Hiking the Appalachian Trail will fulfill a lifelong dream for me. I had the good fortune of enjoying New Hampshire's White Mountains as a summer playground for many years as a youngster -- a critical element in growing into future roles as student, son, hiker, skier, college grad, military officer, husband, systems analyst, father, and leader. I don't often let my mind drift to beta mode. I prefer active mental activities such as analytical problem solving, reading, poker, alternative music, fantasy sports, the stock market, craft beer, and puzzles of any type. Like everyone else, I'm constantly attempting to balance the life scales of mental, physical, and spiritual me -- but I'll try to do it with a laugh and a smile, OK?
Posts
AT Days 128-131: First days in Tennessee
The weather and scenery improved markedly during my first four full AT days in Tennessee. Here's the day by day breakdown of this timeframe: Day
AT Days 124-127: Damascus and the final days of Virginia
It had taken five weeks, but I’d finally reached the last miles of the AT in Virginia. A zero day in Damascus awaited. Here’s the detailed
AT Days 120-123: Mt Rogers / Grayson Highlands
In far southern Virginia the AT passes through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and Grayson Highlands. I really enjoyed the terrain in this
AT Days 116-119: Finding food is easier than finding hikers
I ate especially well during this four day stretch in southern Virginia, but rain and solitude were also notable. Here’s the daily breakdown: Day
AT Days 112-115: Ridge-inia
As I worked my way into southern Virginia, the AT took me through numerous stretches with long ridges and few peaks. Here are the daily
AT Days 108-111: Virginia’s “Triple Crown”
Wow - I just love this photo of me on top of McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed locations on the AT! That spot was definitely the highlight
AT Days 104-107: Epic day reveals Blue Ridge beauty
Most days on the AT bring a pleasing mix of nature and scenery — but some days really stand out as epic. Day 104 in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
AT Days 100-103: Coyote Frenzy! / Blue Ridge Mountains
Continuing southbound in Virginia, I’d tackle rugged and picturesque terrain in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But I never could have imagined the coyote
AT Days 96-99: Shenandoah, we hardly knew ye
After five days of searing heat in Virginia, I thought a little rain might be welcome. Unfortunately, there was so much rain that I had very few
AT Days 92-95: Meet Virginia – heat, snakes, and climbing bears!
I was still adjusting to the AT in Virginia after finishing my northern leg. It was steamy hot, and animals were showing up!