In the Fall of 2006 while near Damasus Virginia I saw an Appalachian Trail sign. At that time, the thought of thru-hiking or even backpacking on the A.T. never entered my mind. The only backpacking that I had done was when I was in the Boy Scouts, decades before. In the Fall of 2008 I took my first backpacking trip on the A.T.. We did about 38 miles. Soon after that, I became friends with a few people that enjoyed backpacking as much as I do. Since 2008 I have hiked over 500 miles of the A.T.. I did four one-week long trips and the rest three-day trips. The more I hiked on the A.T. the more I thought about attemping a thru-hike.
A few other places that I've backpacked were in the Wind River Range in Wyoming, Adirondacks in New York, and Glacier National Park in Montana. My favorite place to backpack closer to home is at Big South Fork in Tennessee.
My trail name is Blazer. It's because I tend to hike at a pretty fast pace, and when I'm in the front, I tend to be way out front, like a trail blazer leading the way.
Glacier National Park, Montana
MacAffee Knob in Virginia, on the A.T.
Jeff, I am so proud of you and what you are going to do. Memories to last a lifetime are ahead for you and for those of us who will be privileged to hear them. Uncle Bill
ReplyDeleteJeff
ReplyDeleteHave a great hike. I am very confident you can do it. I wish I could do some of it with you.Even though I would have trouble keeping up with you even when my ankle is better. Good luck, Godspeed and enjoy!
Carabinerguy. AKA Chris
Alma says she is 'really proud of you." That goes for me as well. Godspeed. Uncle Bill
ReplyDeleteJeff
ReplyDeleteAll of us here at West-Lite Supply offer you the best of luck. I just found out about your adventure last night from Michelle. I will be following you. Have a great, serene journey. Godspeed
Doug
It was good to hear that you made it to New Found Gap ok I was praying for you and all the hikers on your journey north.
ReplyDeleteJeff,
ReplyDeleteI received a call from your mom last night and she told me about your adventure. That's awesome! I'm excited to hear more about your trip. Be safe.
Love,
Cousin Teena
Hello Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI found you blog When I went to Rivers roads and trails. I plan to go do the AT in a couple of years.
Godspeed
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI removed Rick's comment by mistake. I've replaced it here.
DeleteCongratulations Blazer!!!! Anna and I enjoyed meeting you in Virginia and following your blog!!!! What a huge accomplishment. I have been reading your post daily. We missed you by one day when we did a week long hike of the White Mountains in NH in July. However we got to talk to some of your trail friends like Maineiac and Fatty while staying in one of the huts. Anna is still using that IT band stretch that you taught her on the bench!! Blessing to you and your family!!!
Your trail friends, Rick Banez and Anna Jenkins, Fredericksburg, VA
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your accomplishment and adventure! I've been wanting to do an AT thru hike for a long time. Career and kids will keep me from that for a while, but I may get to do it in 20 years or so. I've come to the party after it was over, but started reading your blog a few days ago and could not stop reading it! Thank you for sharing it.