April 2026 trip

​I just finished a 2 mile cooldown at glacier Ridge Metro Park. It has some good hills tomorrow I drive to PA to continue my Appalachian Trail hike. You can follow me here.

Sabbatical day 33

The day started out great with an easy grade for about 6 miles I made great time. Then the gritty change to a much deeper and a lot of rocks which really slowed me down and wore me out. Did enjoy the cinnamon ferns again today. I have to confess I'm a little homesick. OK a lot homesick. I get my first resupply food tomorrow. I have hiked about 60 miles  with 8 miles Bing the average we have done one template eight day anymore longer days ahead of us and a higher altitudes.  A little chilly tonight because of the breeze on top of BlueMountain but I put my raincoat up the block to breeze a little bit on my much warmer. Looking forward to a good nights sleep. Not looking forward to putting 7 pounds of food back in my pack and climbing A couple of hills tomorrow.

I look to the hills from where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord,

Sabbatical Day 32

Woke up at 6:30 from Bull Gap and began to take down the camp.  I left for the trail at 8:30.  After climbing the first hill there were several beautiful overlooks.  At one out cropping there was a large group of people enjoying the view.  After a long down hill there was another uphill where you could see where we had been. 

No phone coverage today so no way to let Julie know I am ok.

One of my favorite memories of the day ate the cinnamon firns.  They smell delicious.  I met a young couple.: Julie and Matt.  Arrived at Low Gap shelter around 3:15 having traveled 10.4 miles.  This place is crowded.  There are at least 20 people here.  This is one of the few places with water.  I am still dehydrated after drinking 96 ounces of water.  Still haven't peed but I do not feel as bad as yesterday.  One man Forest at our campsite had an experience with a bear. No one hurt. 

Lord thank you for a beautiful day.  Amen

Sabbatical Day 31

Great hike today to the highest point an the AT in GA. It was a good climb but very tiring.  Andy my Hocking buddy is so much faster,  I sent home 9 lbs of extras today which makes my pack lighter.  

Tonight I feel a little nauseous from dehydration.  This will be an important concern for the next few days.  The is very little water anywhere on the trail. Tomorrow Lo Gap shelter. 

Thanks for a great day.  Amen. 

Sabbatical Day 29

Woke up to 53 degrees. Tonight's even colder..  I am pushin the edge of my equipment. Should have brought the 20 degree quilts but so far doing ok.  Beautiful walk today about 8.7 miles.  3rd day in a row of 8 plus miles.  24 miles down that's like 1/8th complete.  This morning began with climbs; two big ones.  Finished on fairly nice path.ie level,  tomorrow big climb.  Wendy have added a day to the trip.

Sabbatical day 28

Began at Springer Mt. Shelter.  Thankfully plenty of water.  Was told water at next shelter was dry but it is actually running very well,  today sights included Rhododendron rows, evergreen groves, a beautiful water fall.  Met lots of people, tonight there are 9 people staying at this shelter.

Sabbatical day 27

Not sure why but I was really apprehensive about beginning this hike.  So many worried:  water, bears, not being as prepared as I wanted to be, etc.  I almost asked Jeff to take me back home but I convinced myself to go for it.  

The hike began this morning st 9:00 am.  Arrived here about 3:00pm and was I tired.  Finally found water about two miles from the shelter.  The water source here in not very good.  Heading tomorrow for Wolf Shelter 8 miles away.