September 18, 2007 Anniversary

I'm a little early, but since I will be away from a computer and Internet on the actual anniversary date, I wanted to share my summit video taken when my son and I finished our northbound hike of the Appalachian Trail, September 18, 2007 at Katahdin in Maine. A thirty-year dream at its completion.



Also, my Trail Journals entry that day.

Springer Fever - Hiking Photo Journal from our NOBO '07 Start

Some photo memories of our start at Amicalola Falls State Park, March 5th, 2007

On Springer Mountain, Georgia, northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail

Two Year Anniversary of a Trail

Putting a pebble from Springer Mountain, Georgia on the sign atop Mt. Katahdin, Maine

This Friday, September 18th, marks the two year completion of the entire Appalachian Trail for both my son and myself. To mark the occasion, we got together before my computer and finished writing the book that chronicles the journey. I need only spell check and revise it, but I hope to have it out for eager readers by the third anniversary of our start in Georgia (March 5, 2010). As we shared about the journey, tears came into "Paul Bunyan's" eyes, recalling the monumental feat, but tears as well of good memories and challenges and the simplicity that was the trail life.

We don't know what lies ahead for our hiking pursuits. I would like to try again in 2011, but work and other things might prevent a full SOBO hike. But I will keep my options open. Until then, we will rejoice and remember our hike.

Paul Bunyan with THE hiker food - a Snickers bar

One Year Ago...

Hard to believe that a year ago to this day, we were heading to Georgia to begin a six month adventure on the Applachian Trail. Then the start on March 5, 2007 - on a clear crisp Georgia day. The stories are many as are the memories, and ones we will very much cherish.

To see my entries marking that day, check out my trail journal.

Section Hike to Harper's Ferry

Here we are on the bridge heading for Harper's Ferry. Had a pretty but windy weekend, starting at Ashby Gap and ending at the famous town known for John Brown's raid and also the headquarters of the ATC. A dream come true for me as I have always wanted to hike into the town. You can see details of the trip if you check out the link to "AT sections hikes done" along with many photos.

Section completed

Skipper and Paul Bunyan at Rockfish Gap




Getting serious. Paul Bunyan, Blissful, and Skipper at Paul C Wolf Shelter



We completed the AT now from Tye River Gap all the way to Ashby Gap. Am looking forward to the day when I can say we completed it all the way from Springer to Katahdin! But we are hoping to do as much of VA as possible so that when 2007 comes along, we can skip that part and have a better chance of completing it in time for Paul Bunyan to attend college for the 2007 fall semester. This part was a little mixed though. We had long mileage the second day (16 miles) and not being trail conditioned, it was hard. The trail was not what I expected. Had more physical complaints hip and foot wise, but the knees held out good. But what do you expect, I suppose. Even though this section left me a little more bummed out, Skipper continues to remain encouraging. And for that I am so grateful.

New day

New day, new thoughts. Less than seven months to go.

Just started to pick up things for my mail drops and / or bounce box. Figure a run to Sams Club will be in order when it comes to the mega size things - like 500 tabs of Vitamin I to put in the mail drops (which hikers refer to as good old Ibuprofen, a mainstay on the AT).

Well, it looks like we may soon be doing our next section hike of the AT that we plan to skip over in 2007 to help save time. Either we will do the Maupin Field shelter segment to McCormick Gap in SNP or the route from Ashby Gap to Harper's Ferry that we began in April, probably around the 25th of August. Our plan is to complete the section of the AT between Tye River Gap and Harpers Ferry so this section can be omitted come 2007. I have a goal in mind to summit Katahdin in time for "Paul Bunyan" to attend college classes. My dh Skipper says not to worry about it, but I want to get back in time for that. So that's the plan.

I was SO happy to hear back from my new book editor at Barbour - she wrote saying they will work around the AT schedule when it comes to production, galleys, etc. Wow, what a relief! I was very happy to hear that. So along with planning for the thru hike this fall, I will be writing another book. I have one book down (that was sent today) and one to go!

The only major thing for me still hanging equipment wise - need a backpack.

Sigh.

You will be the first to know when I have the one I want in hand! And a major "whew" to boot.

On The Trail Again!

We had the great opportunity to hit the AT for a section hike a week ago. We did from Chester Gap near Front Royal to Ashby Gap. Pictured is Skipper, Blissful, and Paul Bunyan at the Manassas Gap Shelter. See the listing under "AT Section Hikes" for the journal entries about the adventure. It was great getting back again. We had not section hiked since last October. We are hoping to eventually cover the section of the AT between Rockfish Gap near the southern end of Shenandoah all the way to Harper's Ferry, WV. That way next year we will pass over this section and save some time on the thru hike. I was happy to see that my limbs cooperated - knees, ankle, and metatarsal. Will have to check out a new backpack, but I do like my new sleeping bag, even if it is bulky due to it being synthetic, and probably a tad heavy (a Marmot Mavericks, 15 degree).