Tom Rainer

Hi. My name is Tom and I'm planning on completing a North Bound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017 along with one of my sons. I'm recently retired from my job as a technical manager. This adventure offers an opportunity of a lifetime, as I seek to discover the focus for my encore career. I'm happily married to my wife of 38 years and we have three grown children, and four young grand children. I love all kinds of music, singing, playing guitar, country line dancing, and square dancing.

Posts

Transition from Thru-Hiker to Section Hiker…

Transition from Thru-Hiker to Section Hiker…

It has been a couple of weeks since I last provided an update. Due to some family emergencies I left the trail at Harpers Ferry and traveled to

Jul 30, 2017 : Tom Rainer
Achieving the 20 mile day…

Achieving the 20 mile day…

Breaking through the 20 mile day After two months on the trail I was able to break through the mental and physical challenge of achieving a 20 mile

Jul 5, 2017 : Tom Rainer
Reunited and doing well

Reunited and doing well

Made it to Roan Mountain Well I made it to Roan Mountain, TN and experienced the wonderful hospitality of several Hostels along the way.  Hiker

Jun 13, 2017 : Tom Rainer
The Smokies are complete ✔️

The Smokies are complete ✔️

Starting at Fontana The Fontana Village was a little taste of comfort before entering the Smokies.  This area is focused on the attractions

May 20, 2017 : Tom Rainer
Georgia complete, now on to North Carolina!

Georgia complete, now on to North Carolina!

I have finished the Georgia portion of the trail, and am now working on North Carolina. While in Georgia I established my trail name. It is Half-Full, based on my general optimistic view on life. Throughout this journey I've been impressed with the people along the trail.

May 2, 2017 : Tom Rainer
Starting the journey, week one complete

Starting the journey, week one complete

Starting the journey On April 10,2017,  I started my journey on the approach trail to the AT. It began with several hundred stairs to ascend to

Apr 20, 2017 : Tom Rainer
Countdown for 2017 NorthBound AT Thru-Hike

Countdown for 2017 NorthBound AT Thru-Hike

Countdown: T-2 Weeks The time seems to be flying now. I continually find myself running through mental checklists to ensure that I have everything I

Mar 25, 2017 : Tom Rainer
Preparing for 2017 AT Thru-Hike

Preparing for 2017 AT Thru-Hike

Hi Folks!  My name is Tom and April 10th, 2017 is my scheduled start date for my NOBO AT thru-hike adventure.  A little bit about myself.  I'm

Feb 24, 2017 : Tom Rainer