 miles, a day which began with this picture.

During this section I also took a picture many of you have already seen, and one I am going to be hard-pressed to ever top. This was taken in Grayson Highlands State Park, home of wild, mini ponies. 

Some other notable sights and points within this section  McAffee's knob, 

I'm not actually sure what this place is called, it's a few miles before Daleville, VA, 

And this soon after sunrise shot, again in GHSP. 

A coworker of mine, Dan, was able to pick me up in Daleville for a meal, shower, and a restful night of sleep in a real bed. Thanks again to Dan and his family for all of the help, it was greatly appreciated. I fell about 50 miles short of my goal but was within easy driving distance to still get picked up. At the point I got picked up, I had completed about 1/3 of the length of the AT.

 This was the hardest I've ever pushed my body and definitely paid a price for it. When I arrived home, my feet were literally bleeding in one spot and rubbed raw about everywhere else. I developed tendonitis in both knees and my legs were completely gassed. Despite the toll it took on me, this was by far my favorite section of trail. Thankfully though, I had 3 full days at home waiting for me and was able to recover some and enjoy some much needed time with family and friends. 

During this time, my best friend and roomate from Liberty, Josh, came down to visit and finish paperwork for a place we will be renting. Somehow, I convinced him to hike the 54 miles I hadn't yet completed to get to the James River Foot Bridge. It rained almost the entire time, we had a rather large climb and descent, we hitched in and out of a town, and he even put in a 20 mile day with me. Props to him for sticking with it and never whining. *cough cough*

I kid, I kid, he really did great and I was glad to have the company. I spent one more night at home, and then was dropped off once more the next afternoon. Enough rest, it was time to go north. 

I used the next few days to slowly step up the mileage to something resembling what I had before. This was also some of the more rigorous trail in VA with a couple big climbs and descents back to back. My friend Ben met me up at Spy Rock for a night since I didn't get to see him when I was home. Ben also accompanied me in January on a short hike to test my gear. It was great having him there and that is definitely a spot I will be returning to. A couple days later I made it into Waynesboro, VA, where I am right now after spending a rest day with Landon and his family. I met Landon before the trip and am very thankful for all of the hospitality he and his family gave me while I was passing through their area. I even got to drive his '78 Corvette, which was pretty much a dream come true. Thanks again! 

Well folks, you are now caught up. My next post will come from Harpers Ferry, WV, and will be within a couple days of the halfway point. Happy trails! 

Or like um whatever it is you are doing, be happy with it, or whatever.

Deuces,

Like the Mooses. 

(I think I used that already, oh well)

Hot Springs to Erwin

I am writing this from Damascus, Va. I would write all the way up to Damascus but I will be coming back in a couple days for a big festival called "Trail Days" I would rather include this with a post but wanted to at least post something so I am just doing up until Erwin, TN.

Well I finally did drag myself out of Hot Springs. It was hard, but it needed to be done. To many places to buy food; dangerous for a hiker on a budget.

Day 31, Miles: 0.0  AT Miles 274.4

I wasn't originally going to take a zero day here but decided to since some other hikers I started with were going to make a cake to celebrate being on the trail for a month. And since there was cake involved, of course I decided to stay. (I also wanted to hang out with those cool hikers; Wings, and the Orr Family) Anyway, I bought groceries, ate more food, and enjoyed a restful zero day.

Day 32, Miles: 11  AT Miles: 285.4

Stayed in Hot Springs until around 3:30pm. I spent most of my time at Hiker's Ridge Ministries using a computer and drinking free coffee. I finally fixed my GoPro Camera so I could post pictures and then worked on my last blog post. When I finally did leave, I made good time to the shelter and got there right before sunset. Pitched my tent and camped out with a bunch of friends. A roaring campfire and a clear sky made for a great night.

Day 33, Miles: 8.6  AT Miles: 294.0

Woke up late and didn't break camp until around 10:30am. Got some trail magic for lunch at one of the road crossings. It was a pleasant surprise and I am very thankful. Immediately following lunch began a long climb. It drizzled on and off and eventually did start raining. I made it to the first shelter and some friends from the night before talked me into staying there that night. Got to bed really early so that I could try and make a big day the next day.

Day 34, Miles: 22.0  AT Miles: 316.0

Woke up to a lot of thick fog and started hiking. At one point, I was hiking on a thin, rocky ridge and couldn't see more than 10 yards in any direction, which is unnerving knowing my elevation is around 4400 feet. It cleared up near the end of the day and I got to a shelter around 6. I ate some snacks and decided to push on. I hiked another 9 miles and got to the next shelter around 9:30pm. Thankfully there was plenty of space in the shelter so I cooked a quick dinner and went to bed.

Day 35, Miles: 20.7  AT Miles: 336.7

Slept in a little bit after my new longest day yesterday. After 4 or 5 miles. I ran into my friend Ron and his dog, Bandit. We hiked together for a while and just enjoyed the day and some nice views. we reached the top of Big Bald around 5:00pm. I stopped for a meal and he stopped for the night. After this I hiked around 11 more miles. It was a beautiful night with a full moon and a clear sky. By the light of my headlamp I hiked until 12:30am. This was the first day I have hiked consecutive 20 mile days and I felt great. Tomorrow I will go into Erwin to resupply and hike on. I stopped in Hot Springs so I don't need to stop in Erwin, this way I save a little time and money.

Day 36, Miles: 10.5 AT Miles: 347.2

Hiked 6 miles to the outskirts of Erwin and then hitched into town. Bought enough food to get me all the way into VA without stopping. This gave me the heaviest pack weight since I started...ouch. I ate lunch at Little Caesars and are a whole pizza and crazy bread by myself. So good. After that I hitched back to the trail and hiked another 4 miles to the shelter. 

After Erwin I hauled tail to VA. I hit some absolutely amazing views and made my highest average mileage. I'll be posting again in several days with all of this including Trail Days. Stay tuned! 

Soakies, Magic, and not a single bear

The last time I was able to post was in Franklin, NC, which is soon after the 100 mile marker. I am now in Hot Springs, NC, which is around 275 miles. We have a lot of catching up to do.

Also, it is said that 40% of people drop out by the end of the Smokies, so a pat on the back for me. 

Day 11, Miles: 3.6  AT Miles: 106.1

Hiked a short day so I could catch the shuttle into Franklin. Split a cheap motel with 3 other hikers and then just enjoyed the rest of a lazy day in town on a beautiful day. Showered and got laundry done as well. It's often hard to remind myself how necessary these town days are. The tendency is to want to skip over in order to make miles and save money. 

Day 12, Miles: 8.1  AT Miles: 114.0 

Ate breakfast at the Baptist church in Franklin. For 1 month during peak hiker season, they drive a van to all the motels and hostels to pick up hikers for an all you can eat pancakes and bacon breakfast. After eating my fill and thanking these wonderful people, I went and bought my food for the next 5 days. 

  

I went and hung out one of the outfitters so I could get free coffee and wifi to type my blog post. I also needed some more time off of my feet for some blisters to harden up. I wasn't able to get back on trail until 5 pm, when I then proceeded to pump out 8+ miles to a shelter .5 miles off trail. Crammed in with friends to avoid thunderstorms predicted that night. 

Day 13, Miles: 6.8  AT Miles: 120.8

Took a later morning waiting of a lull in the rain. It rained more anyway so my waiting didn't help that much. Ended up running into my first trail magic at Wayah Bald. Hot dogs and fruit was one of the best things to combat a really terrible day for hiking. Hiked another mile or so past the bald and made camp around one of the shelters. It wasn't a long day but I needed it to help some minor injuries rest up. 

Day 14, Miles: 10.6  AT Miles: 131.4 

Took another later morning and a long lunch. Got to see some incredible views from Wesser Bald and then hiked just a little further to Wesser Bald Shelter. I was the only one there. I have never had such an eerie experience than being at the shelter all night, alone. I did get to go back to the top of the bald for an incredible sunset though. I also had my first mouse incident. Since I was the only person in the shelter, I was the only hiker for them to mess with so they decided to chew through the bite-valve of my CamelBak. 

Day 15, Miles: 12.6  AT Miles: 144.0

Ended up enjoying the solitude (other than the mice) and had a nice night overall. Hike down several thousand feet of elevation today into a place called the Nantahala Outdoor Center so I could buy a new bite-valve and grab lunch. Then hiked up several thousand feet of elevation to make camp. After a strenuous and long decent with a long climb after, I am feeling pretty sore. Starting to notice more and more pain in my feet. Hoping these boots can make it a little longer. 

Day 16, Miles: 9.1  AT Miles: 153.1

Another day with a lot of downhill, starting to have more foot pain and soreness, almost like I sprained a few toes or something. Planning a zero in Fontana the day after tomorrow so hopefully a lot of the pain will go away. 

Day 17, Miles: 12.8  AT Miles: 165.9

Yet another day with a lot of downhill. People think the ups are hard, but its the downs that take the most toll. Fontana has a great shelter nicknamed the "Fontana Hilton." It has public restrooms and showers and an incredible view of Fontana Lake. Looking forward to the zero tomorrow. 

Day 18, Miles: 0.0  AT Miles: 165.9

Relaxed for a while and then took a shower, finally. Got a hitch into town and picked up my food drop for the Smokies, which is right after the Fontana Dam. Hung out at a little store for a while and did laundry. Ran into another hiker, Ron, and he offered the other bed he had at the lodge there. A great way to end a relaxing and very necessary zero day. 

Day 19, Miles: 6.0 AT Miles: 171.9

Much later start than anticipated but wanted to grab lunch before heading out. Started hiking again around 2:30 pm. Was pouring rain all day and the trail was basically a creek. Slowed our pace quite a bit so we camped at the first site we saw. In the Smokies, you are only allowed to camp at shelters or designated sites which is kind of annoying. Anyway, the rain had let up so we wanted to get our tents up while it was dry.

Day 20, Miles: 10.8 AT Miles: 182.7

Trail was super muddy making it very hard to make a good pace. Stopped shorter of our goal but there was a good group at the shelter and had a good time just sitting around and talking.

Day 21, Miles: 12.1 AT Miles: 194.8

Pushed out a hard first 6 miles but realized I wasn't going to make my initial goal of almost 20 today. The 3 inches of mud is making hiking very difficult and disheartening. Pushed on some more so a shelter. Heard we are going to get over 2 inches of rain tomorrow, great. 

Day 22, Miles: 0.0  AT Miles: 194.8

Woke up to high winds and pouring rain outside. Inside, we had a fire in the fireplace and everyone else had decided to take a zero day. We have now started referring to the Smokies at the "Soakies." Ate food and made hot tea all day which was a good morale booster. Also having a lot of issues with my feet because of my boots. I don't know if I can make them last too much longer. 

Day 23, Miles: 8.0  AT Miles: 202.8

Made it to Clingman's Dome today, the highest point on the AT. Had some good views and beautiful terrain as we made it into higher elevation. Going into Gatlinburg tomorrow to get some food since I'm taking longer to get through the Soakies. Staying in Mt. Collins shelter tonight at 5900'. 

Day 24, Miles: 4.5  AT Miles: 207.3 

Short day to Newfound Gap so I could hitch into Gatlinburg. Got a hitch pretty quickly and got lunch at Five Guys. Went to the outfitter to charge my phone and ended up buying trail runners so I could ditch my boots. I couldn't take hiking in them any longer. After navigating the trolley system to the grocery store and back, I reached the edge of town around dark, to try and hitch back to the trail. Not easy after dark when you are a guy. Ended up getting picked up by a park worker to crash at her house for the night. Many thanks to her, it was nice to have a bed and a shower for the night. 

Day 25, Miles: 15.6  AT Miles: 222.9

Got a hitch in about 15 seconds this morning and pumped out good miles today. Feet feel amazing in the new shoes. Weather was clear providing some amazing views of the Smokies, finally. Reminds me of something I would see out west or something. Sharper, rugged mountains, speckled with conifers, It's stunning actually. 

Day 26, Miles: 20.5  AT Miles:  243.4

Longest day yet! Dropped several thousand feet out of the Smokies and had more incredible views in the process. Was able to get enough signal to FaceTime my Mom for her birthday which was definitely a nice surprise. One, for her to see me, two, that I had enough service in the middle of the woods. Still feeling good with the new shoes and happy to be out of the Smokies, now we can camp anywhere again. 

Day 27, Miles: 7.7  AT Miles: 251.1

Heard there would be trail magic at Brown Gap and were they ever right. I ended up camping the night. I ate a total of 6 meals there, it was, in fact, called a "Hiker Feed." One night we even had steak, pork chops, salmon, and chicken. Huge props to the crew at Brown Gap, they have been doing that for about 24 years. Looking forward to seeing them again at Trail Days in a few weeks. 

Day 28, Miles: 0.0  AT Miles: 251.1

The zero day of the hiker feed. Just imagine me sitting around eating all sorts of food, drinks, and soaking up some sunshine. Man this hiking thing is hard.

Day 29, Miles: 8.9  AT Miles: 260.0

Hiked out from the hiker feed in pouring rain and hiked into the night before I made camp. Night hiking alone is already a little creepy, doing it in fog just makes it unbearable. Camped alone and just tried not to think of any of the horror movies I had seen where being alone in the woods ends badly. I remembered all of them. 

Day 30, Miles: 14.4  AT Miles: 274.4

Made it into Hot Springs, NC today and got a bunk at the Laughing Heart hostel. was going to push on but ended up hanging out in town all day. Nice little trail town and nice to get some good food. There is a nice little hiker ministry with computers, wifi, and free coffee which is where I am right now.

So there it is, one month on the trail. I haven't made near the pace I had expected but that is probably a good thing. Now that I have new shoes and less foot pain, I hope to put many more in a day. I should hit VA in about 2 weeks or more and can't wait to be back home in a few after that. 

Shades, the hiker formally known as Chad.

There is a long standing tradition among thru-hikers, or any type of hiker, to have a "trail name". Essentially a nickname to be used on the trail. Some pick their own, others let their name be chosen by those their fellow hikers. I fall into the second category. Finally, on day 5, I received mine. But anyway, let's start with day 1.

Day 1, Miles Hiked: 8.1, AT Miles: 8.1

After hiking to the top of Springer with my parents and saying our goodbyes, I took off to hike another 7 miles that day to the first shelter, Hawk Mountain Shelter. (Shelters are often simple one to two story huts for hikers to stay in. I usually just camp near them for the social aspect and the privy, or outhouse.) It was an absolutely gorgeous day for hiking with predominantly mild terrain. I met a lot of awesome people that first night, many I continue to run into. I also met the two families, total of 15 people, that are hiking the entire trail. It rained pretty hard that night, which made breaking camp that much more enjoyable. 

Day 2, Miles Hiked 7.7, AT Miles: 15.8

After breaking camp, I hiked most of the day alone. So far, this has been my preference as it allows me to move at my pace and enjoy the stillness and solitude of the woods. Anyway, I rolled into camp fairly early and spend the day lounging around and drying out my stuff. I stayed at Gooch Mountian Shelter and met many more incredible people, as well as running into many from the night before. 

Day 3 Miles: 8.5 AT Miles: 24.3

Took my time breaking camp today and just enjoyed the absolutely gorgeous weather. Big day with Blood Mountain tomorrow, the first real Mountian I'll have to hike. 

Also, thanks to Molly and William for being awesome and giving me some peanut butter, Nutella, blister band aids, and great camp conversation! It was much appreciated! 

Day 4, Miles: 15.7 AT Miles: 39

What a day, hiked Blood Mountain and had some absolutely incredible views. Then made my way to Neels Gap, and hung out at the outfitter there and bought boot insoles which may have saved my hike. This is where the story gets fun. I was supposed to only go about a mile past Neels Gap and make camp near a water source, that ended up being dry. My original play for a 9 mile day went out the window as I continued on to find the next few water sources were dry as well. Severely dehydrated and exhausted I stumbled upon the two hiking families' (Known as the Biff Network) camp. I could barely even speak at this point and they gave me a liter of water to drink as well as filling my bottles and offering even to help set up camp. I was in rough shape and they helped me out in a big way, so to them I owe a great deal of thanks for saving my hike and just being absolutely incredible people. 

Day 5, Miles: 11.5 AT Miles: 50.5

Woke up in a cloud and remained on a cloud all day. It provided for some cool pictures and even cooler hiking, a big change from the 80 degrees of yesterday's big, and stupid, mileage day. Feeling good and having easy terrain, I pushed out almost 12 today. I also am sleeping in my first shelter so I don't have to pack up a wet tent in the morning.

This is the day I got my trail name, Shades, due to a pair of pink Oakley frogskins I decided to bring as sunglasses. They have nice lenses, are lightweight, and I got them on sale I have no regrets. Shades it is. 

Day 6, Miles: 2.4 AT Miles: 52.9

Hikes to Unicoi gap where the shuttle for the Top of Georgia hostel picked me up. Got a bunk there for the night as well as a shower (my first of the trip) and they did my laundry. They even gave me a pair of scrubs to wear while they did it and I wore them to town when I went in to resupply. We all looked ridiculous in our muddy hiking boot/scrub outfits but it was amazing. 

Day 7, Miles: 13.1 AT Miles: 66.0

After getting back on trail, I hiked some of the hardest miles so far, up and over 3 mountains that left me absolutely worn out and glad to make camp. 

Day 8 (Easter Sunday), Miles: 12.6 AT Miles: 78.6

Hiked 3 miles to Dicks Creek Gap where I walked a short way back to Top of Georgia to retrieve my spork that I had forgotten. (Oops) after resting and eating lunch I got back on trail and pushed out about 9 more miles to make the NC border. One state down, 13 to go. I camped directly after the border with a good group of people and I had my first real campfire. Life is absolutely great and the people I'm around are incredible. Really loving trail life. 

Day 9, Miles: 7.7 AT Miles: 86.3

Short day today to rest the legs alittle. Well that, and it was rainy and cold and so I took the option to cram in a shelter instead if trying to pitch a tent in the storm. 

Day 10, Miles: 16.2 AT Miles: 102.5 

After a sharp climb and a long day, I hit to 100 mile mark! An absolutely beautiful with and even more perfect evening. North Caroline is beautiful so far. A shot day tomorrow and into Franklin, NC to split a motel room and enjoy a very refreshing day in town. 

I am having some trouble being able to post the pictures I have on my camera so unfortunatly don't have any to share, hopefully by my next post I will have it sorted out and can share some of the amazing views, and amazing people that I have been surrounded with. This trip so far has exceeded even my best expectations. I am doing great, loving life on the trail, and have been so blessed by all of you that have sent me so many kind words and well wishes. 

Unfortunatly it will most likely be another 10-14 days until I can post again as I am about to enter the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennesee.