Big Day

Yesterday was huge - 15 miles that included two 5000+ foot mtns. I
consumed upwards of 5000 calories that day too. This view is from the
fire tower on top of Albert mtn. It was one of the best views I've
ever taken in. Today was cold windy and rainy so I did my 12 miles,
ate some tuna and rica, and went to bed.

Trail Magic

So yesterday after 15 miles I came across a mysterious blue tent in
the middle of nowhere, NC. Every once in awhile on the AT you come
across random acts of kindness called "trail magic" and let me tell
you, I doubt this will be matched. I ate 4 veggie dogs as soon as I
got there but the big deal was the next morning. Not only did they
cook up massive omelets but gave us chai, juice, fruit, baked goods,
candy, lip balm, and even professional massages. It was amazing and
perfect because it was at the base of the first 5000 ct mountain on
the AT. Additional photos will be posted on whiteblaze.net under the
trail names repeat and tarheel.

Goodbye Georgia

I'm enjoying my last Cliff Bar in Georgia (blueberry crunch has to be
their best new flavor). The gnarly looking oak in the background
represents my first state line. So in just under a week, and after
about 80 miles I finally cross into North Carolina. It's a good
feeling.

Hi everyone. Today was a low point. I woke up on top of Tray mtn in a
cloud with rain tapping against my tent. I packed up and hiked the
first mile in thunder and lightening. I hiked the 11 miles today with
a pretty bad right knee and shin splints. It was the worst 11 miles
I've ever done. However, I am now in the town of Hiawassee. I just ate
at a buffet and resupplied at the grocery store - granola bars, dried
fruit, rice, instant mashed potatoes, etc. all the things a hiker
needs. I've been hanging out with 2 guys from CT, a guy from Calgary,
and a Korean dude that speaks no English. Everyone is very cool and
instant friendships pop up on the trail. I miss everyone at home
though. Tomorrow I will get my first state line as I cross into North
Carolina. See you then!

Sent from my iPhone

6:00

5:40

Clouds rolling over the hills of northern Georgia.

Just a quick update from my tent. Hiked 11 miles today in awesome
weather. I'll get the gps data up soon. I'll be meeting Kevin and Lucy
in about a week at Fontana Dam. No significant wildlife yet but I'm
staying in an area with a "bear watch". Is everyone ready for spring
break?

Day 4

I'm shooting for 10-12 miles today. It looks like the best weather
yet. Today I'll be using the MotionX app on my phone so everyone can
see what the trail looks like. I should have it posted tonight or
tomorrow!

Have a nice day

Hi everyone! Sorry...I thought I posted the previous entry while on
top of Springer. The black flies were so bad I must have turned off
the phone too quick. Thank you all for the great comments. They made
me smile because I miss everyone...especially my 7th graders. I wish
I could write back to everyone individually but I'll try to answer all
of the questions here.

Yesterday was crazy. I hiked 17 miles to unsuccessfully get a spot
overnight in a hostel. So instead I slept in my tent while it was 28
degrees and snowing. It was a rough night but I managed. Today it
snowed all day too. This picture was taken atop Blood Mtn, the highest
mtn in Georgia on the AT (4450ft). Groton is 1000ft above sea level.
It's called Blood Mtn because of a battle between the Creek and
Cherokee tribes that left many dead and wounded. So today I arrived
at Neels Gap 1 day ahead of schedule and have officially done 30.7
miles. This is the point where 20% of thru-hikers drop out. I'll try
to give another update tomorrow with better weather.

Sunday around 2pm after 8 miles of hiking I got to the official start
point of the AT. Perfect day - sunny 70s and a light breeze.

Hi Groton Elementary! It's 10am and we just started the Appalachian
Trail. I figured out how to use Mr DeVoe's camera timer while he got
a drink. We took a taxi to Amicalola Falls state park this morning.
The driver was a great guy who was originally from Africa. He came
here so his kids could get a good education. Mr DeVoe tried to explain
what hiking 2000 miles on the AT would be like. He could not imagine
it. When we parted ways he said, "I feel ok dropping you off here for
this trip because we are in America. If we were in Africa, this would
be a different kind of goodbye". See you all soon

Skoob. The library "shelf elf"

Ps. Say hi to ms. Prentis for me

Just arrived in philly after a very bumpy ride from Ithaca. I almost
got sick. So this is what the updates will tyically look like. I'll
try to post and respond to comments as often as possible. Please
remember not to post your last names. See you on the trail tomorrow!

Goodbye Groton

Right now I'm on my way to the Ithaca airport and tomorrow morning I start the Appalachian Trail at Springer mtn. in Georgia. There's a German phrase, schadenfreude, which roughly translates to "taking pleasure in others' misfortunes." 2,175 miles of rain, wind, freezing temperatures, mountains, mice, bears, snakes, blisters, bacteria, viruses, hunger, skunks, muscle cramps, strained tendons, coyotes, bobcats, angry grouse, rabid racoons, poison ivy, a heavy pack, and the same food over and over again will certainly lead to many instances of schadenfreude in this 5 million step "science experiment." However, as entertaining as those stories may be for everyone they will still be worth it because they fail miserably in comparison to the raging rivers, vivid sunsets, majestic wildlife, waterfalls, interesting people, bird songs, mountaintop views, the smell of damp mossy forests, and the overall appreciation for life on the planet that you experience while taking a walk in the woods.

I want to take a moment to thank the Groton Board of Education, Dr. Meyers, and Mrs. Filzen for seeing the value in this project and the opportunity to do it and Senator James Seward for recognizing the importance of implementing technology in our schools. I also want to thank the students, teachers, and community of Groton, NY for their support and interest in this project. Finally, I need to thank my parents for accepting my curiosity/insanity and need for exploration and my partner, Miss Coffey, who will be playing a huge role behind the scenes. I'll miss her and everyone else. See you when I return!

Groton Elementary

Wow, what a great day at Groton Elementary School. Today I introduced the hike to students in grades K-5 and I gotta tell you...they were SO well behaved and asked a lot of great questions. Patrick, a kindergardener, even wanted to know what my doctor thought of me hiking 2,000 miles. Great question. A lot of other questions centered around food. Mr. D's classes are assembling a care package for us! I know they've left a lot of comments about what they should send. I say whatever is light, tastes good, and can be shipped through the mail! However, the book, "The Ultralight Backpacker" uses a great analogy at what should be considered...so make sure you check those nutrition labels:

"Fat is something like money stored in a jar and buried in the backyard. Your body stores it in case unexpected circumstances arise and it desperately needs to fuel it's ongoing activity.

Protein is like a regular savings account. Muscle and body tissue are provided by your body converting protein, but it's not the primary source of energy. Sometimes, if there's too much protein, your body can afford to store the protein as fat (like adding to the buried jar).

Carbohydrates are your checking account - the stuff you use every day in producing the energy you need for daily activities."

Thanks everyone for being such a great audience and thank you teachers for spending class time today on this. We have such a great school with amazing teachers and curious students. Thanks for making my time at GES special. Well...I should go see if Skoob is finished packing my backpack for tomorrow.