On the A/T One Week from Today!

Pretty much all set to go!  Pack remains at about 38lbs (darn it) and gear seems to all check out.  I have had to terrific visits with two thru-hikers...Tina whom went solo back in 1988 when it was for real, and Jay, the husband of a woman who works with Bill Brody at SCJ.  Both visits with these icons were very beneficial in my planning!  Tina's big learning on the trail began three days in as she was trying to pack 65lbs heading up north (as her name implies, she's tiny!)!  The very kind Georgia Appalachian Club found her exhausted on the trail, sat down with her, helped her repack and she was on her way to Maine...with much less weight.  It's quite a remarkable feat given the technology and remoteness of the A/T back in 1988.  Jay blasted through the A/T, packing little but tons of miles every day...up to 35 miles in one day!  Being able to spend time with both of these great hikers made me both humbled and excited to hit the trail.  I keep hearing about all of the terrific people you meet on the trail and if they are like these two folks, it will be a blast.

All for now...