Hello everyone! This blog is intended to be a sort of trail journal for the people back home while I hike the Appalachian Trail. It won't really get going for a few weeks, because I won't be starting the trail for a few weeks, so don't expect a ton of updates for a while. I'm still just working and waiting, and psyching myself up for this.
For those who don't know, the Appalachian Trail is a footpath that leads along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains through 14 states for over 2,100 miles. I hear that about 2000 people start out every year to hike the whole thing (called thru-hikers) and about 200 actually finish. Poor odds, and I'm sure most of you who think I'm going to get eaten by a bear also think that I won't make it. Well, think what you will, but I have confidence. Either way, it will be good just to be out there.
Now, I'm not sure how regularly I'm going to update this. My uncle Mike suggested I set up a blog, and I like the idea, but have reservations. As I'm trying to do this hike as cheaply as possible, I'll be avoiding towns when possible, since it's hard to spend money in a forest, and so very easy in towns. Town stops are mainly going to be for getting food and stove fuel. Any stays in town will be at the cheaper hostels, or where there's free places there to camp. That mentality could change once I'm face to face with the rigors of the Trail, but for now that's my plan. So there may be weekly updates, maybe not even that. Depends on internet availability; I don't know how many of those small towns will have libraries, and if those libraries will have internet. I may also decide it's just not worth the trouble.
Also, I don't have a digital camera, so there won't be any pictures. Sorry. You'll just have to meet up with me when I get back to see the photos.
Anyways, I just wanted to post this so this blog site doesn't think I'm a spam-blog, as it did a few days ago.
About Me
- Brandon
- Reading this blog will curve your spine, promote commuinism and abortion, induce a state of madness in which you believe that Richard Pryor is climbing up your leg, increase the probabilty that you will die miserable and alone, destroy your parents' credit rating, kill one puppy, and let the terrorists win the war. It is recommended that you avoid this user at all at costs, chances are he has nothing interesting to say. If you were unfortunate enough to read and attempt to process this blog in your mind, it is advised that you seek professional help immediately.
4 comments:
Brandon,
This is a great idea and I hope you can update along the way so we can track your progress. It will also reassure us that you didn't get eaten by a bear.
Only 10% of the starters make it huh? My guess is if you start you will make it. You have that stubborn McGinnity trait in you.
Best of luck!
Uncle Tim
Hey Brandon,
I also think this is a great idea and hope you will be able to update it when possible. Our thoughts and best wishes will be with you as you set out on this journey. I have done some reading about hiking that trail and I know you will have your work cut out for you. Good Luck! Uncle Shawn
HEY BRANDON, "MOCCASIN" MAN,
I TRIED TO GET IN HERE LAST NIGHT AND WROTE PROBABLY SOME OF THE BEST PROSE EVER WRITTEN, THEN REALIZED THIS IS MY FIRST EVER BLOG, AND THAT YOU NEED TO SIGN IN FIRST. BUT TO SIGN IN MEANS LEAVING THIS SITE AND UNFORTUNATELY THAT MEANS THAT THE PROSE WRITTEN HAS BEEN LOST. SORRY YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO READ, THE WORDS OF WISDOM I WAS HOPING TO PROVIDE.
THE GOOD NEWS I FINALLY SIGNED IN, SO I'LL BE ABLE TO FOLLOW THE REST OF YOUR JOURNEY, AND PROVIDE ADVISE AS ABLE.
BUT REALLY, I WANT TO SEND YOU PATTI'S AND MY BEST WISHES ON THIS REMARKABLE JOURNEY. I'M SURE THAT NOW THE COOL/COLD AND RAIN MUST DAMPEN THE SPIRITS, BUT DON'T LET IT GET YOU DOWN.
REMEMBER, AS YOU CONTINUE NORTH IT WILL TURN TO SPRING AND SUMMER AND THE WARMTH WILL MEET YOU. THEN YOU WILL WALK W/ RENEWED VIGOR AND STRENGTH, THEN THE WARMTH OF THE SUN WILL BE YOURS.
HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP IN TOUCH THROUGHOUT YOUR HIKE, FOR
WE'LL ALL BE ANXIOUS TO SEE AND HEAR HOW YOUR PROGRESSING.
I ALSO HOPE THAT YOU WILL SEE IN THIS JOURNEY A SEMBLANCE OF THE JOURNEY OF THE CROSS, FOR YOU ARE INDEED CARRYING ONE. LOOK AT THIS TIME YOU HAVE AS MORE THAN A WALK IN THE WOODS AND HILLS. MAKE IT A SPIRITUAL REFLECTION OF THE JOURNEY OF LIFE, FOR INDEED YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE TIME.
WANT YOUR TO KNOW THAT YOUR IN MY DAILY PRAYER, THAT YOU EXPERIENCE PROTECTION AND PEACE.
TAKE CARE MOCCASIN,
GOD BLESS
UNKA MIKE
Hey Brandon, The blog is a great idea! We are tracking your progress on our map, waiting for you to arrive in VA. Make sure you call us so we can help you plan your stop. We would love to meet up with you. We and can bring you anything that you may need, food, supplies etc.
Keep up the hard work! Happy Trails....
Strength and Peace,
Eric and Mary Anne
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