1 Month In (437.8 Miles)

Today marks the end of my first month on the Appalachian Trail and is my first opportunity to post an update from my tent.  

Since my last post there have been some exciting happenings on the trail: Saw my first black bear on the AT, ran into a friendly trail pig, passed the 400 mile mark, crossed into Tennessee for the final time, and perfected a trail dinner feast of ramen, instant potatoes & salmon.

I didn’t have time to photograph the black bear so here is Porky the AT pig. I’m guessing someone left ol’ Porky in the woods and he now wonders the trail in search of food from friendly hikers.

The trail crosses back and forth from TN to NC since Georgia and finally I get to say goodbye to North Carolina, 2 states down 12 to go!

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet some inspirational people this last week; “Cherokee” a 72 year old man whom started hiking the trail a week before me and is also at 400 miles, “Mama Moab” & “Utah” a woman and her dog that have already completed the PCT and CDT, and lastly a woman we met in passing on the trail who is trying to become the first person to hike the trail with a prosthetic leg and to do it unassisted.  These people really help put into perspective the physical struggles I have each day and make them all seem trivial.

 

The Overmountain Shelter, converted from housing animals to smelly hikers in 1983. Very cool place to visit!

Little Hump Mtn. one of the best climbs on the trail so far.

When a train blocks the AT….

Time to get some sleep and pray for no thunderstorms. Next up: Virginia in two days!

 

“Keep close to nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” -John Muir