Welcome to the Guestbook!!
If you would like to be included in the guestbook, please send a
brief email putting the word guestbook in the subject, to the
address:
kathy@fred.net either through this form
or through regular email. If you have a home page, you are welcome to
include the URL. Write it in HTML, so that folks will be able to go
directly to your page from the guestbook.
An example of writing your URL into the text of your message: You are
welcome to visit
my
<a href="http://www.fred.net/kathy/"> home page.</a>
Do not put a carriage return in the middle of the URL. If need
be,
just let it trail off over the right margin.
August 25, 1995
Please remember to use the word "guestbook" as the subject for any
email you would like added to the guestbook. Again, PLEASE PUT the
word "guestbook" in the subject of your message. If you don't know how
to do this, then put it as the first line of your message.
You can also visit Volume I
of the Guestbook (August - October, 1995), Volume II - November 1995 - April 1996 and Volume III - May 1996 - December 1997
Below are
entries from the current guestbook.
In the current guestbook, new entries will be added to the top, rather
than the
bottom, as was done in Volume I.
Date: Mon, 18 May 2020 00:35:27 -0400
From: JASH of The AT
To: kathy@fred.net
Subject: Guestbook
Have been with you from the beginning. You were the original AT website.
COVID-19 seems to be all anyone wants to talkabout. Believe it or not,
this will be over soon.
Like on The Trail, it's always darkest before dawn.
When it is noon people think it will never be dark again.
Stay well & safe,
--
Happy Trails
JASH of The AT
From: JASH of The AT
To: kathy@fred.net
Subject: guestbook
Back again. Recently completed the Presidential Traverse in the White
Mountains of New Hampshire. I'm on level ground and in a comfy chair now
but it was a brutal hike. I swore I'd never hike again. Within a day I was
completing the Connecticut AT.
Glad you still have this website. It was the original AT web site.
Hike on!!
--
Happy Trails
JASH of The AT
Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2017 00:01:42 -0500
From: JASH of The AT jashofat at gmail
Here is a link to the article about Inch Worm akaGeraldine Largay
LINK
--
Happy Trails
JASH of The AT
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:46:01 -0400
From: David @ Allen & Associates of America, Inc.
David at the domain AllenAssociates dot net
Hey Kathy,
It has been years and I bet you are getting tired of the same ole??? just
found this emails. You???ve been at it for about 17 years. WOW, has it
been that long? Know you love The Trail but probably keeping up this with
stuff gets to be a bore after a decade or so. Anyhow, still remember the
first time I found your site. That was back when the Internet was so new
to many of us. Probably used Netscape as my browser.
Hiking up in New Jersey now. It has been a slow section hike but I enjoy
it every trip I take. Seen speed demons and slow pokes. Everyone hiking
their own hike and most of them seem to enjoy it.
Anyhow, thanks for running this marathon for us. You are an unsung heroine
in all of this. Hope you can hang in there a bit longer and as always,
Happy Trails from
JASH – Just A Section Hiker
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:18:40 -0400
From: lynnebrahm at yahoo
Sent from my iPad My two sons and I are finishing the New Jersey
section of the AT. The winter has been wonderful and we will complete
it after a few weekends. Nicholas my 6 year old has autism and has no
functional speech. His coordination and hiking abilities are wonderful
and he has no problem keeping up with his 10 year old brother. The
hikes are very special, not only for the connection with nature, but
for the normalcy it affords us. Thank you and keep hiking! flipper
tree for autism
From: Monty montana13 - at the domain - embarqmail.com
I am not sure if your site is even up and running anymore since the
last entry was a few years ago, from what I can see.?? However, I am hoping
that you can hook me up with some thru hikers or potential thru hikers. I
had planned on hiking the AT from Springer to Maine back in 1997, but my
life had turned around??and I was unable to accomplish it then.?? I am
seriously planning on it in the spring of 2013 and would like to have
another hiker accompany me on the entire thru hike.?? If you can place a
want ad or something for people to get ahold of me, I would greatly
appreciate it. ?? Male or female is fine with me, but they must be serious
to be able to hike with a strong physically fit male.?? I am retired from
the US Army. I was in the Rangers and Engineer fields.?? I currently am
employed as a police officer, but will retire from employment in 2013.?? I
plan on starting in Georgia and finishing in Maine.?? I am hoping to be
finished within a 5 month span. ?? Please let me know if you are able to
assist me. ?? Thank you very much, Monty Ouellette 573-855-9330
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:18:30 -0500
From: Joseph Hanes joseph.hanes at gmail.com
I'm Joseph Hanes 35, i just finished a four year BFA degree that took seven
years. I tried a cruise to celebrate but a snow storm and failing
relationship foiled that plan quite nicely. I saw a show about the AT on
PBS and became entranced with the idea of long isolated stretches and
interesting people. I've done some short day hikes and regularly take long
walks around the neighborhood. I did extensive camping in my teens as in a
rural area. I'm planning to thru-hike in a year or so, depending on how
soon I can aquire the equipment and funds. I've spent several hours looking
at related websites, read stories from hikers, read as much as??? could
about as many things as I could. I think I have a good chance of completing
it. I'm in fair shape physically, and I'm certain I have the
mental/emotional toughness to deal with it-I've had a rough life and being
soaked and cold for days at a time is nothing compared to what I've already
been through. I started researching by going to the ATC website and
creating a profile, and I've only gotten more excited about it. There are
so few rites of passage for people, not many ways to test yourself. I'm
looking forward to meeting people before and during the hike. Safe Hiking!
Joseph
From: Douglas O. Pitt drpitt at charter.net
Kathy,???
I was browsing through the responses and I will be starting on the Southern
most end of the trail.??? I have never hiked before, with the exception of
running for my life, while survival training in the Navy.?????? I reside in
Auburn, Alabama and I am planning of doing 5-6 days on the trail in
April-May.??? I will be going solo as I am feeling the urge to remove the
noise from my soul.?????? Any sources or contacts that would be of interest
would be greatly appreciated.
Douglas
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:41:15 EST
From: LogicalMe at aol.com
I will be leaving Hot Springs, NC on March 25, on the Appalachian
trail.??? I am from Plano Texas and have been on the trail for the last
three years.??? I plan on being on the trail through May (maybe through
hike).??? I have been on Everest, Denali, and in many other countries.
Would love to have a hiking companion.
Dr. Charles E. Smith
Dr. Charles E. Smith
Office 972-335-6516
Cell 214-215-1245
Fax 972-335-2019
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:52:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ken Caudill caudill3 at bellsouth.net
Hi Kathy,
For several years I have been considering hiking the A.T. but it was always
"Someday". I made myself a solemn promise that someday would happen in the
next 6-8 months. I plan to do the Georgia part soon and will try to do
state sections over the next few years. Anyone with hints on what to take,
what to avoid, etc., email me at keninatlanta@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Ken
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 23:10:12 -0500
From: David Grim
Kathy,
Back to visit your site again. Just like a shelter journal, turning the
pages of your guestbook brings back memories. Wow, I have been hiking The
AT since ?92 now. Yep, just a section at a time and I?m up to the Iron
Masters Mansion Hostel. My last visit I watched 3 thru-hikers and a dog
participate in the half gallon challenge. The dog was standing by just in
case a thru-hiker couldn?t finish his half gallon. Not surprisingly the
darn thru-hikers not only finished the half gallon but licked the ice cream
container so clean the dog wasn?t interested when they were done.
Not sure where I?ll be this hiking season. I?m a sissy and prefer to hike
in the warm summer months. That?s not surprising though cause I?m
JASH ? Just A Section Hiker
Happy Trails,
JASHofAT @ yahoo . com
Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:29:57 -0800 (PST)
From: Bob Molek scenicrider at yahoo.com
Hello, Just beginning my life's long dream of doing the AT thru-hike. I'm
hunting and researching all data in connection with the gear needed and to
acquire directions to Springer Mountain, GA (nobo). My daughter did some
looking and said it would be nicer to go from Paloma, NY by train to GA
instead of greyhound from NE corner of OH to GA. Any advise and wisdom by
you would be appreciated.
Thank you
Yours truly,
Bob
scenicrider at yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:19:47 -0700
From: Jeff Brooks-Manas jeff_b at mac dot com
Hello,
I hiked the Long Trail in 1980, and then came back to Vermont as a
caretaker two
years later. I worked at Griffith Lake in the summer of 1982. I was at
Stratton Pond
in 1983, and on Stratton Mountain in 1984.
I remember meeting "Chopper" (who posted below), and his friend "Hagar" in
1982.
There were lots of other memorable people who went by as well. If you're
out there,
send me a message.
If anyone knows the words to "Appalachian Pie", please post them as well. I
remember
some of the words. The chorus went like this:
Ouch, Ouch, my feet are so sore.
Wish I could be like Warren and do 20 more
and Andy and Bernie playing Pigs on the floor
singing this is the day the blazes ended,
this is the day the blazes ended.
Look forward to hearing from people.
Jeff_b at mac dot com
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:34:34 -0700 (PDT)
From: kathleen zakula zakulakl at yahoo.com
Hi there my name is Katie and I am from just outside of Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania. I just hiked a few miles of the AT today with a group
of kids. Myself and a friend have been talking about walking the AT
for a while now. We need some advice on training and/or what needed
skills will we have to know before heading out. We have about two or
three years before we go. But if anyone has any suggestions, please
contact me at zakulakl at yahoo.com. Thanks and safe travels!
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:24:14 -0800 (PST)
From: c.v. strout buckeyeathiker at yahoo dot com
Kathy i finished last 1000 mi. from Springer to Harpers Ferry WV. went out
with a bang 4th July 1996 been on trail several trips climbed Mt Katahdin
couple trips & did 100 mil. Hiked from Monson to Kenebec river to celebrate
81st birthday. I remember Mahoosiuc notch with ice in middle summer & Gulf
Hagas. Shaws have still carried the name & TLC along with those great meals
under the new ownership.
For me the AT was an Emaus walk following the blazes walking in his
footprints the beauty of the flwrs. & blooms Singing "How Great Tho Art" on
those Mt. Tops with awesome hues & overviews. peace from the noise of life
off the trail. I hope to go back in April 2008 to hike from Auddie Murphy
toward Dragons tooth & McAfee Knob to Dalesville if my bod will help me to
celebrate 83
Your total awesome web site info. for all phases of hikers super. have
couple friends will share with Use to carry 50lbs. last trip lighter gear
made big diff.
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:31:46 -0800
From: Ryan Cole scavenger@treasurehuntfan dot com
Hi,
I am an avid hiker here on the west coast, and I am putting together some
on the trail treasure hunts. These can just focus on the things people must
experience, but in treasure hunt format to make it fun. If your interested
in putting together such a treasure hunt or have ideas, contact me or
visit: http://treasurehuntfan.com
Thanks,
--Ryan
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:14:34 -0500
From: David Jeffers djeffers at virginiascommitment.org
Just wanted to make you aware of our new organization which is
working in opposition to Dominion Power's proposed transmission line
across the Blue Ridge. Of the 81 miles of monster towers the company
plans to erect - so they can generate dirty, coal-fired power from
the mountains of West Virginia into urban areas north --- they are
saving the tallest ones --- 15-story, 165-foot --- for the easement
across the AT. If there is anything we can do to help you or other
supporters voice opposition, please let us know. The deadline for public
comment is December 14, only 23 business days away. Our site
provides an easy way to send a message to Virginia's State
Corporation Commission. I can be reached via email:
djeffers@virginiascommitment.org or via cellphone: 703.717.1712. Our
website is: http://www.virginiascommitment.org
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2007 06:41:04 -0400
From: fnandrews at aol
My name is Felicia and I am actually looking for my old law school friend
Tony (AKA) Anthony who went on the Trail. He left law school and said that
he was going to live up there for a while. That was in 2004, haven't heard
from him since. He's a strangely cool brilliant fellow, about 35 now.
He'll have stories to tell about Iraq and law school. If anyone sees him
out there tell him his friend Felicia would love to hear from him at
fnandrews at aol
Happy Hiking to those outward bound
Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2007 22:30:45 -0400
From: Dave Jonker djonker at optonline dot net
After too long a hiatus from hiking and the AT, I began searching on the
web and found this site. I was a long distance hiker in the late 1970s and
hiked the Long Trail in the early 1980s. Hiking the AT was one of the best
times of my life. I wish that the Internet was around then. What a great
way to pick up advice. Hope that this site works out. I long to hike it
again!
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2007 14:34:32 EDT
From: BSpadea102
I found a small pack with prescription swimming glasses, ear plugs,
and nose piece in the vicinity of the Upper Goose Pond camp in
Massachusetts.
Contact me at bspadea102 @ aol if you think they are yours.
Barbara
Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:59:42 -0500
From: Marsha Lee
Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:33:41 -0500
From: maxine.kendall at cogeco.ca
Hi,
My name is Max. My husband and his brother hiked part of the trail in North
Carolina/Virginia in 2001. They had been warned to expect a starving hound
dog on the trail to follow them. Sure enough , one showed up, so they fed
him and he stayed for the night, or most of the night. The dog had a
tracking collar and the owner turned up late that night and took him away.
He called him, Bob. The dog had been seen and fed by many people, so we
think he must have kept running away. I have often thought of him, and I am
wondering if he still walks the trails,(though, he would be quite old now)
or when was the last sighting of him? Anybody out there seen him?
Max
Date: Thu, 24 May 2007 16:45:20 -0700 (PDT)
From: Scott Lewis
Hi I'm Scott I'm 33 and am in the process of looking for someone to through
hike the AT with. My goal is to do this before I am 40. I live in Tampa, Fl
and would like to find someone in the area to train with. As of now I train
with my dog although she will not be making the trip with me. If your
interested contact me at coastkayaker@lycos.com
Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 17:18:44 -0400 (EDT)
From: bobby finley details782003 at yahoo.ca
i glad to see your web-site, this appalachian trail is a dream to me, im
sure at times it will be a night mare, but im hard headed and stuborn. ive
bought the equipment and most of the layers of clothes, and will be leaving
in 2009. im over weight and thats a real problem, im 45 at 280. i like to
walk, so if any one in the asheville nc area would like to get together to
plan and walk, it would be wonderful. thankyou.
Date: Fri, 11 May 2007 08:34:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: Charles Roberts shaggy_pa at yahoo
Hello to you both,
I am a Land Surveyour ( a Rod man) from New York and in my field of work (
basically I walk for as living...lol), I have come across several survey
makers for the trail and dreamed of just hiking it one day. Now I am
researching the trail and getting some more information. Just wanted to say
hi.
SHAGGY PA----o
Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 19:48:45 -0500
From: Amber Russell
Hello All:
I've been considering hosting a "Thru-hiker Fest" in Millinocket, Maine
(Closest town to Mt. Katahdin) for a weekend during the summer of 2007.
It is just an event for A.T. hikers to meet up again and perhaps take
another hike up Katahdin for old times.
I'm still debating whether to plan the event or not, it depends on the
number of responses. So if you and some friends are interested, please
feel free to contact me at: Amberkrussell@hotmail.com
Take care,
Amber
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:07:31 -0500
From: Greg Huse
Hi everyone! My name is Greg and I am planning a thru-hike of the
Appalachian Trail in possibly 2007. I know that sometimes it's hard to
find all of the various information that you want to plan a thru-hike in
one place. That's why I started my website, Thruhiker Guide, to make a
place
where we can share and exchange that information. I will be hosting a
live telesummit from Monday, February 19 through Thursday, February 22,
2007. The guests will include previous A.T. thru-hikers, coaches,
equipment experts, and more! I highly encourage you to check it out if
you're remotely interested in planning a long-distance hike. Find out
more about it on my site - see the link above. Cheers!
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2006 21:41:39 EST
From: Ownasprintr at aol
Hello Kathy & Fred:
Really appreciate the information that you have available in relation
to the AT. My wife and I left Springer Mountain this past March and hiked
to Boiling Springs, PA. (1108 miles). We shall return to Boiling Springs
next April or May to finish the remaining 1,067 miles to complete our
incredible journey of the Appalachan Trail. I am 61 and she is 58. We
would be happy to pass along any information, ideas, etc. on things that
worked for us out on the trail. Due to many many hours of research,
E-mails, phone calls, etc. we can honestly say we did our homework before
we took our first step on Springer Mountain. It's people like you that
help make the dream of hiking the AT come true. I wish you well. I can be
contacted by E-mail at: ownasprintr at aol
Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2006 21:48:56 -0700
From: Chris and Jenelle chrisandjenelle at charter dot net
Hello all:
My name is Chris "Tahoma" Bailey. I thru-hiked GA to ME in '95. I'm
posting on your guestbook to try to spread the news of the passing of
my hiking partner from that year, Rick "Doc" Howard. Doc was 53.
Doc passed away last weekend while hiking in a remote part of Grand
Canyon NP. Any of you who knew Doc know what a tragic loss his death
is. He was one of the best people I've ever known, and I'll miss him
dearly.
Here's to you, Doc. May you always find room in the shelter on a
rainy day.
-Tahoma
chrisandjenelle at charter dot net
Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2006 16:51:41 -0400
From mike
I think I am hitting my midlife crisis a little earlier in life than
most. So I always wanted to thru hike the trail but I am overwhelmed
by all the info on the net. Can someone please tell me what books I
should I be reading, proper gear, and so on? I can be reached at
michael28ashtabula at yahoo
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 22:00:16 -0500
From: burk fuqua lutherfuqua at alltel.net
Hey it superfly and cassady from 99 thru hike i just recently got
internet sevice after many years without, and i was tryin to hunt down
some old hiking buddies that i have lost contact with. I would love to
hear from anyone that i met along the way or any one that i might meet
one day so give me a email @ lutherfuqua@alltel.net it would be great
to find "crumb snatcher" or tagalong and waterfall if any one knows there
contact info. Tanks in advance and keep on keeping on. just superfly
and cassady buzzin thru....
Hi Kathy and Fred:
I am a former AT thru-hiker, (Class of ?99) and I?m writing because
I just had a new photo book published, ?Seasons & Colors of the
Appalachian Mountains?. The Foreword and text was written by
Jessy Oberright, AKA Swampfox, who also hiked in 99.
The book illustrates fine art photography along the Appalachian Mountains
and Trail with a fresh perspective of nature's many moods.
It is available on my website:
www.billbooz.com
Thank you very much for posting?
Bill Booz
From: Joseph Alaya joea at-the-domain icarz.com
To: kathy@fred.net
Date: 18-Oct-2005 13:51
Fred and Kathy,
Thank you so much for putting this site together. It was a great help in
helping me prepare for my AT thru hike. My site tells of my adventure and
can be found here: http://www.geocities.com/joegamehike
Thanks!
Jersey joe
game 2002
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 2005 09:03:41 -0400
From: "Rardon, Wayne"
Hi, I am Wayne Rardon a 63 year old happily married Federal Employee that
will retire on 31 December 2005. I will fly down to Atlanta Airport in
mid April to start my thru-hike I would like to increase the enjoyment
of the by walking the trail with someone either male or female. I enjoy
singing, dancing, and of course walking I have a BS and an MS degree. If
any would like to join me at Dahlonega at the A.T Hiker or on the top of
Springer Mountain please lets exchange e-mails get to know one another
and support each other in the goal of finishing at mount Katahdin in
Maine in about six months.
My Home e-mail is wrardon at hotmail
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 13:38:35 -0400
From: tom.bourlier - at - us.army.mil
Hello fellow ATers. I was introduced to the AT by a friend in the
80s. We made several short hikes together (25 miles or so) one
longer hike of 50 miles. This was mostly in central Virginia.
Visited places like The Priest, Three Ridges, Devils Knob. Also
hiked a section in the smokies near Standing Indian Mountain.
This was while I was young and in good shape. It was always a
dream of mine to hike the "whole thing." Between the job and
kids, I just never got around to it. I still have the dream.
Since then I got out of shape and fat and figured it was out of
range for me. Recently, in the last year, I have lost 52 pounds
and have started running again, so I am thinking, maybe it is not
dead after all. I am 63 now and probably won't be able to get the
time to do it until I turn 70 and retire. I know there have been
some senior people who have done it, but was just wondering if it
would be wise. I guess I could always stop if I found it too
tough. That just goes against my nature though. I have never
quit anything, including 5 marathons. Any thoughts from folks
reading this would be appreciated. tom.bourlier-at-us.army.mil.
Happy Trails J
Tommy D. Bourlier
Director
Mortuary Affairs Center
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2005 20:26:08 -0400
From: Ben Cowie BCOWIE at sw.rr.com
My name is Mitchell Panati and I will be thru hiking the AT in the 2007
season. I am in the military, stationed at Fort Benning, GA. I will have
been here for four years before I start my walk home to Maine ( the
vacation land state). My question is where can I go to get accurate
information about my future travels. I also am curious about talking with
others who maybe hiking the trail at the same to as I am. Any information
you can give me will be great.
Thanks so much,
Mitchell Panati
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 23:45:15 EDT
From: Knkretpg at aol
hello my name is wind i am 17 and from mass i am leaving in 8 days to
start a through hike from maine down to georgia i am a high school drop
out. but i left to start an art studio and to eventually do my BIG trip
witch will hopefully find the enevitable truth we all discover once i
reace georgia i go on to zion yosemity humble then the great bear
rainforest. i wish all the other hikers all the good graces of the wood
peace love happyness and understaning
wind
Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 13:52:19 -0700 (PDT)
From: Benjamin Schlechter b_schlechter200 at yahoo
Hello all,
I was wondering why the Appalachian Trail isn't marked at I-40 near
Waterville NC. There are no signs indicating that the Waterville Road exit
is the place where the trail crosses the interstate. This is at the
Tennessee-North Carolina boarder.
Benjamin Schlechter
Date: Sat, 9 Jul 2005 14:45:02 EDT
From: Jmwldrnss21 at aol
Hello all! I'm just hanging out listening to some Beatles 'n' Fleetwood
Mac. Anyhoo....I'm completely devastated for the fact that this past week I
went hiking on the AT and completely fell off the path and sprained my
ankle...so I envy those who are headed out...[14] . As soon as I graduate
high school though...I plan on the long haul...so maybe I'll see some of
you out there. I love you all-
Alyse
Date: Tue, 31 May 2005 16:36:03 -0600
From: Dan O'Brien obfamilyband at hotmail com
Hello! We enjoyed visiting your website. We are a traveling family band
from Evergreen, CO. We have traveled around the United States for three
years playing our music. We have an eleven-year-old daughter, Maura who
plays fiddle, and guitar. Our fourteen-year-old son plays the fiddle, and
mandolin. Both children are International Youth Yodeling Champions from
the Western Music Association. Father, Dan is our singer/songwriter, and
plays mandolin and guitar. Mother, Janette plays the bass. We have had a
grand time playing bluegrass/country/Western/and original music. We would
like to invite you to visit our website. If you know of a place nearby
that would be interested in having us play, please let us know. We look
forward to hearing from you, and would enjoy meeting you sometime down the
road.
The O'Brien Family Band
www.obrienfamilyband.com
Date: Sun, 22 May 2005 14:51:58 -0400
From: Steve "No Clue" Fugate lovelife2001 at earthlink.net
kathy, I am steve fugate trailname "no clue" class of '99 &'00 thank you
for putting me in your guestbook. I have since hiked across the U.S. and
around the U.S. logging over 15,000 miles and wearing out 27 pair of
shoes. I wear a sign over my head stating my purpose, "LOVE LIFE"!!! A
little over half way (Blue Mountain in Pa.) I reecieved a message that I
had lost my beautiful 26 year old son to suicide. This of course ended my
"99 "thru-hike" attempt and left me devastated! In April,2000 I went back
to where I had stopped and finished the AT. I want to get the message of
loving life to our young people, so this is why in 2001 I carried my sign
acrtoss America and on 3/8/03 I left the fl. everglades end walked around
the U.S., finishing 3/25/05. I have established a foundation in my sons
name, The Stevie Lee Fugate Foundation. One of our main goals is to
establish a camp near Springer Mountain, Ga. for the purpose of introducing
Americas young people to "thru-hikes of the AT". My reasoning is that I
personally observed young adults mature way beyond their years in the
process of doing the entire AT. And not only getting them interested in
a"thru-hike" but even helping them to finance the trip when they are ready
to start. Gibran, said that the lust for comfort murders the passion of the
soul and then walks grinning in the funeral. Well, I am convinced that the
AT restores that passion. I am very interested in being contacted by anyone
I have hiked with, anyone that has seen me and my sign on my walks, or
anyone interested in our foundation. Suggestions would be much appreciated!
I may be reached at 772-231 0118, cell 914-772-4244. Or just type in Steve
Fugate on the net. e mail: (lovelife2001 at earthlink.net). Thank you so
very much . sincerely Steve Fugate. LOVE LIFE!!!!!
Date: Fri, 6 May 2005 09:43:44 EDT
From: Veraviera at aol
Hi Kathy & Fred, Just a note to thank you again for directing me to this
very informative and great site. My husband left this morning from central
Florida to start the A.T. in Ga. He is 70 years old and this is his first
trail venture, he has been walking several miles per day for a few months
and carrying 25 to 35 lbs in a backpack. I'm concerned for him, but this
has been his dream and I'm not the one to shatter it. He will probably
make just a short time trip, maybe a week or two, till he sees what's
involved. gina
Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 23:47:11 EST
From: Boydcarron at aol
Carpenter from Ashford,Ct, to thruhike starting Earthday,2005 from
Springer.
Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2005 18:03:39 EST
From: Godschild9899066-at-cs.com
hi....I just wanted to let everyone know that my dad just published a
book on his experience on the A.T. He has 25 years experience of
hiking the A.T. and has some wonderful stories to tell. Look it up
at Cafepress.com/Atbook. I know he's my dad...but the writing is
good and entertaining. pass the word.
trish dagle
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 22:34:57 EST
From: KLandau364 at aol
Congratulations on your 10th anniversary!! And many heartfelt thanks
for this wonderful resource for hikers. Yours was the first website
I found when I began serious planning for my thru-hike. That was
back in 1997 and I eventually hiked in 1999. Thanks for helping to
set me on the right path (the white-blazed one). Walkabout AT99
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 18:50:22 EST
From: Snodrog5 at aol
Happy 10th Anniversary to the Appalachian Trail Homepage!
many thanks for your internet trailbreaking webpage, Kathy!
TJ aka Teej
(Note: TJ sent the message before I put anything on the page about its
being 10 years old.)
Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2005 13:24:51 -0800 (PST)
From: lansden bill bill_lansden at yahoo com
Hi, My name is Bill. I'm looking for hikers who want to travel the
AT. I'd like to start around the first of May in GA or TN and travel
2-4 months. I'm an ex Army Ranger/Bodybuilder, not in a hurry, but
enjoy a good physical challenge. I'm very fit, but haven't done any
camping in a long time, so I hope someone who has experience out
there is interested. Hope to hear from you! cya on the trail!
Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 15:36:38 +0000
From: Sibylla c sibyllan at hotmail
A really great site you have made, thanks for all the information you put
on it. Nice work!! /Sibyllan
Date: Sat, 18 Dec 2004 12:34:33 -1000
From: Vince Ginardi magic4u at wisperhawaii.com
ALOHA FROM HAWAII, I WILL BE HIKING HARPERS FERRY SOUTH} APRIL ISH}.
ANYONE INTERESTED, PLEASE EMAIL ME MAGIC4U at WISPERHAWAII.COM , HAVED
LOGGED OVER 1200 MILES OF TRAIL, IN 2000, 2001, and THIS WILL BE 3RD TRIP
BACK TO VA. I PLAN TO HIKE TO CLINGMANS DOME. APPROX. 1000 MILES WITH NO
HURRIES, TRAIL NAME "MAGIC"
IF "MOOSE" OR" DEADMAN WALKIN" IS OUT THERE LET ME KNOW.} ALOHA
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 11:11:48 -0600 (Central Standard Time)
From: Vern Holland vernholland at cox net
First ... thank you so much for your efforts. I enjoyed everything about
your site. Just happened to surf in because I spend a lot of time browsing
for camping, backpacking and hiking information. My daughter talked me
into doing a site about camping. She has wonderful stories about horse
camping in the Rocky Mountains for a summer camp. Stop by if any of you
have a chance: Camping Tents - Camping
Food - Camping Gear Also ... if you have not tried boat camping, you
will absolutely love it. Thanks so much ... Pam
Message removed
Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2004 21:42:13 EDT
From: S9Dona at aol
Subject: Oct AT hiking2004 from Cecil
Hello Kathy and all the other "kids". I hope you get this message. Thanks
for the help and I hope you enjoyed your hiking. Thanks Cecil E-mail me @
thejoytwins at netzero.net.
Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2004 03:21:10 EDT
From: Albecba at aol
Just wanted to drop a line, we have not walked the AT, but met a few of
the thru walkers in June 2004 in Hot Springs, NC.
Was wondering if anyone had any info on the "G-man" from Erie, PA, Gary
B.
We'd like to know if he made it to Maine on this his second trip.
If so or not let if anyone has any contact with him let him know that Al
& Becky, the campers at Hot Springs, she knows of Pymatuming where "the
ducks walk on the backs of the fish", and she has family in Meadville, PA
said Hello.
Tell him if he ever gets access to email to email us and say hey.
someday I'd like to follow in your all footsteps on the AT. Maybe that
way I'd get over my fear of heights.
Happy hiking
Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2004 21:54:25 EDT
From: LindaRGilmore54 at aol
We met a group of hikers on top of Mt. Washington on Ausgust 2nd, 2004.
They had spent the last 5 months hiking the AT from Georgia. They were on
the last leg of their journey where they expected to be done in 3 weeks as
they finished up in Maine. They had a black and white border collie mix
named Rooter. They called him Root. I would love to hear about their
journey. I had a brief chance to talk with one of the young men who was
taking care of the dog (who was very exhausted.) He was very friendly. I
hope they read this and will respond. It would be great to hear about their
trip from beginning to end. I have a dream of hiking the AT one day.
Linda in Connecticut
Date: Sun, 8 Aug 2004 13:21:39 -0400
From: "Norris, Alicia" ANorris at dnr.state.md.us
hey there! I'm from MD and have a "long lost" from WV who should be
somewhere north of PA by now. His name is
Severin. If you see a shy, bright blue-eyed guy along the trail, tell him
I said Happy Birthday and that I
thot of him on August 7th!
Tell him its from a girl named Charlie.
Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2004 23:22:43 +0100
From: emma baxter emmabaxter at blueyonder.co.uk
i am from england and have just got back from Iraq. where i have been
for the last year give or take a few weeks. Two of my mates were killed
over there . One of them tom like me was a keen walker. We said that we
would do the at together. So for him im going to do it next year. good
luck to all u who are going to try to do it you only live once. Andrew
Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2004 06:32:58 -0400
From: Karen Kern kgkern1 at optonline dot net
Hello Kathy,
While on vacation in Maine, my husband and I picked up
a guy named Ray in Baxter State Park on July 24, 2004, and gave him a lift
to another trail in the park. He had just completed the entire AT and was
heading toward his car. Unfortunately, he left his hat in our car and we
would like to return it to him. It must have been with him for a long time.
All that we know is that he is a guidance counselor from New Hampshire. We
would like to return it to him. It must have been with him for a long time.
All that we know is that he is a guidance counselor from New Hampshire. We
are hoping that he may see this posting and we could get in touch with him.
Thanks, George and Karen Kern
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 19:17:46 -0500
From: Donna Bell DBELL38684 @ CFL.RR (dot) COM
Kathy,
What a great website ...I do wish I would have found it years ago..I love
to hike AT..I usually go out west but fell in love with AT about 3 years
ago...I've met some buddies to hit the trail with but unfortunately they
live in other states..I'm looking for hiking partners in Orlando, FL
area..to hike sections of AT over long weekends. Keep up with this great
site..Donna
Date: Sat, 17 Jul 2004 14:36:08 EDT
From: THEREDFEZMAN at aol
For the appalachien trail guestbook:
I'm 14 but i've already decided im going to walk the whole trail before it
gets wiped out or something during my Gap year! roll on 2009!
Struan Tyrrell, UK
Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2004 06:55:40 -0700 (PDT)
From: Noelle Myers noelle_brooke at yahoo
Hi from Blacksburg, VA,
My friend and I did our first hike on the AT this weekend and just wanted
to share how sureal and amazing it was to hike part of the same gorgeous
trail so many great hikers have walked before us. We started out doing
Dragon's Tooth and then up Peter's Mountain in Jefferson National Forest.
We hope to continue our adventures and wish you all happy hiking!
Noelle & Daniel
Indianapolis, IN
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 20:23:17 -0400
From: arnaud arnaud at shentel net
Dear Hikers, I do believe it may be official, if three groups of trail
hikers stop at your business you are a designated stop. This being the case
I welcome all hikers to the Mian Street Bakery in Luray Va. We offer
special freebies to all hikers of the A.T. Did I mention that I do have
quick access to a certified massage therapist, for those in need. I offfer
a very quaint and peaceful space with hip energy, please join us if you are
close by.
Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 09:45:41 -0400
From: dwright
I am looking for anyone who hiked with Craig Watkins or any info. on peter
and BO BO?Thanks dwright013 at hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 24 May 2004 16:34:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: julie smith prettything0101 at yahoo.com
looking for as much info as i can for a thru hike next year. also met a
guy last time i was out there named philip kraus-pirello whose trail name
was Iron Phil. he seemed to know an awful lot about the trail. does any one
know anything about this guy? he can really play a guitar, too. won the
thru-hiker talent contest in 96. interested if you or anyone knows who he
is. please reply on all
Date: Sat, 22 May 2004 17:54:00 +0000
From: patrick meriney ibmtrader at hotmail
Very nice and informative site...
Thanks,
Patrick Meriney
aspen barn.
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2004 11:28:07 +0100
From: Andrew Cates andrew.cates at sos-uk.org.uk
I enjoyed the inspiring pictures and description in your website; so much
that I hope to come
over and see it for myself one day.
Thank you
Andrew
homepage charity
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 08:32:16 -0800 (PST)
From: gloria fortunato grfort at yahoo
REad with great interest some of the comments
looking for help with the AT section from VT to Ct as
we are planning a troop hike. If anyone can shed some
light, info, will appreciate it.
gloria fortunato
T180
Pioneer Valley Council BSA
Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2003 16:31:31 -0800
From: Alan Cook
My new book, "Walking the World: Memories and Adventures," has a chapter
written by Ethan Loewenthal, who hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1999. The
guy is a poet. This is a must-read for anybody hiking the trail. For more
information see http://alancook.50megs.com
Alan Cook
alcook-at-sprintmail-dot-com
Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2003 09:13:37 -0500
From: Chase Davidson wb4pan at mindspringdotcom
HI Folks,
Kathy thanks again for your web site. I remember when your site was
the first and only Appalachian Trail site on the web!
I am always looking for weekend backpacking partners, especially
around Lynchburg / Roanoke areas.
Anyone want to join me or have shuttle info for a Xmas/New Years
hike. Starting Dec 24 at Pennsylvania and walking south to Front
Royal? Will motel be open in Harpers Dec 26/27. Wonder where to send a
food drop or chance of getting a ride to Super Walmart to resupply on
this holiday weekend.
http://friends.backcountry.net/wb4pan
chase
Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 14:42:01 EST
From: Rustyjosie at aol
I am Bob O'Connor, an ATC member, and would like to be included in the
book. I will be hiking parts of the AT this coming week on my way back to
Florida on vacation. I will terminate my trip with a visit to Springer Mtn.
within 2 weeks. Thank you, Bob O'Connor
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2003 14:43:31 -0500
From: Bob Scott bob at prorecov.com
Hello from Georgia. My name is Bob and I have been hiking on the AT my hole
life. I was born in New Jersey and spent my summer months at sunfish pond.
After getting back from Viet Nam, I did a thru hike in 69 and after getting
to Georgia I was too tired to walk back home so I have been here ever
since. I hike every chance that I get which is at least 2 weekends a month
and love to spend at least one weekend on blood mountain. I look forward
to seeing all the thru hikers. Keep up the good work.
Bob Scott
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2003 14:41:42 -0500
From: Jeff sci4 at charter.net
Nice to see this website, I hiked 30 miles on it when I was a Boy Scout.
Thanks Jeff.
Date: Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:14:17 +0200
From: v.meijers
Hi Cathy,
I am looking for people, especially women, who have walked the Appalachian
Trail and can give me information about the trail. At this moment, I hardly
know anything about it, so all information is welcome! For example: Is it
safe for a woman (I am 35) to walk alone? How are the facilities? Can I
walk from one 'roof' to another (from town to town) or do I really need to
bring my tent? How expensive is it? How many people are walking the trail?
What is the best part of the year to walk it?
Thanks for the information on this site. I'm sure that, once I reed it all,
many of the questions I know have, will be solved.
Greetings from Holland!
Vera Meijers
v.meijers (at) freeler.nl
Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 20:18:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tim Pritchett
Kathy,
Site looks great. I'm just getting into hiking. I turned 30 this past
December and I said "Hey why not take up Hiking as a hobby?" So I'm giving
it a try. If anyone has any ideas or sites I can go to help me get started,
it would be great. I'm looking for things like what to carry (food, stove,
sleeping bag, tent, clothes, etc.) and what not to carry. All my info.
where I can be reached is below. Take care yall!
Happy Hiking,
Tim "Tinker" Pritchett
a.k.a. "COOKIE"
P.O. Box 455
Ackerman, MS 39735
Email: tinkersgonecamping at yahoo
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2003 13:52:13 -0400
From: Patty Burk pattyburk at comcast dot net
Thanks for the AT website. I'm thinking of doing it soon and
your website is so informative.
Your efforts are appreciated.
Patty
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2003 21:52:35 EDT
From: Builderboy34 at aol
Great page Kathy! I found it on Google... My name is Victor & looking for a
partner to thru hike the
A.T. in March 2004. I'm 35 and looking for Male or Female partner around
the same age. I do a lot of
hiking in the summer months, for I have hiked Katahdin 3 times this summer
so far and doing a 5 day hike
in the Presidential Range the end of Aug. I would like to hear from you if
you are looking for a partner
to thru hike the A.T.
Please E-mail me at builderboy34 at aol
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 14:57:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: Lynn Russell nitrogirl1991 at yahoo
Hi....Today, myself and two of my girlfriends hiked about a mile of
the AP Trail here in Dunnannon, PA (located in Perry County). We
hiked up to what they call "Hawks Rock" and the view was absolutely
beautiful. We all had an awesome time and could not believe how some
hike the whole entire trail. Hats off to them for sure!! If we all
said if we had the means to take about six months off of work we just
might attempt it ourselves!! Anyway....good luck to all the hikers
and be careful out there!
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2003 07:47:54 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jean Runion Jeanrun at webtvdotnet
Subject: Lost dog
Kathy
I desperately need your help. I have lost my dog. I feel that he has
followed hikers around the Tenn.- North Carolina line. Max is a large
reddish color male Golden Retriever. He has on no collar so people may
think he is a stray. I am hoping someone hiking through the area may
have seen him. If you have any suggestions on how I could get the word
out to people travelling the trail I would appreciate it. My children
and I are just sick about losing him. Maybe someone has spotted him or
has picked him up? I can be reached at 423-743-1955. I really appreciate
your help. Sherry
Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2003 12:27:45 EDT
From: Simba590 at aol
Great page! My daughter(currently age 11) and I plan to hike part of
the AT in 2007. I found the link on "A Walk in the Woods" shuttle
service in the Smokies most helpful, as Gatlinburg is a desirable stay
over place after hiking such a huge portion of it.
Great site.........thanks for all you put into it!
Jim from New Orleans
AKA Simba
Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2003 12:14:29 -0400
From: Allen
To: kathy@fred.net
My name is Allen & we have a resturaunt in Waynesboro, Va.
I just want everyone to come by & sign the register I've been keeping
since 1995. Hope to see ya'll soon.
Allen
The Schooner Resturant
Waynesboro, Va.
allencollawn at yahoo
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2003 11:42:47 -0400
From: Michael Karaman mjklucky13 at hotmail
Kathy,
I've periodically linked to your site for AT news for many years. I
realized that I had never signed your guestbook just today.
I did my first AT section, New Jersey, in 1973 with two other 15-year old
Boy Scout buddies. We did Massachusetts, Connecticut and northern
Pennsylvania before graduating from high school, and then I did a few
hundred more miles during summer vacations from college. I pretty much
stopped hiking once I moved to southeast Michigan and started a career and
family, but I've got the bug again. With the exception of a few one-mile
gaps, I've now finished from Buena Vista, Virginia north the Mount
Moosilaukee at the start of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I
typically get to go out for a week every Fall, and sometimes a day hike
around an East Coast business trip, so it doesn't look like I'll finish
until about 2020. I enjoy all the planning and anticipation each summer,
though!
Keep up the good work. I encourage everyone who loves the AT to join the
Appalachian Trail Conference. I joined as a Life Member since it is my
preferred long term recreational activity and I want to ensure it's
sanctity
in our continually hectic world.
--Michael "Kerosene" Karaman
Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2003 19:46:07 EDT
From: JBTLASEA@aol.com
Happen to be doing my laundry at SNP Loft mountain Campstore when 3
thru hikers entered the parking lot. Ready to load up on supplys when
they found out the store closes at 5:30 PM. I filled their bottles
with spring water gave them some fresh fruit and wished them luck. If
your out there good luck and happy trails!!
Ziggster
jbtlase at aol
PS; Store closes at 5:30PM Guys!!!!
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2003 19:32:53 -0400
From: "Pennell, Julia" jpennell ( at )wcupa.edu
Hi,
I am a life menber of the ATC who HAD planned to hike the entire AT. A
chronic illness and handicap have stepped in to cause a slight change
in plans. My goal now is to hike parts of the trail in all the
states. I've hiked parts in VA, VT, PA, and WV. Hopefully, I'll be
able to reach my goal.
Buying my life membership is one of the best things I have done with
my money. I feel my small contribution has helped to keep the trail
healthy and vigorous.
Keep on keepin' on, you 2,000 milers.
Julie Pennell
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2003 09:16:29 -0500
From: Ross Hill
Hi Kathy,
I would like to be included in your guestbook.
I am planning a thru hike next spring, 2004. I am currently
preparing, planning and looking for a partner.
I would preffer a good natured, health minded female. I am retired
from teaching, the military, and truck driving.
Thanks for this site.
Ross
rilleu at the domain yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2003 12:45:43 -0400
From: Lisa Pedro fisherlm at the domain ns.neiu.k12.pa.us
Hi Kathy,
I enjoy reading other hikers' journal entries. You have done a great job
with it. I am a 40+ female teacher who has been hiking sections of the AT
for several years now. This summer, beginning July 20, I am planning to
hike from Mt. Katahdin to the New Hampshire border completing the state of
Maine section of the AT. I loved to hear from anybody that has already
completed this section recently. I could use all the advice I can get.
Lisa (trail name Teach)
Hi Kathy,
Come across this site through a search. It is such a great site, for it is
very nicely laid out and easy to get around. I have a friend who is
planning to hike part of the trail in July of this year (2003) from Georgia
to Virginia to meet up with his girlfriend (yes, this sounds like a
romantic story from the past), and was looking up some information for him.
I especially like the journals from the hikers who have made the hike to
see how their trip went. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to hike part
of it. Thanks again for the wonderful site.
John Ruth
Fairbanks, Alaska
Date: Sat, 31 May 2003 08:36:10 EDT
From: LovinNHLivin at aol
Hi All Hikers!
I just heard from my friend, Bob, trail name "Brat", who is heading
back to the trail today. Thanks to his trail friends, especially Chris
"Dioge" who encouraged Bob to have his ribs checked out. He's feeling
okay and is heading back into The 100 miles...
May all your blisters be healed, may the sun shine down upon you all
and may the love of your fellow hikers carry you all safely through.
Enjoy your journey, all of you...and take care of yourselves and each
other.
If anyone has seen Bob and has access to a computer along the way,
drop me a line at LovinNHLivin at aol
Thanks,
Lisa
Date: Sat, 31 May 2003 00:17:57 -0400
From: Steve Smith
Thanks for a great page. I started the AT in sections beginning at
Springer March 2002 and have been using your site as a way to stay
informed.
I am a trail runner and have spent 16 days on the trail over the last two
years. Currently I am at the Hwy19 Gap near Roan Mtn in TN. The flowers
were incredible over this Memorial Day weekend which I have decided is an
ideal time for being on the trail.
I have met many great people on the trail and actually saw another section
hiker on the trail again this year that I had met in 2002. It is a small
world...
I hope to finish in another six years or so and plan to continue to use
your site as a way to be on the trail when I have to stay at home....
Thanks.
Mountain_Stream at Lycos com
Date: Sat, 24 May 2003 10:55:03 -0400
From: Ron woodyronchar at earthlinkdotnet
Please add me to your guessbook. I am planning a through hike March
2005. I am 52 years old and am in the process of conditioning myself
for this tremendous journey.
Thank you.
Ron Woody
Date: Fri, 23 May 2003 09:54:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: benjamin Hirsch elephantkiss3 at yahoo
Hi Kathy and to the friends of the A.T.,
I have been (sobo) en-route to Georgia since the 7th
of may from NY and I'm very interested in leaving PA
as soon as possible (too many rocks). I guess I just
wanted to send my regards to a few thru-hikers I have
meet moving nobo and wish them luck and health.
Not-yet, ben, salty-dog, snake-charmer, vic & Irish,
ingia and rum, Lady-fingers, Spaz, jack-ass,
suspenders, and I have yet to catch up with Poo-bear
who is said to be only two days ahead of me from
Lehigh Gap, PA. I also want to say hi to my bestest
pal Mo (Morgan Knapp) who has been a real inspiration
to me. Hi Mo-mo!
The weather down here has been less than fair but it
makes for good hiking.
A note for all who have not been on the Appalachian
before and need some advice about footwear.
Trail-runners are great if your carrying less than 30
lbs.
Bring extra socks to change out of from a long day of
hiking and sweating.
Bring Zip-lock bags to keep everything dry. I speak
from personal exp. You do not want to be lugging
anything that is wet and weighs twice as much as
before, not fun.
Go freeze-dried! If you have the time get information
on freeze-drying or if you already know how, you'll
save space, time, money and weight for your hike.
Also, do mail drops to yourself and don't forget to
write on the package "A.T. hiker".
That's it for me. Heading out of Lehigh Gap today
after staying at the free police-house shelter here in
town. Top-notch hospitality! They provided me with a
soft bunk, tooth-paste, soap and a super hot
exfoliating shower that felt so good! Across the
street is Tommie's "Ice Cream Parlor" where you can
get ice cream sundaes or your fill of the protein of
your choice. Anyways, really nice people. Good
Americana town. Happy to be out here. Peace.
Blessings to all,
Brother (sobo)
elephantkiss33 at yahoo
Date: Fri, 23 May 2003 18:52:08 EDT
From: LovinNHLivin at aol
My friend, Bob is heading out on The Trail this week, leaving from
Baxter State Park. He is 54 and may be going by "Brat".....as his
trail name....he's not really a brat but we all wanted him to
stay...so.....we call him that!
If anyone sees him, drop me a line. We all love him and worry about
him. He's got diabetes and is feeling a bit weak.
Thanks,
Lisa
LovinNHLivin at aol
From: Snodrog5 at aol
Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 09:18:19 EDT
Subject: Report from Katahdin
The AT on Katahdin was still not open as of yesterday (the 19th), and will
remain closed until at least this weekend. On Sunday the 18th, I was
allowed to climb past the "Class IV Trail Head Closed" sign to check trail
conditions. The Ranger predicted that snow would clog the trail at about
3100' just below 'The Cave' where the AT edged close to the Witherle
Ravine, and that's exactly where I found snow and ice blocking the trail.
Those Baxter Park rangers know their stuff! The nearby Abol Slide trail is
expected to open this week, allowing hikers to climb up to Baxter Peak.
The Maine woods are tinder dry, the forest fire danger rating is 'high,'
and there were at least four forest fires over the weekend. Hurd Brook, the
first ford in the 100 Mile Wilderness for ME>GA hikers, was an easy
rock-hop on the 15th. Not many black flies or mosquitos to content with,
but that'll change in the next few weeks.
Two Southbound hikers have started their Through-hikes from Baxter State
Park so far. Good luck and happy trails to "Bruiser" and "Chameleon"!
TJ
John Gordon
ALDHA Companion volunteer, Caratunk > Katahdin
snodrog5 at aol
Caratunk2Katahdin at yahoo
Date: Tue, 13 May 2003 11:18:24 EDT
From: Bluewaterdiver99 (at) aol.com
Hi Katy, my name is Brenda and I am a bartender at a place called the Anvil
which is on the Apalachian trail in Harpers Ferry, WV. I have been meeting
many hikers lately most of them in their 70 something day of the hike
toward Main. I hear their stories and I have to tell you they are the most
interesting people I have ever met. They come in and congregate and I love
to know their trail names. I'm thinking of starting a guestbook there then
I'd be able to keep you posted on who's where. Nice web site. Brenda
Date: Tue, 6 May 2003 12:33:42 -0400
From: bogon1026 at msn.com
I am a 62 year old male. Really enjoyed your web page. I am a novice hiker,
who hopes to do the trail in MARCH or APRIL 2004. END TO END... Would like
any & all information to help me complete my goal. What to take, what not
to take. THANK YOU!! in advance
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 20:53:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: DAVID SHEA
I hope to hike the "Trail" sometime after I retire,in
about four years from now. I think your web page is
great.There is so much info, I don't know where I
should start.Any help you could give would be great!
Thank you,and keep up the good work.
sincerely
David L. Shea
14112 Greenbay Ave.
Burnham,Ill. 60633-1618
Racoon1 at flash.net
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2003 22:16:49 +0100
From: Peter Dunkley dunks at lightningbalt net
Hi
Thank you for the opportunity to perhaps contact "Windbreaker" who I met in
"The Wilderness" in August 2002. I am a 67 year old brit and walked the 100
mile wilderness alone as a reward on retirement. I have never done anything
so difficult in all my life. But I enjoyed it and met some wonderful
people, mostly 'Thru Walkers' and amongst them Windbreaker, who I would
love to contact. Can anyone out there help me?
Regards. Peter (Deadlegs)
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2003 19:28:02 -0400
From: Steve Goetzelman
Hi everybody, Dropout GAME 99 here, checking up on whats new on the AT.
Its
great to read about people preparing for their hikes, I wish you all the
best of luck and remember to stay out of trees! Best advice I ever got. I
have lost touch with many of the friends I made in the woods that summer so
if Triscuit or Nemo or Dr A or Moose The New FBI or Utah, Big Skinny, Last
Grad, Step and Double Step, Heatmiser, Jiffy, Load, Clive and Juarnita, The
Wild Flower, Circuit Rider or anyone else I hiked with reads this please
get
in touch! Enjoy your hikes everyone,
Dropout GAME 99
sgoetzelman at hotmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2003 15:55:31 -0400
From: Dalyne Reeves dreeves at algxmail.com
Hi Kathy,
Good work on the website. I have really enjoyed my time on the trail
and can't wait to get back. Good luck to all of those who seek
fellowship in the woods. It's a wonderful place the AT! Super people,
and tons of fun.
Happy Trails all,
Krystal (Mountain Pooh Bear)
Through faith ALL things are possible!!!!
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 18:34:23 -0800 (PST)
From: janelle Dyer blondgal5318 at yahoo.com
Hey everybody!
I am interested in thru-hikin the AT with a friend in 2004, we are
young tree huggin hippies trying to find ourselves before college. If
any other youngins' wanna join us my email is blondgal5318 at yahoo.com
or mtnmama84 at aol.com. March is coming people so be thinkin! Hope to
hear from some people.
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2003 19:52:55 -0600
From: Robert D Garrett
I am a 41 y/o male planning a thru-hike leaving april of 2005. I am very
excited and can't wait to get started, any advice would be welcome. Pls
email me at hikerdg at juno.com
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 14:20:26 -0500
From: gnlgrant at hotmail.com
Hi leavin springer march 2 or 3rd 2003 anybody else?
E.C.Gebhart
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 16:34:10 -0500
From: Morgan Hook Mhook at wvpt.net
My name is Morgan Hook and last spring I did a documentary for PBS
called Appalachian Trail: The Beaten Path. It explores
some of the history of the trail, from Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery
and their eventual split, and also takes a look at some of the more
interesting hikers the trail has seen, like Earl Schaffer and blind
hiker Bill Irwin.
If you would be interested in buying a copy of this, you can either call
WVPT in Harrisonburg, VA at 540-434-5391, or email me at
morganhook@aol.com.
I should also mention that tape has some added bonus features, including
never-before seen footage of Myron Avery working in Shenandoah National
Park, and the last interview ever done with Benton MacKaye before his
death.
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 13:29:42 -0500
From: Ginger Jones vnkrj at skybest.com
Hi, My name is Ken Jones, trail name is Sarge. I hiked from Springer Mt. to
Dalton Mass. in 2000. There I tore a muscle in my leg and had to leave the
trail. In March of 2001 I returned to Springer Mt. and hiked to Mt.
Katahdin. Becoming a through hiker. I did it in 4 months and 5 days. If any
of my hiking buddies( Johnny looksee, AT Chaz, Jeff, recycled, Backhoe
Jim,) see this give me a note at; vnkrj at skybest.com. I really enjoyed
looking through your guestbook. Your're doing a great job. Many thanks.
Sarge
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2002 14:20:35 -0800 (PST)
From: lee gemmill opus1946 at yahoo.com
Merry Christmas to all you AT hikers from Opus. I hiked the Virginia
section of the AT from Feb.15, 2002 till May 11, 2002, Harpers Ferry to
Damascus. Actually made it in time for trail days however my trip was cut
short when my gear was stolen while staying at the Iron Horse campground.
Local sheriffs department felt it was a hiker, I felt otherwise.
Fortunately I believe I was right as the Washington county sheriffs
department called me in August and had found the gear. All the good stuff
was still in the pack, stove, filter, ect. Didn^?t seem like a hiker to me,
I Did lose some personal info, chk^?s, and clothing but most disheartening
was that I loss my journal and some photos, fortunately I had mailed a lot
of the photos home. The loss of the journal was the bummer as my memory is
not that great. I have managed to post some photos along with some of the
names I could remember if interested they can be viewed at
http://photos.yahoo.com/opus1946 under Opus encounters. I still can't
believe what a great experience it was and the best part was the fellow
hikers I met on the trail. I Have to give credit to the thru hikers, you
people are crazier than I am, never thought a human being could walk those
kind of miles in one day. Thanks for the companionship, the stories the
laughter and most of all the trail knowledge. You made it all worthwhile. I
will spend my winter doing a few short hikes in Shenandoah Nat Park and am
considering hiking the state of Main in the spring of 2003, thought I would
start at Katahdin and head south as usual doing it backwards, and I do
prefer the cooler weather. If anybody feels like getting in touch I can be
reached at opus1946@yahoo.com. Thanks again for a wonderful trip and a
special thanks to the people at the AT store in Harpers Ferry, The Bears
Dea n. And Bill the manager of the outfitters on the far side of
Blacksburg,VA
Thanks again for a wonderful trip., Opus
Date: Thu, 12 Dec 2002 14:45:28 EST
From: DawnsLateLight19 at cs.com
My best friend's daughter, Rachel Ferguson was shot by a hunter on the
appalchian trail in Georgia on nov. 24th, 2002. She is recovering but the
famaily could use some help with the bills. A fund was set up in her name
to take donations. She has received many e-mails from hikers and I was
hoping you could post the address on your web site. It is The Rachel
Ferguson Fund. National Bank of Commerce 827 Joe Frank Harris Parkway
Cartersville, Ga. 30120 Thank you so much, Vanessa Harford
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 12:28:07 +0100
From: Anne anne.scharlow (at) web.de
Hey guys,
I have been in Virginia from April to August, and I really liked it. No
I loved it. Me and my friends Julene and Jeremiah, we did a lot of
hiking tours on the A.T. and it was awesome. I really miss Virginia and
hope to come back soon for a longer period!!!
Love from Germany
Anne
Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 19:41:49 -0400
From: amity1a at hotmail.com
Please include into your guestbook. Thanks!!!
I am looking for anyone that is interested in hiking th A.T. all or in
part. come the Spring of 2003. I am a white male 54 years old and have a
lot of trail experience.Presently I live in Pa. and am open to a
starting point on the trail, but, prefer to start in April in Springer.
I would enjoy sharing the experience with some other one. Male or
female would be fine. If , interested please contact me at
"amity1a at hotmail.com".
Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2002 08:51:14 -0400
From: Gene P Berger corno tampabay.rr.com
I started my thru-hike of the AT at Springer Mtn, on May 31, 2002. I
walked and trudged and sweated and laughed 620
miles to Pearisburg, VA before receiving word that my house was set
afire by vandals. I WILL finish my trek next summer.
In the mean-time, I would like to find some of my fellow hikers who I
hiked with (or read about in the shelter journals)
Lowell, "Mr. Freeze" where are you!!!, Andy from England -What happened
to you?? "Airborne"!! I finally met you in
Pearisburg with Dave??,. "Barb-so-Far".....did you make to Springer?
Phat Chap, How about you?? Your restaurant
recommendations came in handy. Chef Buzz-Saw, Average-White-Guy,
Backfire, Naomi and Bobbi, you guys were too fast for me
but I enjoyed you company and/or your journal entries!! This was the
most amazing thing I have done in my life. We AT
hikers share this experience that so few can or will understand. I love
you all!!
"Deacon Blues" aka Kurt from Tampa
kdgrissom hotmail.com
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 15:48:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: HOME AND OFFICE SERVICE fixit4unow yahoo.com
Robert wrote:
I liked it all Kathy. I am from the north Georgia mountains and hope to
finish the Georgia trail next month. Oh how nice it is...
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 14:53:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: bill harris vacreeper2k yahoo.com
Hi
Found your website and really enjoyed reading
it,especially the guestbook portion.
I started as a thru hiker in March of 2000 at Springer
Mt.Suffered a foot problem and left the trail at
Asheville.Returned in 2001 for a section and will
return again this coming April.
I live in California but,am a native Virginian.I have
2 more web sites that might be helpful for hiking the
AT. www.trailplace.com and www.aldha.org.Your web
site seems to be more compatiable for hikers needs.
Yours Truely Bill Harris vacreeper2k yahoo.com
Fairfield,Ca.
Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 14:10:11 EDT
From: ADAMSRIVERPLACE aol.com
trying to get a list of what i need to carry on the appalachian trail an
places to get supplies
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 11:49:34 -0400
From: KEITH SIMPSON dialanote2 at msn.com
Hi, We read journals from the prior site covering the trail thru hikers.
It was said that Mt. Katahdin was the hardest of all and one wrote
that she cried when she finished there.
I can see why.
That mountain has my respect but I never made it to the summit peak.
Oh no. I never made it past the trees and the Saddle Trail.
I was hot, my head pounding, and my feet burning hot.
That mountain is very hard to climb with it's path of rocks.
Oh my. Never again.
We thought climbing the easy mountains of Ma would prepare us for this one.
Nothing would prepare me for this one.
OUCH!
Cathie & Keith, the city slickers
Date: Wed, 17 Jul 2002 15:28:32 -0400
From: Cody and Elaine Bateman spanky-at-hikeforkids.com
Hello Friends,
I will begin thru-hiking southbound from Bangor, Maine on July 27th, 2002
on behalf of
abused and abandoned kids. If you see me on the trail, give me some
encouragement! If we
miss each other, let me encourage you to become a foster or adoptive
parent!
Spanky
Hike for Kids and Project TeamWork
From: Richard
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2002 7:17 PM
Tuesday July 16 2002
Hi everyone
Planning to thru-hike from georgia to maine in 2004 march 1, I know it"s a
long way off but trying to prepare myself mentally and physically.
Possibly looking for a hiking parter or group. I'am 46 years old, from the
great white north (canada), married with 2 kids would like to hear from
anyone interested . P.S. I haven't a trail name yet. My email address is
richardpax at yahoo.ca
hope to hear from someone soon.
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 2002 14:28:27 -0400
From: GETGEN at surry.net
On Friday, June 12, 2002 we met Postcard at Hurricane Campground in
Virginia -
located in the Jefferson National Forest/ Mt. Rogers Recreational area.
His home is in Florida and he was traveling the AT from South to North.
He appeared to be in good health. A mouse had eaten a few holes in his
pack. He was confused by the trail signs. We gave him a few supplies
and got him back on the trail heading North.
We wish him good luck and God speed!
Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 13:56:11 -0500
From: Seilerrobert at msn.com
To All Hikers of the Appalachian Trail:
My Brother Johnny Obos (STOMPER) completed the trail from Marchl 2001
thru September 2001. You may remeber him as
STOMPER! We have sad news to report. Johnny has take a journey to the
heavens. He had a tragic car accident on June 17th
which took his life. The Appalachian trail was the biggest accomplishment
in his life besides making everyone he met
HAPPIER. Since my family is aware of how much you all meant to him and I
am sure he touched each of your lives, we are
inviting you to make entries into his guestbook at (legacy.com)
unfortunately the guest book is only open until July 17th.
If you read this later than that date feel free to write to me (his sister)
at Auntytata60@hotmail,.com at any time. My
family was very proud of him and love to here from his friends. I'm gald
he was able to touch each and every one of you
during his life.
Thank You and God Bless ANITA SEILER (Stomper's sister)
Guestbook
for Johhny
Date: Sat, 22 Jun 2002 20:35:19 -0500
From: Richard Archer dickarcher at earthlink net
Just to wish my good friend, Grant (Woody) Smith, USMC, and former
professor @ Temple College.. the best of luck and God's Speed! (Grant
started last Thursday, 21 June and is in mid-Virginia (will be @
Harpers Ferry on 10 July)
With very best wishes to y'all. Dick Archer, Temple,Tx Mr. Positive
(POS...)
Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2002 03:58:46 EDT
From: Gordylind8 at cs.com
I hiked on the AT for 3 months (trail name Osprey) in 1998, and had the
privilege to spend several hours over 2 days with Earl Shaffer. He was a
real piece of work. He caught up with me in Damascus on June 4. We had
some conversation, and I started up the trail. He stayed in town for
breakfast. I got to Saunders Shelter around 3:30 pm. Just at dark, Earl
showed up. He had trouble finding his flashlight, and I offered mine so he
could find his. He said, "No, I'm too stubborn." The next day we were at
Lost Mt. Shelter for lunch. I went on, but Earl stayed to find dry wood so
he could boil the dozen fresh eggs he'd carried from Damascus. What a guy.
Thought this might be of interest to someone.
Gordy "Osprey" Lind
Date: Sun, 19 May 2002 18:40:57 EDT
From: TBAAWING at aol
Hi Everyone,
This note is for my friend, Ron Estabrook, if anyone runs into him or
he's able to access this site. He began his trek yesterday from Spring Mt
due north.
Ron, I tried calling to wish you God Speed but you were headed to GA.
My prayers are with you as your dream to hike the Appalachian comes true.
Enjoy and be careful. I'll be waiting to hear from you.
Love, Susan
Date: Tue, 14 May 2002 00:18:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: Easyhiker
This site is a great resource for A.T. hikers. I'd
love to be included in your site index. My site is
Easyhiker.Net
Thanx,
-Easyhiker-
Date: Sun, 12 May 2002 08:22:18 -0400
From: B.J. Baker
I'm looking for a possible shuttle from Marion, VA to US hwy. 460 (north)
around May 24 or 25th. Anyone have any names? Thanks.
B.J. Baker
bjbaker@preferred.com
Date: Wed, 1 May 2002 21:38:45 -0400 (EDT)
From: Rinckster
Greetings from Pennsylvania!
If they happen to stop in, this note is for SwampDog and Stinger. We
met @ the Peters Mountain shelter last Sunday (4.28.2K2). It was nice
to meet you and I would be glad to hear from you after your vacation at
Rinckster at-the-domain webtv.net. Hope you enjoyed the trail magic!
Rinckster
PRAY FOR PEACE
Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 20:44:04 +0200 (CEST)
From: "Ana?s Reding" anaisreding@yahoo.fr
Hi!
Last summer, I hiked a part of the AT (in Maine) for 5 days. I was with a
camp (Trailmark). I had never liked hiking at all, I've always though it
was boring though I have to admit I was really excited to go camping!
Though the first day I left thinking it would be 5 boring days to hink of
my life, it turned out to be I think the greatest experience ever. I got
time to think about my life and all that I was a bit confused about...
After those five days, I knew what I had to do if I wanted to move on and
leavethe "bad" parts of my life behind me. I felt stronger, more mature and
much more calm and able to handel things... It was like a mental cure, you
know?
I suppose that many of you reading this are people who have already
discovered hiking, but I wanted to say how glad I was to experience this
and that I am now planning to go hiking again this summer with one or two
friends after having spent a year during which I've gotten my parents
confidence, I learned to take the right decisions at the right time and I
have gained so much confidence!
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 04:36:34 +0000
From: amy buchanan
hey--my friend and i are hiking a piece of the AT this summer, and were
wondering if it is safe for two college-age girls to attempt this hike, or
would it be safer to hike in a larger group? we are looking for some people
our age to come along with us june-august 2002, so email me at
alynn1025@hotmail.com if you're into it. i can't wait to finally do this,
i'd love to hear from any of you with any advice or stories you may have.
thanks! amy
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 08:45:57 -0400
From: Brian J Schweikert brian_j_schweikert at icpphil.navy.mil
Hi,
Just dropping a note to say like your page on the AT. Its been awhile
since I've been thru (78) but am tenatively making plans to hike with my
two sons the entire length again when they complete high school.
On another note this international "AT", did I hear correctly that it is
now possible to go from Quebec all the way clear to south FLA? I also
had heard, by another account that the southern "turn" leads off
torwards Alabama and ends there. Whats Up??
cheers
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 19:02:39 -0700
From: Dan Golden dtg@gci.net
Hi Folks:
I want to do the AT in two years. Any help or suggestions
on doing this adventure will help. Did the Iditarod Trail this
year and it was a blast!
-GB Jones
P.O. Box 878725
Meadow Lakes, Alaska 99687
http://www.alaskanmusher.com
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 14:19:35 -0400
From: Trent Reynolds trentrey@hotmail.com
Hi,
Bohemian here.
I hiked through Virginia last summer and plan on starting north from
Damascus for four months, beginning the third week of may 2002. If anyone
wants to e-mail me, please do. Maybe we can answer each other's guestions
and share advice. Thanks.
Trentrey@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 18:53:07 -0500
From: chris baker cbraz@etigers.net
Hi, I am an 19 year old hiker whom has hiked a few different parts of the
trail in Tennessee/N.Carolina. I will someday through hike it, but right
now school is more important. I was introduced to this life style in the
scouts and plan to continue it. I plan to put some pictures on my web page
soon, so come see them and drop me a line of advice on different points so
when I do it I will be prepared. Check out my webpage. Sign the Guest Book
and leave you thoughts. http://www.geocities.com/cbraz3/mypage
Chris
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 14:41:23 EDT
From: Jerseygirl0704@aol.com
Hi All- It's been a dream to thru-hike the trail and I figure this time in
my life is the best to do it. I'm looking for other twenty-somethings to
hike April-August 2003 starting in Georgia. Anyone with any tips on
preparation and send-aheads (at post offices) fill me in! If you'd like to
join me (I'm 24 and female) or if I can join your group, email me at
Jerseygirl0704@aol.com
Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2002 23:41:41 -0400
From: Penick penick@nettally.com
My 19 year old son is planning to thru hike starting in about 3 weeks! He
has some very good experience, but we need to know where to order food
quick. He is vegitarian and will only heat food in the evening. Wants to
order some bulk items. Also, for me, is a cell phone viable? How can we
communicate? Thanks, George in Tallahassee
Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 11:21:12 EDT
From: Jjkytten@aol.com
Hello! I as a few others have been recently inspired to hike the AT after
reading Bill Brysons "A Walk in the Woods", even though I was dissapointed
he did not see his vision thru to fruition (skipping part of the trail).
His book is definately geared towards entertainment, however, somewhat
informational also...overall a good read.
Hiking/Camping is something that I have always been interested in and done,
however, I was sucked in by the corporate world (money driven) and got away
from my upbringing and roots. So I have determined that now is the time
for me to get back intouch with myself, and what beter way than spending
five months (or so!) of enjoying natures splendor.
I am relatively quiet person, tend to do most of my communicating in the
format of writing. I would feel comfortable accomplishing this hike on my
own, however, having a companion (male/female) would definetely be
adventageous for those days when you "hit the wall". If anybody is devoted
to seeing a thru hike to its end with limited tourist stops hopefully
starting this June (North to South) please feel free to contact me for more
information on plans for this journey.
Alonzo Friend afriendiii@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 05 Apr 2002 14:34:06 -0600
From: Stephanie Willis stephw@mail.pittstate.edu
I have a friend who just began her trek on the trail on April 1 of this
year. Her name is Janna Stevens and she plans to walk the entire trail.
Hats off to Janna!
Stephanie Willis
Pittsburg, KS
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 09:56:12 -0500
From: Mary Dykes freebirdmtd@comcast.net
I am looking to try to hike the trail in aprox 4 years when my son is 16
and can legally leave school for a year. In what way(s) should we prepare -
finacially, emotionally, physically? Would love to hear from anyone with
good tips. Thanks!
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 16:57:18 -0800 (PST)
From: R S gr8fulbear@yahoo.com
Hey
This is All Purpose from 2001. I am trying to
locate a fellow AT Hiker w/ the trail name Ronin...Ed
Davis to those in State College, PA. Thanks.
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 14:51:48 -0500
From: Dan Savini dansavini@attbi.com
I would like info. on Earl Shaffer's last AT thru hike, about the gear he
carried the food he ate and what clothes he wore. Also, I bought a vaccum
food saver to prepare food for long hikes, does anyone have experience with
this?
Thank You
Dan
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 13:10:34 -0500
From: rskeay rskeay@localnet.com
Hi--Just an old time Through Hiker signing in. Trail
name-Beekeeper-. Georgia to Maine the
summer of 1980. Alive and still kicking. Any one out there do the Trail in
that year ?? Bob
AKA Beekeeper
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 19:32:10 EST
From: CINAN77@cs.com
Hi,
I'm planning on section hiking part of the Trail starting mid May... I'm
looking for a partner, preferably female. I must leave the trail around end
of June or so. Very flexible as to where I can start hiking. Anyone out
there? Email me at cinan77@cs.com. Also, my backpacking experience is
limited, have done some though. .. ... Thanks
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 18:10:41 -0800 (PST)
From: Erin Doonan
Hi everyone,
Since reading Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, it has been my goal to
hike the AT. I've been trying to find info on the trail everywhere but in
Wisconsin it's pretty scarce. I even work in a map store and don't have
much luck! If anyone would send me any information, stories or advice I
would REALLY appreciate it!! Thank you!
Erin Doonan
eedoonan@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2002 17:41:59 EST
From: Perhamus@aol.com
Subject: Looking for hiking partner- 2002
My email is Perhamusj@canandaiguaschools.org
Obviously, computers are not my strongpoint. I am not sure that I want
or need a hiking partner, but, I would like someone to email.
I am a 55 year old male, about to retire from teaching and hike the
trail. I think I'm tough enough- I've run 13 marathons, including 2
Bostons. I did the JFK 50 and 60 miles of a 100. However, maybe I'm not,
as I stopped running when I was 50 years old. I currently walk about 25
miles a week, all in hills.
I am quiet, but, I've done stuff. I've taught in Australia, China, and
Japan. I've travelled a lot in Asia. I' live on an old farm. I have
worked as a machininst and a carpenter. I'm married, with 5 children and 4
grandchildren. My youngest child is 15.
I think I have all of my gear.
Could anyone help me find someone to discuss the possibilities?
Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2002 15:14:05 EST
From: GrooviCat@aol.com
hey there,
beer poet send us your webpage address to check out--- pretty cool. don't
know if we met you or not... we thru-hiked on a
flip-flop this year (hf, wva - ga / hf, wva - me).
mailman & caboose :o)
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2002 16:44:35 -0800
From: Rick Guhse rguhse@webrooter.net
Hello!
The Southward connection of the AT goes all the way to Key West as the
last 200 miles
through Alabama is being built little by little. In fact, the first 15
miles of the Alabama
Trail will be blazed in Conecuh National Forest either in Jan or Feb. The
road walk through
Andalusia will be blazed this coming weekend.
What brought all this together was the formation of the Alabama Hiking
Trail Society to
complete this connection, the last 200 miles of the ECT, to Key West and
the Overseas
Heritage Trail and the Florida National Scenic Trail. Please check out our
website www.AlabamaTrail.org
Rick Guhse', AHTS State Membership Chair
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2001 17:11:40 EST
From: Primevalue@aol.com
Hi Kathy,
I'd consider it an honor to be included in your guestbook! I'm a retired,
but not yet tired,
68 year old computer programmer. My home is about one hour from the Great
Smoky Mountains
National Park. Of the 90+ backcountry sites in the Park, I've done 20 or
so and enjoyed
every minute, even during the severe storms and winter ice.
I haven't given up hope of doing a large part of the AT. This spring I'm
thinking of going
from Springer to Newfound Gap in the Park. Today I found your site, which
is truly
appreciated, while looking for any kind of helpful information.
Thanks,
Joe Harper
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2001 22:28:14 EST
From: Iclimb510rock@aol.com
hello, paul butler here. space antelope is my trail name. I am thru hiking
from ga-me in 2002. my start date is march1. I know its fairly early i
know,
but i wanna finish by july 4. I have been planning this for about 4 years
now. Any info u could send me about other thru-hikers planning a 2002 thru
hike would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 03:51:31 EST
From: MARLEYSM@aol.com
hey whats up my name is sean ryan im a 20 year college stundent. i planned
on a thruhike this
april but havent found the right person to willing to be as gung ho as i
am. this is
something ive always wanted to do since i was a kid so i dont wanna do this
half
ass.....everything or nothing ....i was hoping to find a female hiking
parnter in time but
time is running out.....so if anyone is looking for a partner to share this
adventure with
drop me email
marleysm@aol.com
Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001 16:04:33 EST
From: Tmon02@aol.com
just a little note to say i really liked your home page and i hope to see
yall on the trail
this syear 2002
Troy Montgomery
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 17:04:09 EST
From: RUYelluh@aol.com
I am working on a paper about the trail, and although I would love to hike
it
for actual experience, I can't begin such an undertaking in the limited
time
i have left. What would really be good for the paper is an interview, so if
there is anyone who lives in New York City, and has hiked the trail
(thru-hikers especially), please drop me a line by email and we can work
something out. You must be free for at least one hour at a place of your
choice (a cafe, perhaps, or a bookstore, whatever) sometime before the 18th
of December.
Any help would be appreciated,
Phil
ruyelluh@aol.com
Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001 23:18:50 EST
From: Vialent@aol.com
Just got home today from Springer Mountain. Already i can see its going to
take quite an effort to re-adjust to life in the real world again. I
started
at Katahdin on July 9th, and now five months later here i am, a thru hiker!
Good luck to all those starting their AT adventure soon, it is an
experience
youll never forget, i know i wont.
--STRIDER MEGA '01
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2001 22:30:47 EST
From: AlanLesdelice@aol.com
Hi!!! I have hiked portions of the Trail in NC, Va, Pa, NJ, NY and Mass.
I've climbed Katahdin, up the Abol Trail which intersected with the AT on a
plateau where there was a spring from which Thoreau had drunk. It was a
wondrous experience, as was the Trail in Shenandoah and other regions. My
favorite places are the primitive areas where all you have is yourself and
nature, nature, nature. I am deeply indebted to the foresight of those of
the past who not only blazed this Trail, but saved other regions of our
land from encroachments of civilization. Sign me as,
A Fellow Hiker,
Alan Tompkins
Date: Sat, 1 Dec 2001 13:47:30 EST
From: SARTS@aol.com
Great site. This is really needed now that Wingfoot gave it up.
Bamboo Bob GA-MA 2000, MA-ME 2001
Date: Sun, 25 Nov 2001 21:00:14 EST
From: MySaabRocks@aol.com
Hi Kathy,
I'm new on the intenet & came across your site. Looks very interesting! As
an avid sectional hiker, I am adding the site to my favorites. I've
completed from the north boundary of Shennandoah Nat. Park (Tom Flyod
Wayside) up to North Adams Mass. (Rt. 2) & from Allen Gap (15 miles North
of Hot Springs, N.C. to Fontana Dam. My wife & 5 of 6 kids have all gone
on the trail with me at some point or other. They prefer to go in the
Spring or Fall when the weather is cooler. Usually in the summer, I'm on
my own. I have a question for anyone out there who might know some
information I am looking for. In the Cleveland, Ohio newspaper, the Plain
Dealer, there was a once a month article in their Sunday editions on a 2001
thru hiker named Rice Paddy. I followed the story through the ugust
installment, but was unable to find out if she sucessfully completed her
through hike. She was in Vermont as of the August installment. Does
anybody out there know the outcome? I live in a town in Ohio West of
Cleveland and was going down to our local library to read the paper, but
for some reason they never got the Sunday edition that probably carried the
last installment.
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2001 21:14:37 -0500
From: B.J. Baker bjbaker@preferred.com
Planning a hike from Wesser, NC to Fontana Dam beginning Nov. 11th in the
afternoon. Need a shuttle from Fontana Dam to Wesser on Sunday or on Wed.
Nov. 14th. I know this is short notice, but any help would be appreciated.
Thanks. BJ Baker
bjbaker@preferred.com
Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2001 22:29:34 -0800
From: will waterstrat willapajames@hotmail.com
CORNDOG ME->GA 2000
southbounders rule!!!
I'm mad at whoever took my register from the Fontana Hilton! ARGH!
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 11:40:53 -0400
From: "Hickson, Robert [PRI]"
There was a couple named Kimber & Ceasar Rogers who were doing a
through-hike in 2000...had to leave the trail in Vermont/New Hampshire due
to illness. The last I heard, they were looking to complete the hike in
2001. But since Wingfoot took his site down, I was unable to find their
journal (they said they were going to update it upon returning to the
trail). Does anyone know where that might be?
I can be reached directly at deadhead1232000@yahoo.com
Thanks.
Bert
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 22:48:49 EDT
From: Bethswalk4ms@aol.com
Thank you for a very onformative site. On March 24, I will begin a 1,350
mile (road) walk from Key West to Philadelphia for Multiple Sclerosis.
While I will not likely do a great deal of camping, and, in fact will have
a support vehicle with me for safety/supplies, I could not get very
comprehensive advice on walks of this distance anywhere else. Advice on
waterproof and moisture wicking clothes has been especially helpful--I am a
little leary of the blisters, tendonitis and shin splints which will likely
be more common hiking hard road--I am averaging 20 miles per day with
several longer ones, walking about 4 miles per hour. Any additional
insight or advice would be welcome.--Beth Bevenour/Key West FL
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 19:06:45 -0400
From: Jack Fussell Jr insurjack@msn.com
I would like to be added to your guest book. I love hiking the A.T. in
Georgia. I have hiked from Springer to Hogpen. I have done almost
everything wrong you can, but have learned greatly from it. I miss Jeff
Hansen. I have to be a little careful because I have had to ulcers bleed
and almost died from the last one in March of 2001. I still hike with a
little anxiety, but I will not stop. Their is nothing greater in life than
hiking in the winter on ice and snow. I camped in 7 degree weather at Woody
Gap last December and it snowed two inches. I truly love it and have never
loved anything more.
Earplug
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 09:51:23 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ryan Graves gravesrg_1999@yahoo.com
I am Ryan Graves and I would like to be added to your
guest book. thank you.
Ryan Graves
215 Cole Ave.
Jamestown, NY 14701
(716) 484-3538
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 11:14:24 -0700
From: martha derry mderry@voyager.net
I used to live in the Northeast Ga. Mountains (Hiawasse, Ga.). I fell in
love with the area. The A.T. crosses the road on top of Unicoi Mtn. I use
to drive back and forth to work every day. My husband, son and I have
walked a small part of the trail. The beauty of it takes the breath away.
Keari Hood
blue_eyes3762@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 09:49:06 -0400
From: "Cheyney, Cynthia" ccheyney@woodburysch.com
Dear Hikers on the AT Trail:
How is it up there? What kind of gear do you carry? If I were to sleep up
there, what kind of tent should I bring? If a bear was to come what would
I do with my backpack? HIde it or just give everything to him or her?
By the way, my name is Artavius Mears. I go to Woodbury Junior High School
in Woodbury, NJ.
Sincerely,
Artavius Mears
Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2001 13:04:39 -0400
From: Robert Egan robertegan1@home.com
I live in Rhode Island and am accessing this site because I've been reading
Bill Bryce's "A Walk in the Wood". If you've read it, what do you think of
it. Not only is it fact filled, but I don't think I've aver laughed so hard
at a book..
Bob Egan
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 13:34:26 +0200
From: Viola Rosche
Hey there! I just thought about hiking parts of the AT(especially in VA,
WV, PA) next summer. I live in Germany, but used to be an high school
exchange student living next to Harper`s Ferry. Well, this summer, I went
hiking in the Italian Alpes which was a great experience. I am planning on
visiting my host family first before hiking the AT for 2-3 weeks which is
not long, but just a beginning:-)
I would love to hear from you about your own experiences or also from
people who maybe want to come with me!
Take care!
Viola
my e-mail address: smiling_viola@yahoo.de
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 22:10:52 -0400
From: richerich@mac.com
I've only hiked day trips on the Trail, in 6 states(my wife likes day
trips,she can not carry a pack). My A.T. Story is about a Friend Fran
trail name Sparrow, with whom I hiked Mt Katahdin with on my 40th
birtday last year 2000. Fran is in her late 50,s and 10 years ago hiked
from Springer Mt to NJ, and again in 1999 she hiked GA to MA. The Story
goes like this .....In 1 of the hostel in Virginia the gentleman there
remembered her, fran did not recall him untill he reminded her of there
encounter, Him cooking her chicken soup and her telling him she was a
vegiterian.They then went to his hostel where he had picturs of through
hikers hanging up.When they found her picture...get this....she had the
same shirt on !!!! Cool !!!! Well that my story hoped you
enjoyed...FYI my son is 2 1/2 years old when he's about 13 years old and
the Good LORD willing we would love to hike the trail
--
Rich
richerich@mac.com
From: "Vicki and Dave Roberts" vickidave@netzero.net
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001 02:00:39 -0400
August 30, 2001
Dear Kathy,
Thank you for the opportunity to access your site, it's wonderful. My
husband & I were camping @ Loft Mt. near the trail and
met a through hiker known by the trail name "The Spanish Priest". He was a
Roman Catholic Priest celebrating his 25yr anniversary
in the priesthood by taking a sabbatical granted by his parish bishop to do
the trail which he said he first read about in the National Geographic
Magazine. He camped that evening near us and he graciously answered
questions we had about his experiences on
the trail, his equipment, and his life in the Philippines where he was
from. He was such an inspiration to us and certainly the highlight of our
trip. As novices, who have dreamed of being able to accomplish such a feat
as his, we asked if there was a section of the
trail that he had been on in the area that we were headed that we might be
able to accomplish. Since we were headed toward
Roanoke, he recommended McAfee Knob. We exchanged names and addresses and
I took a picture of him with my husband the
next morning before we departed to include in our vacation memory book and
we headed to Mt. Roanoke State Park where we set up
our campsite and then headed to the other side of Roanoke to pick up the
trail section he had told us. We started about 5pm in the
afternoon. We were on a motorcycle and had a cooler with 2 -20oz bottles
of water (one for each of us) which when we got to the parking area and
changed our clothes to hike, we decided to leave one bottle in the cooler
for when we came back down as we figured
we would be thirsty afterward, changed our riding boots to our tennis shoes
and headed out 3.5 miles in & up & up & up it seemed
for ever. I drank all but one sip of the water that my husband managed to
salvage for himself, but then he was in much better physical shape than me
(he being a teacher, a track official, playing golf, & in the past a
soccer, of track, & football coach as well as having played in soccer and
baseball leagues many years (he has even participated in a triathlon of
running, canoeing, and biking before),
while the most I have every done was run an eleven mile road race in my
life (many years ago). More than once on the trail up, I was
afraid I couldn't make it and urged him to leave me and continue alone, but
he wouldn't hear of it, and said we'd finish it together or not at all...of
course I couldn't allow myself to be the reason for him to not at least
fulfill part of his dream to do a portion of the Appalachian
Trail, so I kept in mind all "The Spanish Priest" had told me that helped
him in his quest...such as all the terrible suffering in the world, and
Christ's carrying the cross and all the sins of the world on his
shoulders...and it enabled me to put my little bit of pain in perspective
and I trudged on. Along the trail, we were joined and quickly passed by a
very attractive young couple bounding up the trail ahead of
us they encouraged us to keep going as the end was well worth the
means. They said they first did the trail the night before and it
was so beautiful at the top that they decided to return this evening after
work and do it again! Their youthful exuberance and description urged us
on and we continued and finally made it to the peak and it was
wonderful!! Not only in it's beauty, and magnitude,
but in the sense of accomplishment we felt washing away any feeling of
exhaustion we had ,and that moment we felt one with each other, with the
couple, with the "The Spanish Priest", with God, and with all who had stood
on top of that peak in it's history. "The Spanish Priest" started his
quest in April in Georgia, and was hoping to reach Maine in September. If
anyone knows anymore about
his journey and how he is doing and where he might be now on the trail, we
would love to hear about him. We heard down the road
later that there may have been some articles written about him in some
local papers on his route, and if anyone knows what papers
published these, we would love to know to possibly get a copy of his
adventures written. We have his address written in his own writing and we
are having some trouble deciphering it all, so we hope he sees this or
someone he knows reads this and will tell him, how much
we appreciate having met him and the joy he gave us in that short visit
with him. And tell him that when we finally did get back down from the
peak, we were running most of the way down to stay ahead of the darkness
falling in the forest (unfortunately those marks on the trees do not glow
in the dark:) and although the rocks do relect some light, the forest is
very dark at night. I was watching my husband's white socks ahead of me to
stay on the trail towards the end, and we didn't get out until 9pm!! But
true to the kinship he
said the people have on the trail, the young couple who had bounded up and
back out ahead of us, waited probably at least a good
45mins at the parking area just to make sure we got out ok and had enough
water when we got back there. We thanked them for their kindness and
assured them that although we had blisters and sore toes from running
downhill out, we were fine and had our remaining
one 20oz bottle of water in our cooler, which my husband and I finished off
in short order and then rode our bike directly to the closest
place open which was a Wendy's and we got two of the Biggie Drinks just
before they locked their doors to customers. Although we hadn't had any
supper, the last thing we wanted was food...just drink and to get back to
camp to beddown. Unfortunately, that campsite
was one without showers, so that was one luxury we missed that night, but
that just made us feel more like true Appalachian hikers:)
Vicki L (Queen) Taylor Roberts, E-Mail Address: hoggiepooh@yahoo.com
David Ray Roberts, E-Mail Address: hogbro@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 18:57:34 EDT
From: Chincotigger@aol.com
Hi,
Since I've been going into your website almost daily for about 2 months
now, my conscience finally made me feel guilty enough to, at the very
least, sign the logbook and say "thank you" for a terrific website! My
home is in the Middletown Valley and the AT is approx. 3/4 of a mile from
my back door. However, after living here for the past 11+ years, I've
just, over the past year, been able to allow myself to slow down enough to
enjoy it. My 10 year old son and I have took up hiking and backpacking
recently and are looking forward to many happy hours on the AT in years to
come. Thanks again for your great website - it has provided a wealth of
info to me and I've already put much of what I gathered to use by using the
advice found to purchase equipment, plan hikes, etc.
See you on the Trail!
Ernie
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 04:58:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: viola rosche smiling_viola@yahoo.de
Hey there!
I am planning on hiking parts of the AT next summer,
especially around West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland
and Pennsylvania.
I am German, but have lived next to Harper`s Ferry for
a year as a high school exchange student. During that
time, I got to know the great landscapes of this
region.
I gained some hiking experiences by hiking through the
Italian Alpes this summer which was also an
unforgettable trip!
Well, I would love to hear from everyone, especially
from those ones who already hiked around WV, the
Shenandoah NP, etc.
Thanks a lot!
Viola:-)
Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001 11:23:55 -0500
From: Brian Weber temb@gdinet.com
As our Youth Camps grow... We find adventure in the AT. Watch for our
upcoming 2002-2003 postings as we embark on a journey of a life time.
Please visit our web-site for the latest from Mid-America Xtreme
www.adventureracing.net
Adventure on,
Brian Weber
Program Director
Mid-America Xtreme
brian0017@yahoo.com
1.920.674.8194
Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 12:23:32 -0500
From: Paula Baker
i hope to go out on the trail again this spring but i would like to know
some other people
yours bamaluvbug@msn.com hiked 96 97 98 99
Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2001 18:05:56 -0400
From: Gail Wilson
Hello.....my name is Gail and I live in the Gettysburg area. I am
interested in hiking the trail in the spring of '03 and am interested in
chatting with others who might be interested in joining me. Until then,
if there is anyone interested in day hikes around this area, please feel
free to contact me, also.
Happy Trails!
Gail....gwilson@cvn.net
Date: Sun, 05 Aug 2001 18:17:35 -0800
From: Robert Blah-Blah wryterinme@hotmail.com
I happened to be researching information on the Appalachian Trail for
a small segment in my upcoming fiction novel. My main character
decides to hike the trail from Georgia to Maine (he's from Syracuse,
New York- hense the reasoning for the backward direction). My former
girlfriend had hiked the Trail (same direction) when we were dating
and I enived her for being able to do it. But like my character, after
college, she didn't have a steady job to maintain. Besides possibly a
short day trip I don't believe I would ever be able to hike the Trail
to its fullest. My girlfriend didn't either. Her heart was willing,
but her body gave out. She ended up being medevaced off the Trail
because of severe shin splinting. The portion of my novel is dedicated
to her.
Your site is very in formative and useful in answering the questions I
had about the Trail. The great thing about being a writer is the
ability to create the illusion that I had done it. It's not lying!
Just damn good visioning.
Thank you for a great site.
Robert Rootes: Author
Robert Rootes Homepage
Whenever you think you've seen it all, just look again.
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 16:57:47
From: John Seaman
I have reciently read a piece on the net called "Hike Your Own Hike", but
unfortunatly I have misplaced the location. If anyone can help me locate
it again I would be forever greatful. I am a 53 year old section hiker
that is looking forward to the opportunity to attempt a thru hike at
retirment 3 - 5 years down the road. I have reciently taken a job as
principal of a of a large high school (2,500 students) and would like to
use this piece as an analogy for the staff. Thanks, walk softly, but keep
walking. Cntact me at
jseaman25@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 12:57:52 -0400
From: SSG1STBAT@netscape.net
Kathy,
Took a trip thru clingmans dome in late july it made me think of all the
fun I had walking the AT
when I was an instructor in Ranger School in North Georgia.
We also ran a 13 mile portion of blood mountain, (up blood mountain) and
finished at the next stopping point. We also ran a 10 mile section. We
covered quite a bit of the trail in north Georgia.
Nice chatting
Bob Kaufman
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 15:27:45 -0500
From: John & Billie Signer signer@jasper.yournet.com
I'm a 71 year old grandmother who's always wanted to hike the A.T. Would
have to do it a
week at the time because of obligations at home. Any senior groups out
there? Also, I'm
vegan and interested in hiking with like-minded folks if possible; if not,
that's still
okay. I'm compatible. Billie Signer.
signer@jasper.yournet.com
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 16:48:48 -0500
From: Dale Riepe
I am looking for a book for my son (EZ G0) who hiked the trail in '98.
The name of the book is 10,000,000 Steps. the author is .Ephart or
Eberhart Can anyone tell me where to order it? Evelyn Riepe
driepe@bluebonnet.net
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 17:54:48 EDT
From: Vichbig@aol.com
yes, please add me to your guestbook as well, and hello out there! has
anyone seen rambunny? (2000 thruhiker and 2001, also)
Date: Mon, 16
Jul 2001 05:17:19 -0400 From: charles lafferty
Hi Everyone,
I will be hiking the AT starting med Mar '03 and am looking for hiking
partners for part or all of the trail. I'm doing it as soon as I ETS from
the Army and plan to be in ME by mid AUG. Hope to hear from someone soon.
Charles Lafferty
cav4ever3@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2001 12:38:49 -0500
From: ariesh1952@juno.com
Mon, 09July2001
From bicycle_guy1952@yahoo.com
Anyone interested in doing a hike beginning in East TN and hiking north
around the end of July or first part of August 2001? I would like
anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months. I'm flexible. I'm a 49 year young
male. I have hiked a portion of the northern AT.
Date: Sun, 1 Jul 2001 21:50:34 -0500
From: harpeje13 harpeje13@netzero.net
sneetch's 5 million steps locks up my computer.
I tried two ISP's. Useing latest MS ME version with online upgrades. IE
6.00.2462.000.
Jerry Harper
Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2001 21:38:07 +0100
From: richard laidler richard@rlaidler.fslife.co.uk
hi,
my name is richard and i am planning to thru hike the at with a
friend(male)starting early march 2003.we are both from the uk and have
never attempted a hike of this duration,anyone in the guestbook want
to stroll along with 2 brits,we have plenty of hiking experience but
have never attempted anything of this length.roll on the american
dream.
richard laidler
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2001 21:58:10 -0400
From: Collinsfamily Collinsfamily@compaq.net
Hello, I just happened across your site. I have been taking an
interest in hiking and backpacking for the last couple of years. A
Marine buddy of mine and I hiked a portion of the Palmetto trail here
in South Carolina and would like to get on the Appalachian trail
eventually. Thanks for your site. Britt
Date: Mon, 21 May 2001 14:44:55 -0400
From: JENNIFER JENISON j.jenison@worldnet.att.net
hello all we are planing to hike a.t in late june and are interested in
getting some info on good
starting point and points of interst we will be hiking for a month or so
please e- mail us or post
something in the guest book
Justin at norton69911@hotmail.com
jen at barbarella104us@yahoo.com
thanks again
Date: Sat, 16 Jun 2001 00:08:47 -0400
From: Guy Goulet guygoulet@hotmail.com
My name is Guy, and I plan to thru-hike the A.T. beginning in March of 2003
(south to north). I'm 31, very easy going, and in pretty good physical
shape. I live in western MA. and have hiked a good portion of the White
Mountains. I^?m looking for a partner on this journey male/female, age not
important, just the desire to see this adventure all the way to Maine.
Please contact me at guygoulet@hotmail.com if you're interested.
Date: Sun, 20 May 2001 08:11:42 EDT
From: Jtoteno@aol.com
Subject: walking the trail in sep of 03
Hi my name is jim and I plan on walking the trail once i retire in aug of
03 from the us army..i would like to know if there is someone that would
like to walk the trail with me..I will be 45 at the time and in very good
shape..I live in Ga but I to start the trail in Maine and walk home..if
interested please email ..
thanks
Date: Sun, 6 May 2001 00:54:50 EDT
From: Lhilkey@aol.com
Hello! I'm Louis. I'm a 46 year old elementary school principal from
Kentucky. For the past several years, my 28 year old daughter and I have
been planting seeds for trying to walk the entire trail (starting in
Georgia and heading north to Canada) in this lifetime. We're now planning
to start sometime in June of next year. That gives us both over a year to
prepare. I'd grately appreciate any advice about EVERYTHING we'd need to
know about preparing for this experience (physical preparation, safety
precautions, supplies, personal experiences, ect). HELP!!
I know that this is an experience that I have to fulfill and I feel
somewhat
like Bilbo must have felt before he crossed the Misty Mountains.
Thanks in advance for your help.
* If I'm not asking too much, please share your "real" experiences.
Because, that's what I'm looking for.
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 15:55:34 -0400 (EDT)
From: Evelyn Gray EvelynGray@webtv.net
Hi. I'm new to formal hiking and would like some suggestions to get
started. There is a great deal of information to sift thru and would
appreciate a bit of guidance. Also some suggestions on bug/tick
repellant,backpacking equiptment, shoes or any other advice that anyone
would like to offer. Thanks in advance.
please include in your guestbook. I would like some advice about
hiking,tick/bug repellent,backpacking equiptment etc. Have very recently
started hiking at the age of 43.(Part of the empty nest syndrome)
Enjoyed a short hike at Bear Mt on Easter,absolutly wonderful. Thanks
to all in advance.
From: CaptFlyBy@aol.com
Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2001 12:35:35 EDT
Subject: Rusty's Hard Time Hollow
I stopped by the hollow on Tuesday to see how Rusty was doing. He had been
diagnosed with terminal prostrate cancer and as a result of that and the
lack of donations to keep the hollow open, he had decided to close it down.
The good news is this - - He went to his church and received an annointment
and laying on of the hands. He has since been re-examined by the doctors
and found to have NO cancer invasion remaining.
Rusty is back in business. 24/7/365
He is back with a passion for life and his zest has increased even more
about thru-hikers. It's an Appalachian mountain, back-to-basic farm
experience, that shouldn't be passed up. Hot tub, sauna, darts,
basketball, small bore rifle range, ping pong, horse shoes, swimming, or
just basking in the sun and reading a neat book from his library are a few
of the things a weary hiker can do while taking respite from the trail. And
all of this without being exposed to the hustle & bustle of townies! He
does make town trips for PO and Krogering if you need.
Last year, Rusty went into the hole financially. He had to sell his van to
keep the place open for the year 2ooo hikers. Too many folks think he buys
all those supplies with eggs and goats milk. His only income is from
donations and tee-shirt sales. So remember to be generous. He's too proud
to charge a fee like most other stop-overs on the AT, but that's not an
excuse for us to take advantage of a very benevolant friend.
Rusty has been a friend of thru-hikers (approximately 12,000) for 19 years.
Let's support him properly in his endeavors to help us enjoy a fantastic
experience.
If you need directions - just ask.
VIKING AT98
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 12:46:10 -0500
From: Kim Edhegard kedhegard@hotmail.com
I have a friend hiking the entire AT and he is currently in Virginia and I
was hoping you might have the adresses of the towns the trail goes through
just in virgina. Thank you
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 02:06:51 -0500
From: danielbrawner@iwon.com
Howdy,
I am a twenty-one year old college student from Texas planning to hike
the AT from north to south with a buddy of mine. We plan to depart in mid
May if anyone is interested in tagging along or has any info to share, drop
me a line.
danielbrawner@iwon.com
An excellent and resourceful site by the way!
Take Care
Peace
Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 21:34:50 EST
From: Mrngdew1376@aol.com
Hello- my name is alyssa and i'm 25 and really itching to do a thru hike.
Unfortunately it won't be this year but i'm hoping for next. However,i
would really like a partner to share the experience with. If anyone wants
to talk please feel free to get in touch. I get excited just thinking about
it!
Date: Sun, 25 Mar 2001 19:31:10 EST
From: Radmansgirl@aol.com
Hi, all. I am a 24 year old woman and I hiked just a small portion of the
trail through the SMokey Mountain National Park and then some andevery
minute was well worth it. It's the most inspiring thing I have ever done
and would like to hike the entire thing some day. I totally recommend the
trail.
-Maryann from Virginia Beach, but my home is in Chicago
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2001 12:08:56 -0500
From: jrevans@pplweb.com
Hi Kathy,
Only 389 work days until retirement. One of my "now that I have
the time" goals is to hike the AT. I have done portions in Rocksylvania
so far.
Thanks for the great web site!
Jim Evans
Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2001 11:57:46 -0600
From: "Reading, Sarah" Sarah.Reading@harley-davidson.com
Hello there,
I'm a twenty-four year old female looking for someone to hike with
on 2- 3 day weekend trips. I like to take it slow so I can enjoy every step
of my journey. I reside in York, PA. If anyone would like to keep me
company write a few words back.
Sarah
Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2001 14:09:44 EST
From: Shelbyone@aol.com
Hello from Nebraska, the home of Junior Girl Scout Troop 2328! Our troop
is in the process of earning their "Hiker" badge. One requirement was to
gather information about one of several trails listed in our handbook.
The girls chose the Appalachian Trail. I'm sure their choice had nothing
to do with the fact that my husband, daughter and I have hiked Mt.
Washington and surrounding area (being originally from Massachusetts) and
wouldn't stop talking about everything we saw, smelled and touched. Your
web site gave us all of the information we needed to complete our project
and even kept the girls attention. That doesn't happen often.
Thank you for all of the effort put into this website, it sure made my job
easier.
~ Shelby...Omaha, NE
Date: Thu, 8 Mar 2001 18:31:27 EST
From: Jade2015@aol.com
Hi my name is Rhonda Strickland and I am a Freelance Photography and do
alot of charity work. I am interested in any information you can provide on
the poverty stricken area of the Appalacian Mountains in Kentucky. Please
help in any infor you can help me find or where to look I would like to
help them if I can. Thank you. Rhonda Strickland
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 10:35:36 EST
From: TPJ7106@aol.com
Hello All, Enjoyed the information on the site and will be hiking a portion
of the trail in early march. West Virginia/Maryland area. Look for
"Johnson's Journeys," in a paper near you.
Peace---- Tim Johnson
Buffalo, New York
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 00:31:25 -0500
From: Suzanne Whitford katiesue@ptd.net
Hi folks, we just visited your site and would like to sign your
guestbook.
Suzanne Whitford @ katiesue@ptd.net
Barney Stowell@ cravenmorehead007@yahoo.com
Loved you site,
Sincerely,
Suzanne And Barney
Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2001 20:49:43 -0500
From: Mark Huffman markh@mid-atlanticoutdoors.com
Kathy -- We've just launched www.mid-atlanticoutdoors.com,
an online
resource for outdoor enthusiasts in the mid-Atlantic region. We've
inclided a link to your site on our Hiking Page. Anything you can do
to spread the word about us would be appreciated.
Also, any news releases should go to jiml@mid-atlanticoutdoors.com.
Thanks,
Mark Huffman
Publisher
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2001 19:54:59 -0600
From: BORDES MARY ANN pinsnneedles@home.com
I have lived in Virginia and Georgia. I hope to take my children hiking
on the trail in short segments at a time. We'll start in GA where we
have some mountain property near Jasper, GA.
Date: Thu, 04 Jan 2001 13:19:31 -0500
From: J. W. Burdette jburde@bright.net
I just wanted to say this is an excellent and very imformative sight. I am
a twenty year old male who will be heading down to Springer this March to
begin my journey north to Katahdin which I will hopefully reach in
September (I am going to take my time so I can get the full experience).
If anyone out there has any sound advice or just some words of
encouragement, please send them my way! Or if you are planning a thru-hike
around the same time, please contact me. Thanks again!
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 23:59:29 -0600
From: Randy Geary
I thru hiked th AT in 1999.Not a day has gone by that I have not thougt
about. My recomendation for anyone who wants to hike the trail is do t!! If
you already appreciate the outdors you will only appreciate it
more. But you may find youself ranting and raving for miles or even
days!!! All in all the hike is well worth it. By the way if any of my
hiking friends or others interested in the AT . Can email me
neroman79@hotmail.com. My name is Randy Geary my trail Name is MR
Missouri.
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 11:51:41
From: Pieter Sanders
Hi Kathy,
thank you for an informative and interesting site.
I am an English man who beame interested in the A.T. after reading Bill
Bryson's "A walk in the woods".(Although this book is mainly entertainment,
it does contain a useful overview of the trail and I would recommend it to
any potential hikers.)
I'm still trying to pluck up the courage to try some section hiking next
year......I'm 44 and want to do it whilst I'm still relatively fit!
Thanks again,
Pieter Sanders (Pieter_j_sanders@hotmail.com),
Surrey,
England.
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2000 21:38:18 EST
From: Greg17wmhs@aol.com
hey everyone,
I am a 20 year old college student and I am hiking the Virginia portion of
the Appalachian Trail in May. If anyone is interested in joining me then
feel free to drop me a line. I need some company.
Greg
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 10:39:16 -0800
From: Bob Bush shelby68gt500@hotmail.com
I am looking for information on the whereabouts on the following hikers
from
1996. Thanks, Bob (Langolier '96)
Jack & Dottie Wagstaff (Jarhead & Loon Lady)
Jason Bellner (Jester)
Josh (Snowman)
(Phoenix)
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 13:00:18 -0500 (EST)
From: SnowshoeGal@webtv.net
hi , well over the summer some of my class mates,two of my teachers and
I hiked about 185 miles onthe trail. it was not the first tim I hiked
but it was the first time I hiked on the AT. we did it in day hikes. the
last hike we did was from Egremont,Mass to Salsbury, Conn. we hiked
about 11 miles in one day and then camped in Sages Ravine then we hiked
the rest the next day it was very weird not taking a shower in 48 hours
but it was worth it by far our teachers even set up a treasure hunt for
us halfway through the first day we all knw they set it up even hough
they tried to act like they didn't know what was going on it was the
most amazing two days of my life I brought a camera and took some pics
of some very funny things an some beautiful scenary we learned a lot
about each other and about ourselves and we had a great time I want to
hike he whole thing sometime in the future but right now it is not an
option in my life Well for now LOVE, PEACE and BODY GREASE <--- ha ha
much luv 2 all the hikers out there love, STORYTELLER
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 12:44:40 -0700
From: jamielynn walczak
Hello. I am interested in the A.T. and would like any information your
organization provides. Thank you.
Jamie Walczak
1000 E. Grand Ave. #5D
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618)457-7170
jamie810@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2000 14:44:18 -0800 (PST)
From: LUKE PFLUEGER flintus_2000@yahoo.com
Subject: The Glorious old A.T. ... te he he
I just thought I oughta sing in to a guest book. I
hope this is what I'm doin' here...not tryin' to fill
kathy's personal mailbox with this stuff; but I'll
just get to it:
Hello all you find this guestbook and have found The
Trail. I hope y'all are finding real peace out of
doors, (I know I do, have, and will). I look forward
to meetin' up with ya if you are planning to "Take a
walk in '01, 'cause I'll be doin' just that. I find
that this nature stuff is addictive...I walked from
Georgia to Maine in 1998, (when lotsa books came out),
and can't even slightly move away (mentally or
spiritually) from the JOY of living outside. I will go
and BE myself again, thanks. WE the people who are
real and care SHALL keep on preserving this set of
trails through the unspoiled mountains and valleys,
and I give thanks to God, in Jesus' name, always, all
ways.
Flint Semperviren
GA>ME '98
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 11:53:17 -0800 (PST)
From: Roger Thompson climbingrog@yahoo.com
Hi, My name is Roger, I found your webpage through AT Trailchat, and
decided to take a look. I liked it
alot. I used to live in North Carolina not far from the Appalation Trail,
and spent quite a bit of time
walking along parts of it around Smoky Mountains National Park, and
Nantihala Forest. Keep up the good
work. -ClimbingRog
Hi this is 'Rog' Please visit
My web page for photo's and
drawings from my RockClimbing hobby. Hope to talk to you again
soon. Signed Roger D. Thompson
Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2000 15:17:47 -500
From: molly madoyle2@unity.ncsu.edu
Hi,
I am an 18 year old student at N.C. State University. I am planning a
thru-hike of the trail starting in georgia sometime next april. My beloved
dog will be joining me, but other than that I am solo. Anyone starting
around the same time is more than welcome to join me for part of my trip.
Also, any advice on being a girl alone on the trail or on hiking with a dog
will be greatly appreciated as well. Happy trails to you......until we
meet again. *molly* madoyle2@unity.ncsu.edu
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2000 17:01:15 -0800
From: mark qorl@mwt.net
Team Wisconsin is looking for Recycle. He's a MPLS resident, and former
judge. He broke his foot on the trail this summer (2000) and had to
quit hiking. If anyone has any information, please e-mail me at
qorl@mwt.net.
Thank you!
Team Wisconsin
(2000 Trail name)
The Fox & The Dove
(1986 Trail name)
PS: I'm very proud of my parents, who hiked the WHOLE TRAIL twice!
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2000 15:21:01 EST
From: dmb4jason@aol.com
TRUE E-MAIL: sabaker@valdosta.edu Valdosta State University, Valdosta,
GA
~20 minutes north of FL/GA border off I-75.
written from Mother's computer, .
Thank you for the information as a continuing source for a Psychology
research paper entitled, "The Psychology of Thru-hiking the Appalachian
Trail: The Challenges of the Orient Express."
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000 02:06:58 -0600
From: gary spurlin spurlin1@bellsouth.net
Hey!
I am a 20 year old student at Troy State majoring in Athletic Training. I
have recently hiked a little piece near Unicoi Gap and I fell in love with
it. I plan on hiking the At in several years. I don't know much about the
At. I'm trying to get all the info I can. If you have any information on
costs, supplies, and any other tips you could give me I'd appreciate it.
Thanks
Leah Spurlin -sunshine_24@mailcity.com
Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2000 10:52:59 EST
From: HIKERGRAMPIE@aol.com
Please add me to your guestbook.
I am a 65 year old experienced backpacker. I atarted a AT through hike in
April 2000 but had to leave the trail at Fontana Dam due to a stress
fracture.
I am planning to resume my hike, froom Fontana, next spring. Is anyone
there who would like to join me?
GRAMPIE---N--->
Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 16:00:05 EST
From: Vsum56@aol.com
I'm planning a 2002 thru-hike south to north and would like to know what is
the earliest that one is allowed on the trail or is this matter left up to
the individual. Sent info about joining the AT conference. Am looking
forward to this adventure. By the way I would recommend reading Jeff Alts
account of the trail, good read. Thank you, Barry
Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2000 07:41:42 -0500
From: jps sull3@jvil.com
please add my name to your guest book Jack Sullivan
Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2000 16:46:09 GMT
From: Jeff Emery jeffyre@hotmail.com
My name is Jeff Emery. I am amazed at all of the information on the A.T.
I am considering taking the Thru Hike in 2001. I need some help on working
out some of the details... like time off work,costs, etc. Please contact
me if you have any experience of tips that you feel might help me.
jeffyre@hotmail.com
My thanks to the keepers of the guest book as well.
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 20:18:51 EDT
From: Biddibb@aol.com
Just wanted to say thanks for the web site. My husband and I are planning
to do a thru hike in a couple of years. I have found it help ful to read
the journals and the updates on the site. I have also become a member
recently.
Thanks again
Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 15:47:26 -0400
From: TAMMIE N. LAUER tammie.lauer@mail.dss.mil
Hi,
I'd like to be included in your guestbook. I'm interested in hiking
events on the AT primarily on the weekends.
Thanks so much
Tammie Lauer
Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 09:40:51 EDT
From: LDW1986@aol.com
My name is Malon Lee Whitlow and have lived in Virginia for all of my 46
years so far. Would you please include me into your Guestbook. I have
walked a lot of miles on the Appalachian Trail and can never seem to get
enough. It's one of my families favorite places to go. Our most recent
walk was this past weekend 10/8/00, a very cool brisk spring day. It was
fantastic as usual.
Sincerely
M.L.W
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2000 15:32:56 EDT
From: MFSKING@aol.com
Hello,
I recently discovered the natural phenomenon that is the Appalachian Trail
and am obsessed with any information I can get hold of. I would like to aim
for April 1st as a take off day so if you have any information or advice or
if you're looking for a travel companion for any leg of it, let me know ...
and congratulations to all of you who have completed the journey or are
considering it, that is an accomplishment in itself.
Date: Mon, 02 Oct 2000 10:32:08 -0700
From: Jaime Michaels jaimem@bcdc.ca.gov
Hi! I'm wondering whether there are any places where I can post a
message looking for possible hiking partners for starting the AT in
April, 2001. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks - Jaime
Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2000 13:22:00 -0400
From: Frances Davis davisfamily31@home.com
In march 2001 I hope to start a thru hike of the AT. I am an eighteen year
old male right out of high school with no backpacking expierience but an
intense determination to complete this thru hike. Any information or
advice anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated. And anyone in the
state college area of PA who has trail experience I would love to talk to
you.
Thanks,
Ed Davis State College, PA
email davisfamily31@home.com
Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 20:03:42 -0700
From: karenhclark@yahoo.com
Hi : I have only hiked your famous trail in Maine. Love the KI area and
White Cap. Almost as beautiful as Katahdin. I am unable to do any serious
hiking now but still enjoy short excursions. This fall on my way home from
Gettysburg PA I had my husband take a side trip into NJ near Milford Pa.
Talked to a nice Ranger there who showed us just how we could walk one mile
on the trail with ease. So now my sisters and I are planning to do this in
every state along the entire 14. Which is how I found Trail Guest book-
Searching for easy excess points. We met up with a couple who are hiking
five miles in each state. We realize it isn't like hiking the entire trail
but when you are unable it is fun to accomplish what ever you can. Thanks
karenhclark@yahoo.com
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 11:24:43 EDT
From: Marea11849@aol.com
Subject: Caretakers of a portion of the AT
my husband, jack and me, are caretakers of a small
portion of the applachian trail near caledonia, pa.
we have done small portions of the trail, when my health
was better, in PA, Maryland, and some in w.va, and va off
skyline drive. we have passed through hikers though,
and enjoy the fact they get some pleasure out of hiking
it if they make the whole way or not.
Linda Marea trimmer email marea11849@aol.com
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 13:55:43 -0500
From: bruce kimball bruce.kimball@worldnet.att.net
I would like sign your guestbook.
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 14:40:07 -0400
From: Brian Leach brl136@psu.edu
hey fellow hikers and lovers of the beautiful mother nature,
Im only 19 but have big ambitions of hiking the A.T. right
now im in college at Penn State University. im majoring in elementary
education........ having summers off to spend back packing is gonna be
nice. i admire every one that has completed the trek and everyone
heading out in search of their goals. fell free to email me and let me
know of all your adventures and advise for my future endevors. Peace,
Love, and never forget mother nature is a valuable asset that we cant
afford to abuse.
Brian Leach
brl136@psu.edu
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2000 22:51:57 -0400
From: joes562 joes562@email.msn.com
joe shepherd thank you for this page im going to start the trail in may
of 2001
Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 18:21:10 EDT
From: Bigheadboy@aol.com
Guestbook;
Hello fellow hikers...
I am planning a thru-hike after retirement from police work [I have been a
cop for 21 years and I want to get in 9 more before 'pulling the pin.'] I
have been accumulating information for about a year, however, I haven't
seen
any police officers attempting a thru-hike...I would like to hear from any
law enforcement related hikers interested in the A.P. [anyone is welcome to
write ... I'll answer all .]
Good luck and happy hiking to all ....R
Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2000 21:42:38 EDT
From: DanDan3987@aol.com
Hello fellow hikers...
Mike and Margaret began at Springer Mtn. in March 1975...We made it to
Virginia before deciding to call it quits and go back to the 'real world' .
We got married in Aug. 1975 and are still in a state of marital bliss....we
owe it all to the AT.. and hope to finish the rest of the trail before our
50th anniversary...Would love to hear from anyone who was on the trail in
'75....especially Tommy Richardson---who was a thru-hiker in 1975. We
would love to hear from you-- Please e-mail at dandan3987@aol
Thanks for a great site!!!
Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 11:26:24 EDT
From: Alexelfas@aol.com
Hi. My siblings and I own an old log house adjacent to the Trail near
Boonsboro Md. It is only a few steps up the mountain to a very well
maintained shelter on South Mountain off of Reno Monument Road. We are
trying to find a buyer for this lovely house, which belonged to my Mother,
a retired schoolteacher, and would like to find someone interested in the
outdoors, who could appreciate it's unique location and charm. It has a
modern kitchen and bathroom, but retains the integrity of its old-fashioned
style. We think it was originally built in the late 1700's, and has some
of the original hand-blown glass window panes. It is next to small
mountain stream and has its own spring, and is within an hour to an hour
and a half from Washington D.C. and Baltimore, and 5 minutes to Boonsboro,
which has a post office, school, banks, grocery stores and a pharmacy, yet
this house is in a conservancy area and almost completely secluded.
Anyone interested in more information can contact me at alexelfas@aol.com
or call (212)475-4254.
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 19:32:38 -0400
From: Tony Mesa tonym@mediaone.net
i enjoyed the site very much, thanks, i enjoyed the information on food &
what to take, i,m planning a trip in spring 2001. I,m 50 yrs old
thanks again
Date: Sun, 9 Jul 2000 00:04:09 +0100
From: Steve Hope s-hope@innovationz.co.nz
I am Looking for serious thru-hikers to use our patented sleeping bag on
the AT 2001. This bag is internationally patent pending, will change your
ideas of how sleeping bags should be made, and I'm looking to sponsor up to
ten hardened AT Thru hikers with our revolutionary Survival Outdoor Systems
sleeping bag for the 2001 season.
As inventor of this bag I also plan on giving what time I can to walk part
of the trail next year.
All I need in return from the carefully chosen recipients of the SOS is
a detailed summary and report on the bag, how you found it compared to the
tapered straight jacket mummy bag, and if you write about your adventures,
we would appreciate your endorsement of the bag in print provided you like
the product.
Interested????? Then drop me a line to: Atten: Steve,
sosoutdoors@mailcity.com
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2000 23:53:35 -0700
From: Jennifer Gaasche jysmile@earthlink.net
Wow!
It's great to find this site. My best friend and I walked half of the
trail when we were 17. I'm now 24. I must say it can be scary at
times, especially the people. I think women should be extra careful.
I'll definitly do it again one day and finish the whole trek.
Katherine
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 00:11:15 EDT
From: tara novakowski bugchick74@hotmail.com
hello!
in may of 2001 i will be graduating from UNCW with a degree in
environmental science. i am thinking of hiking the trail as a way to start
out in the 'real world'. i have extreme admiration for those of you that
have already hiked the trail, hopefully i can do it too.
tara n.
feel free to write.
Date: Thu, 25 May 2000 03:09:43 -0300
From: Doug Tatton dtatton@nbnet.nb.ca
To: kathy@fred.net
Hi. A friend and I are planning to hike the trail starting in Maine and
finishing in Georgia, we are leaving in June and are very excited to have
this opportunity. We have alot of support from our parents and friends
which is very important. We are both 18 years old and female, if you have
any advice or anything ot all that would help us we would be happy to hear
from you. Happy trails!
Date: Tue, 23 May 2000 20:20:11 -0500
From: Larry W. Hays larbar@mpks.net
Hello to Jason, Josh and Lyle on the AT in Georgia today.
Date: Tue, 23 May 2000 09:09:19 EDT
From: Freebirdmtd@aol.com
just found this site and will visit it again. it is my hope to one day
hike this trail. i hope to find what i need to prepare for. am currently
doing lots of walking/hiking so i will be fit when i finally realize my
dream of joining others who have hiked the a.p. would like to hear from
anyone who has done this.
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2000 21:07:14 EDT
From: Bearshockey25@aol.com
Ironman You may remember me as the guy you bailed out with the truck in the
BOS parking lot. Drop me a line at your convenience bearshockey25@aol.com.
I've been digging through the trail notes but haven't found you yet. You
made the right decision to take the retirement. Congrats on 33 years and
hears to 33 more goofing off!
Daryl
Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2000 14:54:44 EDT
From: VOLSINFL@aol.com
i was bitten by the at bug last year and i now know what its like to think
at 365 days a year. my daughter, katie bug, and me, trail miester, will be
going the last week of may. 4 day hike north georgia. adventure is hiking.
good luck to you all. i have kept the shelter mice a secret.
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 12:26:57 EDT
From: SA71@aol.com
Hi, My Name is Shannon Nace, my husband, Kirk and I are the proud new
owners of Hotel Doyle, in Duncannnon PA - right in the heart of the trail.
WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS. For those of you who have been there in the past
- just wait till you see what we've done to the place. On behalf of
myself, my husband, my staff and residents of our little town - WELCOME -
we can't wait to meet you!!!!!
Hotel Doyle, Featuring the Beer Hunter Tavern, on the square, Duncannon PA
Good Times, Great Friends (717) 834-6789
Come in and down a Beer Hunter Big Ass Burger, and one of our signature 22
oz lagers!!!!
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2000 02:16:44 EDT
From: CChardin@aol.com
I enjoyed your webpage very much. I have hiked the entire Appalachian
Trail, 1989 and 1990. My trail name is Cliffhanger. I will be spending
about 2 months hiking in the Alps this summer (2000) and am planning on
thru hiking the AT again in either 2001 or 2002, then the Pacific Crest
Trail.
Date: Sat, 15 Apr 2000 11:28:31 -0400
From: BJ Baker bjbaker@preferred.com
We are planning a hike from Springer Mt. to Fontana Village beginning
around the 29th of April. I'm thinking about a mail and wonder how far off
the trail are the post offices at Helen, GA or Hiawassee, GA or Franklin,
NC. Thanks for the help. BJ Baker
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000 00:28:13 EDT
From: FocusOnFamily@aol.com
HEY MY NAME IS LITTLE STONED BEAR AND IM ABOUT TO TAKE THE TRAIL WITH MY
FRIEND TRAVIS AND MY DOG GANJA WE PLAN ON HIKING EVRY INCH WE OF THE TRAIL
WE CAN WITH MY DOG AT OUR SIDES . FAIR THEE WELL FELLOW TRUCKERS MAY THERE
BE HAPPY TRAILS TO ALL.
Date: Sat, 8 Apr 2000 23:53:16 EDT
From: Poomba23@aol.com
Subject: Peter Cornell
Hey, anybody seen Peter Cornell. He kicked off at Springer for his through
walk on about 3/17. Started solo. Hopes to be in Maine by September. If
you see him, say "hey" for his cousin Wendy. (It's a long story. If
you're at Sages Ravine June 8, I'll tell it to you.) Good walking y'all.
Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2000 00:32:42 EDT
From: DevoAmerica at aol.com
April 6, 2000
From: Donovan Smith
( 1974 thru hiker )
Am planning an 80 miler in
Southern Virginia this May.
Forest Arnold, are you still there?
Do you still carry a guitar backpacking?
contact : DevoAmerica at AOL.com
Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2000 14:52:13 -0400
From: Kris M. Jacoby jacobyk@river.it.gvsu.edu
hi all. i am planning on hiking half the trail during late may until
late august (hopefully)...starting in penn, going north. as of right
now i will be hiking alone (i'm a 19 yr old female) i'm just looking
for suggestions and insight from previous hikers. thanks.
e-mail: pointlobos@worldmailer.com
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2000 13:13:18 -0700
From: kaler athiker@blazenetme.net
hi hikers
looking for some hikers to do the 100 mile wilderness sept 1-10 2000.
monson -abol bridge, maybe the BIG 'k' . done about 1400 miles on
a.t. need this trip to keep my section hiking going. was in cl of 95
, with trail name '55'
e-mail athiker@blazenetme.net
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2000 19:57:21 -0500
From: All Saints Catholic School allsaint@rnet.com
MY NAME IS DAN HAAS FROM QUINCY IL, AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO YOUR
GUESTBOOK.
THANK
YOU
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 17:57:29 -0700
From: "Govan, Sibyl" sgovan@state.mt.us
?
Hello hikers and hiker-buddies:
My friends Don and Barb Asper of Bozeman, Montana are thru-hiking the AT
starting in March 2000. They are newlyweds, avid hikers and terrific
tennis players. This is the adventure of a lifetime, as both of them are
over 50. If you see them, please say "hi!" for me.
If you are interested, you can check out Don and Barb's journal.
Thanks,
SIBYL
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 09:55:31 -0800
From: kaler athiker@blazenetme.net
hi all,
this time of year my mind starts thinking back to georgia. oh to
relive that time. it will never be again, as much as you dream it
could. life is one grab for the brass ring, so grab it and hang on
for the time of your life.you will cry,laugh, pain, exhaution,
dispair, BUT when you finish it will be an accomplishment hard to
equal the rest of your life.
GO forth brave hearts, AND god speed
"55" class of 95
Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2000 21:45:23 EST
From: Todatrail@aol.com
Date 03-14-00
>From Harry H. Trailname PopOatmeal
Hi hiker buds. Just got back form off the trail in Jersey. Hoping to hike
on the section in Shenandoah soon, followed by the sections of New
Hampshire and Maine in the summer. To all you thru-hikers good luck and
have a great adventure and who knows maybe I'll see some of you on the
trail. Happy Trails
Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2000 01:02:24 EST
From: Greg17wmhs@aol.com
Hello, I am a 19 year old male and I just thought that I would let whoever
reads this know that I will be hiking the AT starting in May in Georgia and
hopefully ending in Connecticut sometime in August. If anyone has any
advice then don't be shy on letting me in on any of it. Thanks.
Greg17
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 16:03:12 -0500
From: Chris Roy croy@cavtel.net
Cc: jlerickso@hotmail.com
Hey fellow hikers! The camping/hiking itch has hit me early this year! my
boyfriend and I will be heading out to the George Washington National
Forrest this weekend. I know that the weather conditions will not be the
best but I think we will manage to have an enjoyable time. I will post the
results of the trip when i return....
j.e.
Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2000 20:34:17 -0500
From: L. Rollins lr2@glimmering.com
Hey anyone hiking the trail in Spring and Summer 2000! My sister’s
going to be hiking too so take care of her! She’s with her boyfriend
(Jon), a friend, and her boyfriend’s brother (Mark) so I’m not
too worried, but if you see them, tell her “Lisa says hi!”
Her name’s Stacy, by the way!
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 20:52:38 -0500
From: Quock G Loo qgloo@juno.com
Hi there,
My name is Quock Loo. I am 28 years old and I leave on March 25, 2000 to
begin my thru-hike. I am planning on a solo trip, hoping to make friends
along the way. Any last minute advice?
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 02:24:21 EST
From: Phatsond@aol.com
hey what;s up, I'm leaving in less than a month, north-south. I figure it
wouldn't hurt to put my name on this list. If anyone has some last minute
advice that they feel is crucial, let me know. Brookybrook21@hotmail.com
Take care, Happy Trails Kev
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 18:58:47 EST
From: RunHc81@aol.com
Hello. I am 18 yrs. old & am planning to hike a section of the trail
(mostly thru Maine) during late June & ealry July. I plan on going w/ just
one other person but I was wondering if it would be safer to go with a
larger group & if also any one could give me a little advice on planning.
Anything would be appreciated. Thanks -HMC
E-mail : runchc81@aol.com
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 01:42:52 EST
From: Cummisford@aol.com
Any suggestions for how to go about starting to plan
a hike of the trail?
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 13:35:05 PST
From: danielle genter dgenter@hotmail.com
Hello. I am writing to tell you that I am beginning a thru-hike in early
April. I am doing this hike for two important reasons, to raise funds for
the Multiple Sclerosis Society and to express my love for the great
outdoors. I am fueling this fund raiser and hiking the Appalachian Trail in
honor of my mother, who was diagnosed with MS when I was a child. It is
through the strength and determination my mother has exhibited and instilled
upon me that I will complete the 2167 miles of the AT. In honor of my
mother, I would greatly appreciate your contributions and donations in
making this fund raiser a success. Donations may be sent to the following
address:
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Danielle-Appalachian Trail
700 Broadway Suite 808
Denver, CO 80203
For additional information or to contact
me...www.geocities/Heartland/Arbor/3140
or appalachian00@hotmail.com
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2000 18:54:49 -0600
From: Tim cdtank@netdoor.com
Hi Kathy,
Great stuff! My class is doing a report on different states. I got
Georgia for a state. When we start we had to write the state flower
the state bird those type of things. We now have to write our report
and when we finish we have to draw the flag.
Thian Sumrall
3rd Grade, Byram, MS
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 16:19:08 -0500
From: art kirwin ciard@juno.com
Are there any 'older' hikers out there interested in a month long
hike in GA, NC in the spring of 2001? With some shorter hikes before
then? My email is ciard@juno.com Thanks!
Art in Raleigh.
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 10:19:31 -070
From: Richard_Tripp Richard_Tripp@email.msn.com
Kathy: Please have people contact us regarding any information they
have on important gear and essential knowledge for hiking the AT
through North Carolina and Tennessee for the first time. We plan to
explore through the months of March - May in 2000. We are in our
mid-twenties from Florida that will mainly be camping primitive
style. Any information or tips will be welcomed!! Thank you. We
appreciate the accessibility of your site! We look forward to
sharing our experience with you and our fellow explorers!
Brady and Marci
We can be contacted at: Richard_Tripp@msn.com
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 13:23:45 -0500
From: Ray Bell raybell@global2000.net
Please add my name to the guestbook. I found your page interesting.
Like all the info on the AT on the web, your page has so much, I
would be two years reading it. Thanks for having the interest to put
it on the web.
I have 1,094 miles done as of 1/29/00. Hope to add one or two
hundred miles this year. Time will tell.
I STARTED MY THRU HIKE IN 1948. HOPE TO FINISH IN 2003.
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2000 18:21:05 -0500
From: Steven Pitts elvistcb@hitter.net
I'm going to hike from Springer to about Franklin N.C., I plan on
leaving about 9 April 00. This will be my first hike on The Trail and
I was unsure of how to go about the transportation part of it. I'm
living in Florida, so I was considering taking a bus to Ga. then from
Franklin back home. I would rather drive myself but was unsure what to
do with my car??? Any advice would be MORE then welcome :)
If anyone is going to be starting around the same time, or was looking
for a partner, email me. Mike mpitts@bop.gov
Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 23:36:21 -0500
From: "Sean F. Brennan" sbrennan@pce.net
From: THE SINGING GRIZZLY '90, '92 (sbrennan@pce.net)
I have been looking for an old hiking buddy. JUST PLAIN NO NAME STEVE Grimes, if you see this, send me a
line! After your dad died I tried your old address and got my letter back. Where are you and how have
you been?
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 20:00:53 -0500
From: caskeys caskeys@wans.net
I thru-hiked th AT in 1989, I made many friends, and kept in touch
with a few, but all I know is their trail names, so I have not been
able to track anybody down. If anbody can help me I would appreciate
it. I am Scotty, I hiked with "tibet 93" or doug, I would love to
talk to some of my old buddies "Wing foot", Cosmic
Charlie","Gypsy","ShipWreck Dan", "Dead Ahead","Body",Boots", and all
the other characters??? thought I'd throw these names out and see if
it catches anybodies eye. Anybody looking to hike it is welcome to
contact me for advice or some great stories. I must have made 15 or
20 good friends on the trail, and had a great time. I can tell you
things you really need to know, How and where to get free food,
"yogiing" we hikers called it, where to get beer and some really
strange things you need to check out.
Scotty
caskeys@wans.net
Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2000 22:50:33 EST
From: Tourigny Nina ninu_@hotmail.com
hi! my name is Nina, 16 years old, and i did the whole maine in the
appalachian trail. I was with a group of 14 girls of my age. I did this
trail in 3 summers; the first....7 days, the second.....10 days, and the
third one(last summer) I did 17 days and the Katahdin. My group and i,
were hiking with a summer camp. (if you wanna know more about this camp
write me, i would be happy to talk to you about it)It's a french camp in
Maine (that's why i'm not very good in english) but anybody can go. I
loved my experience and i know that one day, i will do all the
Appalachian Trail, alone or not i HAVE to do it one day. Write to me if
you want to talk about your experience. Here's my address:
ninu_@hotmail.com Don't be shy !!
Date: 25 Dec 1999 12:00:08 -0800
From: the.observer@ragingbull.com
Hello there, my names David Breen. I'm from St Helens, Merseyside,
England. I recently completed the 500 mile section between Springer
Mountain & Damascus Virginia. I set off 11.9.99 and finished 26.10.99. It
was a fantastic experience, which has changed my life. I have high
ambitions to hike Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia, starting 1.6.2000.
It's a shoe string expedition because I don't have a job. I'm trying to
write a book about my adventures on the Dole (welfare). You've got to
have the ability but this is nothing without belief. Watch out for an
English music band called Twistid Weel, this is their philosophy.
I sign off with my motto
The trail is a song of life.
Happy Trails
David Breen, age 55. 25.12.99
Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 18:23:25 EST
From: Heine37@aol.com
Hi all thru-hikers.Mountaindew '98 here.Outstanding site!I'm visiting
this site looking for other '98 graduates."It seems like it was yesterday!"A
great trail,I'm hoping to thru-hike again in 2002.In May,2000 I set off for
the PCT in search of a different experiance.
mountaindew8@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 21:59:18 -0000
From: Peter Williams pfwilliams@talk21.com
Dear Kathy, I' m gathering info for an attempt at tha AT in the not too
distant future. As I live in the UK it looks like I will be doing it in 2
week chunks as I don't think my wife would enjoy me spending 6 months+ in
a thru-hike some 3000 miles from home. My first problem is getting from
Atlanta Airport to Amicalola state park - Any idea of the cost of a taxi ?
. Anyway Kathy I am very much enjoying your website thanks again
Pete Williams, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 17:18:26 -0500
From: BJ Baker bjbaker@preferred.com
This is a super web site. I've spent many hours gathering information.
My husband and I are planning to "get serious" about hiking the AT in the
spring of 2000. We live in Northeast Tennessee, so have already hiked the
AT in this area. We will have to begin with section hikes because of
family obligations. Our ages next summer will be 59 and 57, but we have
hiked many miles in the west (Yellowstone & Tetons). Any suggestions
about preparation - mental and physical - would be greatly appreciated.
Write to: bjbaker@preferred.com
Thanks Tom & B.J. Baker
Kingsport, Tennessee
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1999 11:02:11 -0800 (PST)
From: linda harris lindajoyceharris@yahoo.com
Hi. I'm Bill Harris. Planning a thru-hike on the AT
in April 2000. I'm 63 and this will be my first
thru-hike on the AT. I now live in California, but
I'm from Wytheville, VA, about 20 miles from the AT.
Looking forward to a great adventure. If you are
interested in a south to north hiking buddy, please
contact me at lindajoyceharris@yahoo.com.
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1999 17:33:27 -0500
From: Bob & Barb King rrmking1@ix.netcom.com
Kathy: enjoyed your page. just starting to plan a trip. found your page
interesting and useful. am planning on hiking the trail in 2001.will be 55
when i start and am not experienced at all but it is something i have
always wanted to do. will visit your page frequently as i plan and gather
information for this trip. Bob
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 1999 09:38:53 EST
From: BlueWingATHiker@aol.com
I am planning for my 2002 thru-hike. I live in Florida, but have made
week-long hikes along the trail in preperation. The Trail lives inside me
everyday. I will be 49 when I begin my thru-hike and would truly enjoy
talking with other people about their plans and dreams.
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 17:22:30 -0500
From: Anita Camplese apcamplese@earthlink.net
Hi, Kathy,
Just wanted to let you know that my daughter, Jessy (Swamp Fox) completed
her thru-hike by a successful ascent of Mt. Katahdin on Oct. 12, 1999. Her
website, "Swamp Fox's Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike" details her hike through
journal entries, lots of photos, and links to other sites, including yours.
There are photos of many '99 thru-hikers and a section at the end on the
outcomes of their hikes. The URL is
www.homestead.com/swampfoxpage/index.html
Thanks for your excellent reference site.
Anita Camplese (Jedi Mom)
Date: Fri, 15 Oct 1999 21:10:30 -0400
From: Thomas Barry tbjc@bellsouth.net
Subject: guestbook with a question!!!
Hello!!!
I am very interested in the volunteer program in the southern part of
the trail, but I noticed that the last dates have already passed(sept.
'99). Is there more dates scheduled that have not been posted or would I
have to wait for next year??? I will wait to hear before I submit my
application for volunteering....
I live in coastal South Carolina but prior I lived in North Carolina and
my family and I love NC.
Thanks for your time,
Tom Barry
Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 22:35:30 EDT
From: CAWellsRuns@aol.com
Hello,
I am an experienced mountain climber from Seattle, Washington and have just
relocated to north Alabama for the Boeing company.
I was a dedicated member of a mountain search and rescue unit, taught Alpine
Scramble classes, like to snow ski and snow shoe.
I am in search of a mountaineers club in the area. I would like very much to
hike all around the Appalachian trail. Any suggestions?
Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 17:49:45 -0400
From: Elkhorn Press elkhorn@swva.net
Thanks for your site! For Appalachia/environment titles please visit
Elkhorn Press .
Date: Sat, 18 Sep 1999 21:23:56 -0700
From: Earl Beam mishab@uswest.net
Great site! Did a lot of hiking on the AT years ago.
Really miss the trail. Living in Colorado now working on
finishing the Colorado Trail soon. Keep up the great work.
Hope to come back east someday and finish the AT.
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999 21:05:28 -0500
From: Jim Coplen six-iron@gowebway.com
I'd just like to update my message of 12/5/98 because I have a new web
site. I'm offering the benefit of my experience after thru-hiking the AT in
'95, to anyone interested. The information may be of particular interest to
those planning a southbound hike, and to older hikers.
Jim Coplen, www.apptrail.com
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1999 11:22:20 -0400
From: Robert Jordan rtjlzunionbrick@interactive.net
Hello, I'm Robert from Blairstown, situated at the base of the Kittatinny's in
beautiful Warren Co. NJ. I had sent an earlier message, but I blew the
instructions, so here is attempt #2. I am interested in hiking the Adirondaks
next year, specifically the Mt.Marcy, Lake Tear of the Clouds area. I am
interested in hooking up with an individual or group. I am in good physical
condition, but I am not used to carrying the weight that would be called for for
days on the trail. I would like to hear from someone who is interested in
traversing that area and who can give me training tips (I am a runner and a day
hiker). I can be e-mailed at: rtjlzunionbrick@interactive.net. Thanks for the
opportunity to post this note.
Date: Fri, 6 Aug 1999 11:38:30 EDT
From: IHCsup@aol.com
Hello,
Please include me in your guestbook.
I really enjoyed reading this page. It's so good to here about other people
interested in hiking the trail. I grew up in an RV in Colorado. Had some
great experiences. Now I live in Florida, married with two little girls. I
want them to see waterfalls, nature and beautiful US We are going to Georgia
in a couple days and will be visiting the trail.
Can't wait.
Sincerly, Dawn Glover
Date: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 02:10:18 PDT
From: Hal Flowers chistery@hotmail.com
KATHY-I WOULD LOVE TO JOIN YOUR FORUM-I AM PLANNING A THRU-HIKE IN '01 OR
'02. LOOKS LIKE A GREAT WAY TO NETWOTRK AND MAKE FRIENDS, ETC.
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 1999 17:40:04 -0500
From: Hilary Cox crumpet@indy.net
HI! My name is Sarah Yancey and I am almost 21 years old. I really want
to thru hike the AP and do not want to do it alone. SO, if anyone is
interested in starting soon, maybe the first of September, please e-mail
me :
sarahyancey@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 14:31:27 +1000
From: mahtab mokhtarani moor@netspace.net.au
G'day,
Only heard about this trail through a friend. Sounds like
a marvellous trail though. Oh how i wish i lived at least
a little close to the area! I'm in Australia at the moment,
but one day, ONE DAY! i'll have to embark on this
adventure - most definitely
Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 15:26:07 -0500
From: dave dave@ableland.com
This is an outstanding web page. Wish I could be out there hiking- maybe
after I retire!
Got caught up in web design, but someday SOON I'll be on the trail again.
Keep up
the good work. http://www.ableland.com/
Sincerely Dave dave@ableland.com Kids have fun at
http://www.ableland.com/kids.html
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 20:35:01 -0500
From: William Lyles slyles@home.com
Scotty Skywalker: Section hiker. From novice to damascus.
Date: Thu, 19 Aug 1999 20:39:35 EDT
From: Delanoso@aol.com
Hey Kathy,
My name is Steve Myers and I live about an hour south of the AT terminus
on Springer Mountian in Georgia. My roommate and I have been working up
to a thru-hike. We've done many of the local trails around the AT and we
plan on doing the majority of the Georgia AT this fall. Maybe one day
we'll find the money and time to make it from Springer to Katahdin, but
until then we'll section hike our way there. Hope to see y'all on the
trail.
Steve Myers
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 1999 12:53:58 -0700
From: John Cottle junebug@azstarnet.com
Hey,
My name is John Cottle and I plan on starting my thru-hike somewhere around April
2002. I'm a 23 year old college student and I need to finish school first.
However this allows for alot of time for planning and saving money. If any one is
interested please E-mail me at junebug@azstarnet.com because this is something I am
GOING to do. I love hiking. I live in Tucson, Arizona and if you don't love
hiking here it gets really boring. Anyhow, I also would like any info you have
Kathy. Laterz-----------John.
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 14:58:42 -0600
From: Christopher.Hart@Level3.com
Great Site. I wish I would have known about it before I set out in '95. Lots of good information. Good
luck all you 99'ers. For any of you out there considering a thru hike I always love talking about my
experience.
chrish_80027@yahoo.com.
Dances with Snakes
GA -> ME '95
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 05:55:28 EDT
From: RKarnaz@aol.com
greetings my name is Ray. I never been on the Appalachain trail. I have
always wanted. I have been living in Orlando, Fl since 1990. Each summer I
envision at the least travelling up yonder during the fall to see the
changing colors of the leaves. I just wanted to let you know that I am
determined to get up north to at least the Smoky Mountain area to experience
and relish what you guys see this year. Once I do that then I can sit down
and contemplate hiking the trail. thanx rkarnaz@aol.com
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 1999 20:53:55 -0700
From: Patti Knott jolann@bellatlantic.net
My name is Ian and I am planning a thruhike of the AT beginning
somewhere in mid May 2000 and will go alone but I am really looking for
someone to hike with. I am 21 and will hike with anyone, preferabbly
within 5-10 years of me, but like I said won't discriminate!! This is a
great site.I can be reached at jolann@bellatlantic.net
Hope to hear from you.
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 18:44:11 -0400
From: Doug Page dugfresh@sprintmail.com
Great Site! It seems a logical extension to go from the ever popular AT
hiker journal to the AT Home Page Guestbook so I thought I'd just drop in to
say "hi" to y'all. Some of you may remember me from the trail back in AT
'88, when I went by the name of the Agnostic Monk. Back then there were the
Bushpigs, the Sandbaggers, the Great Descenders, and of course the Maineak,
not to mention Wingfoot and many many more. Wot a lot! To anyone thinking of
a thru-hike, I could not recommend a more rewarding experience. As a wise
thruhiker (Strider--'85) once said , "go slow, go far". I think that says it
all. One final 'plug' before I go, please check out my webpage at
www.peacetrail.net for exciting news
about the International
Peace Trail.
Let me know what you think.
Love to All. -DugFresh
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 1999 13:21:22 -0400
From: Anita Camplese apcamplese@mail.ameritel.net
Hi, Kathy,
Great page. I've been using you for reference since my daughter first
started talking about thru-hiking the A.T. last year. Now, she's somewhere
in SW Virginia, part of the Class of '99, and loving every minute of it
(Well, almost every minute.).
I'm posting a link to your site on her A.T. thru-hike website at
this address where I've posted
current phots of this year's crop of thru hikers along with some of her
journal excerpts. She's one of the hikers keeping an online journal at
Trailplace (http://www.trailplace.com. Click on Swamp Fox.).
Thanks for all the useful information. I know what hard work it is to
assemble all the helpful information you have on your site.
Jedi Mom
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1999 00:15:29 -0700
From: rivers&trails ferryman@mainewest.com
Dear Class of '99'
This morning at approximately 9:40 am EST, Owen 'Tumbleweed' Mckinney of
Middletown,Ohio, became the first thru-hiker to cross the Kennebec River (mile
2006) on his Appalachian journey from Georgia to Maine. He started out at
Springer Mtn on February 13, travelling at times in knee deep snow, to make it
to the Kennebec River, today on Sunday June 13.1999. 'Tumbleweed' was in great
spirits as southbound hikers Gary 'Christian' Grant and Brendan 'Patch' Murphy
arrived by ferry operated by Steve Longley to the shores of Carrying Place
Township. Grant and Murphy are southbound hikers headed to Georgia.
'Tumbleweed' helped paddle the canoe ferry back across the Kennebec River with
Longley to the town of Caratunk, where he stopped to resupply and later headed
north towards Monson, where his brother will join him for the 100 mile
wilderness and his final destination atop Mt Katahdin. Best of Luck and
congratulations on a job well done to you, 'Tumbleweed'.
Ferryman
Date: Tue, 8 Jun 1999 12:23:05 -0400
From: datkinso@dcn.att.com
Hi all u ATers.
Good luck to all the 99ers.
Give me a call, cell-703-470-2320, sometime.
--------------------------------
PACK IT IN!!! PACK IT OUT!!!
Trail Magic, PB&J's, & AYCE rule.
--------------------------------
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"By inflection you can say much more than your words." - Malcolm S. Forbes
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Fanny Pack - 96GA2ME - datkinso@att.com
Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 18:24:12 -0400
From: curlee curlee@cutey.com
Wonderful site...we are not hikers....we are bikers.....we plan to spend
the month of September following the trail as closely as we can on the
motorcycle ....
any thoughts on this or anyone who has done this....all advice accepted.
curlee & gaffer
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 09:32:31 -0500
From: Karli White rogue4@earthlink.net
Greetings to all A.T. hikers and interested others!
I hiked 530 miles of the AT (Vermont - Maine)last fall and loved it. I
want to do the entire AT as a thru-hiker in the future. The experience
meant so much to me! Of course it was difficult for me at the start but
enthusiasm and all the joys of perseverance came through for me. I met
a lot of wonderful people and I miss them. I was suprised to see so many
people on the AT but it just goes to show that so many of us are seeking
"fellowship with nature" -I don't think we have enough land set aside
for this kind of thing at all!
Best wishes to all, "Blissful Violet" from Springfield, Illinois.
Colette (rogue4@earthlink.net)
Date: Wed, 12 May 1999 11:29:06 -0400
From: "Washburn, Dulce" dmw5@co.westchester.ny.us
Hey, great website, hello to all the happy hikers out there! This is Little
Wolf from NY who resides right by the AT in Farnstock State Park, Putnam,
NY. Anyone who has any questions or who need an Inian Guide I am humbly at
your service for that area of the trail.
Respectfully,
Little Wolf
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 03:41:54 -0400 (EDT)
From: "D. A." Drk-Angel@webtv.net
Hi there...
Me and my 12 year old boy are going to be doing a month long hike on the
AT this summer. Been thinking about Virginia...Harpers Ferry and then
south.
Liked your site.
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 12:25:22 -0400
From: Raphael Bustin raphael.bustin@vsea.com
Hi Kathy,
It's early-April again, and that means the A.T.
is on my mind.
I'm putting together an illustrated journal of my
(partial) through-hike of 1990 (Springer to Roanoke,
and Katahdin to Monson.)
Those who thru-hiked that year may find it interesting,
and those just planning or considering through-hikes
may also find it amusing or useful.
There are LOTS of photos in this thing, so it will be
difficult to present as a web site. I have plenty more
I'd like to add to this, particularly journals and
photos of many hikes in the White Mountains and the
Adirondacks, both before and after my through-hike.
If anyone reading this is interested in obtaining a copy,
please email me at:
raphael.bustin@vsea.com or rafeb@channel1.net
Regards, and good luck to this year's hikers!
rafe b
aka Terrapin (GA->VA, 1990)
Date: Friday, 09-Apr-99 20:41:36 GMT
From: lanzdazzle@aol.com
Could you include this Crazy ole Man's H.P.:
home page.
Great site!
Cheers, Crazy old man.com or COM.com
Date: 8 Apr 99 17:51:47 CDT
From: steve goetzelman gpickle@usa.net
Hey there, I live in Iowa City, IA and Im coming down to Georgia in about 2
weeks to start an AT thru hike and Im having a little trouble finding a way
to get to Springer. I think I can get to Chattanooga, TN but the guy I know
who lives down there is not very excited about taking me to the trail. If
anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks for the help.
gpickle@usa.net
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 1999 20:01:23 -0500
From: Rose Charnley rcharnle@facil.umass.edu
Just found your site. Thanks for the good work! My brother-in-law
surprised me this weekend by telling me that he wanted to do the AT
someday. I'v done parts in MA-ME and told him that we could start
anytime. We ended up at the Kittery Trading Post in Maine buying a
couple of books and finding out that www.maptech.com is putting out a
series of CDRoms covering the AT. A great way to spend the rest of my
birthday money. Anyway, we'll be back to check out more of your site.
Joseph
Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 22:17:45 -0500
Hi, I'm Mike in Florida. I'm looking to do about a week long hike in
Feb. or Mar. of 2000. I figure to start at Springer and go up from
there. I've never done it before and would like some advice. I'm also
looking for some people that were thinking about starting in Ga. around
the same time that I want to go.
My email address is MJP@BOP.GOV
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 21:26:21 -0500
From: Robert Griffith griffosu@lex.infi.net
Hi i am a seventeen year old avid hiker to one day hopefully complete
the entire Appalachain Trail. I just want to thank you for providing
fuel for my fire of accomplishment.
David Griffith
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 1999 11:54:31 EST
From: Trailhippy@aol.com
hello from a buffalo river national river backpacker, hopefully soon to
try at least part of the AT
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 12:42:45 +0000
From: Amy Adcock aadcock@LATTE.MEMPHIS.EDU
Hi,
My name is Rebecca Sherrod. I am a education student at the University
of Memphis and I am planning to thru hike the AT. I have had trouble
finding info and your sight is great! Thank you for putting the time
into keeping it up for us!
Rebecca
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 07:48:30 -0800
From: Debbie Gathard dgathard@ONSALE.com
I am looking for a spot to hike in June in the Vermont area. I will be
out for a wedding in Woodstock and was wondering if anyone had a
suggestion of a two or three day hike I could take in the area.
Looking for something on the more rugged side. Thanks for this
terrific page. I sure do miss New England. Thanks again. Please send
messages to dgathard@onsale.com .
Smiling traveler-
Debbie
Date: Mon, 22 Feb 1999 16:38:19 -0600 (CST)
From: FRIEDELE@Acad.Ripon.Edu
hello. my name is elliott. a friend and i are interested in hiking
the appalachian trail during our spring break, march 13-21.
unfortunately, we are not familiar with the trial, and, as a result, do
not know where to begin. as you've probably guessed by now, i was very
releaved to find your web site. we need help!!! when you have time
(hopefully before our spring break) could you please send us some
information on the A. T., some sites, where to backpack, etc.. we've
decided we want to something exciting before we graduate, and our
spring break is as good a time as any, and where else to go but the
appalachian trail! any information you'd be able to send us would be
greatly appreciated. thank you for your help and time! hope to hear
from you soon. sincerely,
elliott
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 12:27:16 -0600
From: Lia Johnson ljohnson@whrarchitects.com
also, can you tell me how to contact the ATC regarding obtaining a
copy of the article "Hiking with Fido"?
thanks for your time and help. the web site is awesome, informative,
userfriendly and generous.
thanks-lia
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 10:42:48 -0800
From: Jason.Kreykes@symantec.com
Subject: less noticed thru-hikers
I wanted to let you know about a couple of AT hikers I know. In 96 I
met the Bluegrass Boys, Paw Paw and Jon McKinney, in Georgia, and
hiked with them into VA before finishing my AT hike for the summer.
They had thru-hiked in 87 and Jon did a third in 93 with his wife,
Mary. They went on to finish again in 96 without me. The thing I
wanted you to know most, though, was that in March 96, Paw Paw turned
79 in Gooch Gap Shelter in GA. Next month, I will be meeting the
Bluegrass Boys in VA again. We're planning to do a flip-flopped
thru-hike. Paw Paw really wants to hike this summer, though, because
he will turn 82 in March, which, as I understand, will make him the
oldest man to thru-hike. I'm very excited to be travelling with these
two seasoned hikers, and I'm happy to say that Jon's wife will be
hiking with us this summer, as will my girlfriend from PA, Dana.
Right now, the Bluegrass Boys are planning to hike North from Damascus
to Katahdin then from Springer to Damascus. I'll be upset if they
decide to miss Trail Days, but I know that I wouldn't miss it. Dana
and I are planning to hike from VA to somewhere in PA before Trail
Days. After which, we will hike southbound to Springer, and hope we
can find a ride back up to PA by the end of June. Hopefully, we'll be
able to enjoy the Rainbow Gathering in PA before we resume a
northbound pace to Mt. Katahdin by October. Thanks for the web-site.
Hopefully, I'll be able to do more later. Maybe you can advertise our
web site if I can make it look good.
Sincerely,
the GORP Inspector
Jason Kreykes
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 08:14:17 -0000
From: "Evans, Shane (EXPL)" Shane.Evans@expl.riotinto.com.au
My name is Shane Evans from Perth, Western Australia. Myself and two
friends will start hiking the AT at the end of March 99. After
finishing university in 98 hiking the AT seems like the ideal way to
finish the century.
If there is any information or advice from past, present or future AT
thruhikers it would be great to hear.
See you on the AT
Date: Sat, 30 Jan 1999 22:57:39 EST
From: Nitedenizn@aol.com
please give me any help and advice about the trail. i have been
thinking of hiking the trail for almost four yrs. and just now have
decided to do it. i dream about it. i want one hard week...please help
brad
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 00:08:27 -0500
From: Carrie Bussell carrieb@coastalnet.com
What a great site! I am new to this whole "net thing" but I still keep
coming back to your site. I live in eastern NC but I love the mtns. I
farm during the spring and fall and would love to volunteer for the
summer to help maintain the trails. If anyone has done this before let
me know your tips and stories. I love the outdoors and enjoy working
hard so I think it would be fun. I'm 26 and figure I better take
advantage of opportunities like this while I can. Thanks, Carrie
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 1999 13:27:13 -0500
From: "James W. Coe" jamescoe@aerialcompanies.com
Hi,
My name is James Coe, and I'm from Ft. Myers Florida. I'm 29 years old.
My wife and I are planning our first Appalacian hike. We plan on
starting at Springer mountain and hike for about 5 days in the first
week of September 99', so if anyone has helpful tips for our first quest
please send info to james@aerialcompanies.com
Date: Sat, 16 Jan 1999 19:30:55 -0600
From: Walden & Butler jbvw@tds.net
I just think this site is so cool!! Hiked all of GA throughout the
years....have dreams of going thru someday. The guestbook idea is
wonderful.....I can remember when the only "guestbook" wa the one in
mailbox atop beautiful, magical Springer Mtn. Use to hike there just to
read the guestbook......So you see this guestbook is very special to
me....I love to read what other hikers and future hikers have to say.
Thank you, Kathy for a wonderful site and guestbook!!
Victoria (Vicki) Walden
North Ga. foothills resident
Date: Fri, 1 Jan 1999 19:26:56 EST
From: Trebmal1@aol.com
Subject: HIKING PARTNER
GREETINGS!
MY NAME IS TROY (PEOPLE CALL ME SCOOBY) AND I AM PLANNING MY THRU-HIKE
FOR APRIL OF 2000. AT THE TIME OF THIS WRITING I AM WORKING AS A
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER FOR THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE,
EASTHAM UNIT. FOR THE LAST 6 SUMMERS I HAVE WORKED AS A CAMP COUNSELOR
FOR THE CITY OF SAN JOSE FAMILY CAMP IN GROVELAND CA. (8 MILES FROM
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK).
IF ANY ONE IS LOOKING FOR A HIKING PARTNER FOR ALL OR PART OF THE HIKE,
CONTACT ME AT TREBMAL1@AOL.COM. I AM 26 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NO PROBLEM
HIKING 20-30 MILES IN A DAY, DEPENDING ON THE TERRAIN. I HAVE NO
PREFERENCE AS TO MALE OR FEMALE, BUT WOULD PREFER SOMEONE WITHIN 10-15
YEARS OF MY AGE. SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T MIND STOPPING TO SMELL THE ROSES
ONCE IN A WHILE WOULD BE NICE. ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN INTELLIGENT
CONVERSATION IS A MUST.
LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!
SCOOBY
Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 15:58:26 -0800
From: "W.C.RESSEAU" wcresseau@burke.net
Thanks for your effort to do site. After 30 yrs. in workplace I will
retire next March. Plan to leave Springer Mtn. first week in April, my
head should be clear by the time I get to Main...
Bill
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1998 20:30:35 -0500
From: "W.Dale" wdale@froggernet.com
Subject: the guestbook. KATHY THE BEST OF THE HOLIDAYS TO YOU
IN MID SEPT. OF 98, MY SELF AND 2 HIKING FRIENDS WERE DOING MY ANNUAL
HIKE ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL, THIS YEAR WAS THE HARPERS FERRY SECTIONS
. WE STARTED AT SNICKERS GAP,AND WENT NORTH . OUR FIRST NIGHT WAS AT
THE DAVID LESSER SHELTER. MY QUESTION ,BECAUSE OF THE LESSER SHELTER
BEING SO NICE, PLEASE TELL ME WHO DAVID LESSER IS OR WAS AND SOME OF
THE HISTORY OF THE SHELTER THANK YOU AGAIN FOR LETTING ME WRITE
IN the guestbook.. the "pencil pusher" wd waterman.
Date: Wed, 9 Dec 1998 20:58:05 EST
From: Eagle46861@aol.com
i liked your site a lot!
i have a site on nature and wildlife with lots of cool images, text, a game,
and much more!
you can visit my site, Nuts About Nature at
http://welcome.to/wildlife
You are welcome to visit my site at:
home page.
Thanks again for adding me and my site to your guestbook!
Thomas Null
New York
Date: Sun, 06 Dec 1998 17:06:21 -0600
From: Fredrick Schmid cen53419@centuryinter.net
Howdy Hikers, My name is Chris Schmid aka. Yogi. My brother BooBoo and I
hiked the entire AT this year.We started on April 12th and finished on
October 13th on a wonderful day above the clouds!!!!Loving the AT!!!!!!
Happy Hiking
Yogi
Date: Sat, 5 Dec 1998 10:13:00 -0500
From: Jim Coplen six-iron@gowebway.com
I hiked the trail southbound in '95, at the age of 58. If anyone has
questions about age being a factor, or what it's like to hike south, or
any other questions at all about the trail, visit my web site, and get in
touch:
http://home.sprynet.com/gowebway/six-iron.
Good luck with whatever you do. Six-Iron
Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 14:08:32 EST
From: GudwinAG@aol.com
Planning a trip with my wife after the kids are off to college (about 5-8
years). I am looking forward to using your site and your experience to plan
our trip.
Andy and Denise Gudwin, Miami, FL.
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 22:23:33 -0500
From: Tom Weiner ctweiner@velocity.net
Hi:
I enjoyed your Home Page very much. I am just starting to learn
HTML and I can appreciate the time and effort you put into your page.
Tomhiker
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 19:09:34 PST
From: Brian Stark stark_on_adt@hotmail.com
For the "Guestbook", Brian Stark, Nashville, Indiana
On Oct. 31 I finished my 238 day 4800 mile thru-run of the American
Discovery Trail from Delaware to California. The ADT uses local
existing trails as much as possible and back roads for connections. (The
ADT uses 3 miles of the AT in Maryland which is also the C & O Canal
Towpath at that point! Having sounthbound through-hiked the AT in '95
it was a treat to do some of the same stretch. What a trip! Check out
my home page e-mail: kirchman@cfw.com
Great site! I nearly broke my computer bookmarking it. Hope to do the
whole thing when I'm able to leave my business for 7 months. In the
meantime, living near
Shenandoah National Park is a great joy! Thanks for a great service to
the hiking community.
--Bob
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 12:31:02 -0500 (EST)
From: Derek Martin dmartin@student.lssu.edu
Hello, my name is Derek Martin and I'm a college student at Lake Superior
State University in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. I've done numerous
sections of the AT but I plan on thru hiking it sometime in the near
future(within the next three years). I would do it alone but I would much
rather have a partner to hike with so if anyone is interested and doesn't
mind hiking with a crazy teenager let me know. Thanks
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 10:32:44 -0500
From: PETE SKREBETZ macfearsome@mindspring.com
My name is Lisa and I have a great product in mind to use on my thru hike
of '99. It is a meal replacement bar that supplies proper nutrition,
vitamins and minerals. There is also a high protein product that should
save weight and feed any hungry hiker. Think high-performance diet.
Several people have asked about the products I use and I thought I should
share my news with others. If you want more information contact me at my
friend's E-mail address. It is macfearsome@mindspring.com Tell me your
name and address and I will send some snail mail your way. Thanks for
this great site!
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1998 16:14:25 EST
From: WLou1400@aol.com
I just read a few entries in your guestbook and found them very
interesting. I am planning on writing some of the individuals that had
entries. I am planning on doing a thru hike in April of 2003. I will be
53 and plan to do the hike on my own but am interested in hiking with
another female. My husband plans to visit me at different points on the
trail but no plans to hike any long periods with me. Please contact me if
you like. I am also interested in any books or videos that are out there.
I was inspired with reading Jean Deed's book "There are mountains to
climb". I am certainly not a super athelete but do love to walk and have
done some running, but only 10 minute miles. Have no hiking experience
but I do know that I will thru hike the trail in 2003. My friends and
family are supportive but think I am nuts! Thanks for having this
communication link!! You may write me at wlou1400@aol.com
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 1998 17:18:23 -0500
From: Joyce Graff joyceg@pipeline.com
Jay Platt has reached the half-way mark! He's headed SOUTHBOUND along
the Appalachian Trail, hiking to raise money to find a cure for von
Hippel-Lindau disease.
You know how difficult it is to hike the trail -- picture doing it with
only one eye, and a brain tumor that often makes you dizzy. That's what
Jay is doing. It is a phenomenal test of personal endurance and
perseverance, and of his committment to improving the outlook for people
with VHL.
We hope you will follow Jay's progress with us. Please visit our
website. for progress reports,
photos, and trail notes.
We had a press conference in Harrisburg, where Jay was greeted by City
Clerk Oscar Douglas and Councilwoman Sondra Mosten, and some very kind
words from Senator Arlen Specter.
Please come over and cheer him on!
Best regards,
Joyce
Joyce Wilcox Graff, Co-Chair
VHL Family Alliance
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 17:44:41 -0400
From: Don Kredl donkredl@nbnet.nb.ca
Subject: Bear at Sages Ravine!!!!!
Hi, it's marketman and I just came off the trail. Did Mass. from North
Adams to the Conn./ NY border...I wanted to make this entry in your
guestbook to see if there have been any bear reports in that area...The
morning after Halloween I met these two hikers that had spent a nerve
racking night at Sages Ravine...They reported that around 6:30pm a black
bear came sniffing around the campsite where 5 tents where set up...The
bear went from one site to another looking for food....Broke two tents and
ripped up a females sleeping bag...Fortunately Mr. bear did not attack the
hikers, he was just looking for treats which he helped himself to....If
anyone else was involved in that incident I'd like to hear more
details....Bazzar, I've never seen a sign of a bear from Katahdin to Conn.
in the last 6 years of section hiking. Will I see more the farther south I
go?
Thanks
Marketman
Date: Sun, 08 Nov 1998 16:25:07 -0500
From: Brooks Campbell oblio@worldpath.net
Just finished reading "A Walk in the Woods". Brought back memories of My
"walk in the woods" 1982. It has been along time since I have thought
back to those days. I appreciate your guest book and wonder if you have
any info. on thru-hikers from long ago. If so, I would like to be
included so as to be able to fill in fellow "classmates" on my last 16
years on the blue blaze. Thanks for anything you might do.
Hugs
"Chopper" AT 82 Ga-Me
Date: Sat, 07 Nov 1998 22:02:31 PST
From: steve terry teeders@hotmail.com
Greetings From Oklahoma, home of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
My motto is "It's not the AT, but it's closer". :-)
I've spent an obscene amount of time on your pages. You've done a
wonderful job. However, we readers don't know much about Kathy. Tell us
the full story. I'm always looking for new friends. Visit my page on www.place2b.org/terry/ and sign
my guestbook if you ever have the chance. Thanks very much for having
your web site. It really is wonderful.
Steve Terry
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 19:10:34 EST
From: DawnG5310@aol.com
Please sign me into the guest book. I am "Jim "indabush" Thacker, a
soldier at Ft. Hood, TX, who is planning a thru-hike in 2006, after I
retire from the US Army. Whether it's 2158, or closer to 3000 miles
(IAT), I'll do the whole thing. Thanks.
Date: Sun, 1 Nov 1998 22:33:49 +1100
From: Mason Dow mcdow@mpx.com.au
Hi there.
My name is Mason Dow and Id really love to do this trail sometime. It
sounds like such an amazing challenge and adventure. What do you do along
the trail for food and water? Is there anyone out there looking for a
partner to hike with? Do you need a very good tent/sleeping bag to hike
with? Do you have to be superfit to do this trail? Email me anyone that
would like to tell of their experiences on the trail or their hopes to one
day hike it.
Cheers.
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 21:40:36 -0400
From: Colonial Comfort Inn/Hikers Paradise paradise@ncia.net
Greetings from Hikers Paradise in Gorham, NH
It looks as if the last northbounders and southbounders have left Gorham
either for the big K or Springer. All the '98 ATers that stayed with us
were a wonderful bunch. We wish them all the best and thank them for a
great summer. Looking forward to the '99ers.
Mary Ann at Hikers Paradise
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 08:51:26 -0500
From: Cora J. Drake cgerritswsa@erols.com
Subject: Jane, Just Playin' with the Guestbook
It's so good to have this website!
I'm looking for word from or about my '98 AT classmates.
Got off in mid-Massachusetts in mid-August, not ailing but fully worn out.
All better now and all back to civilization. I've stomped up to the top
of Weverton at Harpers Ferry and spent some time at Bears Den in northern
VA. Also sent "postcards" (second copies of trail photos) to everyone
whose address I thought to get while hiking. Can't answer the card sent
me by Carolyn ("Nutbar") for lack of an address for her -- can anybody out
there help with that? She says Amy got off the trail but that she and
Mosquito were continuing. Duffbuster ('96, '97, '98, so far) says he saw
Woodpecker at the ALDHA Gathering. More news, please, about everybody.
With pictures! Especially with Katahdin pictures!!
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 22:27:18 -0400
From: george a girty GIRTYLAND@prodigy.net
Hiked an easy five miles on the AT near Caledonia State Park in
Pennsylvania this past weekend(10.11.98)- think I am BITTEN :)) Found
your page and it looks like another all- nighter researching the trail.
Great stuff! Any advice for getting started in Pennsylvania? George
travel.to/girtyland/
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1998 18:08:01 -0400
From: S. Peele speele@worldnet.att.net
Stanton Peele
peele.sas.nl
My name is Haley and I am a college student. I'm sure this is a commonly
asked question, but how do I find somebody to hike with? My friends think
I am insane, as well as my family. Anybody who is looking for some company
on the hike can e-mail me at speele@worldnet.att.net Thanks.
Date: Fri, 09 Oct 1998 14:27:04 -0400
From: Alan Rivers SCCC@Illuminet.net
Hi My name is Andy I live in Virginia.Someday I would love to hike the
Appalachian Trail.I am a member and we go to the cabins all the
time.Anyone that wants to write to me send it to ajrair@mailcity.com.
Date: Thu, 8 Oct 1998 22:24:37 -0400
From: Kip Darling beachnow@bellsouth.net
Kip Darling, Kure Beach, NC
web at www.darlingsbythesea.com
Former AT trail crew member from New Hampshire (many a night at Lake of
the Clouds)now living in NC wants to do NC section of the AT in Spring 99
from Nantahala through Great Smokey Mountain National Park as a warm up to
Mt. Kilamanjaro later in the year. Would like to here from some
thru-hikers, as would like to meet up with them in the spring when they
cross from GA to NC on their way north. I'll be hiking alone, so would
like to be on the trail when other serious hikers are also hiking thru.
Be glad to hear from you. Thanks.
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 19:19:48 -0400
From: Laurie Murray lmurray@gis.net
Hi there,
My name is Maura Murray from Hanson MA and I've been going to
Jigger Johnson's campground, which is clearly the best, and hiking in
the White Mountains ever since I was too young to remember. I would
like to know if anyone out there has ever climbed Mt. Tripyramid (the
trail starts at Sabaday Falls) because I had quite an experience. I
also want to help out at the huts during the summer or manage trails
if there are any available jobs that someone knows about. Does anybody
have any bear or moose stories to tell because I would love to hear
them. Great website-bye
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 16:15:07 -0400
From: Dick Arthur darthur@bluerhino.com
Has anybody noticed that the blazes in the Balds along the TN-NC
line sometimes point you in exactly the wrong direction? Do we need to
get up there and fix that or what? Or should we leave it as is for a
diversion?
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 1998 14:35:37 EDT
From: WntrSong@aol.com
Hi there. My name is Winter. My husband and I are thinking about hiking the
whole trail with our 3 kids in 2 years. We only heard about the trail a few
weeks ago and have been looking for everything we can find ever since. We
know that it would be a hard hike for our youngest.....(He'll be 5 by then)
but we were talking about taking a special kind of stroller (for him) for
hiking and running. My question is, has anyone ever done the whole trail with
kids that young? My kids are really tough....by choice. And they are pretty
excyted about the trip, but I don't want to put them up against something they
"can't" accomplish. My husband and I are experienced survivalists...but
serious hiking is new territory.
Anyone who has an opinion or some info for me, please e-mail me.
Wind to thy wings,
Winter
WntrSong@aol.com
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 10:58:41 -0400
From: Erika Tarlin Erika_Tarlin@bbns.org
Has anybody hiked with LA Tarlin, aka 'Baltimore Jack'? ..just
curious. Thanks...his sisters.
Date: Sun, 27 Sep 1998 12:48:52 -0400
From: Laura FREEDMAN lauras@ezonline.com
Greetings from Gil & Laura Freedman, Mechanicsburg PA (really
Silver Spring Twp., Cumberland County, through which the Trail runs).
Guestbooks entries are more interesting when hikers/authors indicate
where they're from.
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 11:11:18 -0300
From: J Holland jholland@nbnet.nb.ca
Hi I am from New Brunswick Canada
Great page
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 21:33:54 -0400
From: Michael Wright wrightmv@teleclipse.net
I have wanted to hike the Appalachian trail since camping in the North
Georgia mountains on a church outing some 15 years ago. I had forgotten
how strong this desire was since then as well as being occupied with six
years of college. About a month ago, I stumbled across "Walking the
Appalachian Trail" by Larry Luxenberg and bought it. Since reading it my
desire has been renewed. Three days after I read the book, me and my
wife went to Helen,Georgia where I hoped to hike at least a few hours of
the trail at Unicoi Gap.
It was at this time my wife revealed her extreme phobio of snakes and I
was able to hike only about two hours before returning. The thoughts of
any snakes has made me reconsider extended hikes (especially with my
wife).I would like to know what the chances are that I will come in
contact with snakes while walking trails. This may sound silly to many
of you, but it is a real concern.
thanks for listening.
michael w.
Date: Sun, 20 Sep 1998 13:36:44 EDT
From: PPetracca@aol.com
Hello all. 31 year old man in New Mexico. Currently involved in Boy
Scouting projects out here. Plan to take my oldest son on an AT thru-hike
when he is old enough. Have been hiking all my life and LOVE IT!! Would
appreciate any and all advice/information available. Will be a few years
before we try. Being so far away from the AT makes resources hard to find.
Thank goodness for the WEB. Love your site. If all works, maybe my
youngest son and I will try it too!
Best to all. Patrick Petracca-Albuquerque, NM
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 15:18:09 -0400
From: DWelcker dwelcker@capecod.net
Hi!
Now this (your site) has got to be one of the best uses of the Internet!
Congratulations. I developed a great appreciation of the AT many years ago
while with Dartmouth's Outing Club.
I recently become a member of a non-profit that is working to save areas
of old forest in Sandwich on Cape Cod, creating trails and offering nature
programs for all ages. We also train teachers and bring programs to the
schools. Our mission is "to inspire reverence for wildlife and concern for
the environment" in the spirit of renowned children's author Thornton W.
Burgess, author of _Old Mother West Wind_ and Peter Cottontail stories. In
addition to the Burgess Museum in a historic house in Sandwich, we also
operate the Green Briar Nature Center on property that Burgess roamed as a
child, including the Briar Patch and Smiling Pool from his stories.
Recently, the group has taken on management of an additional 245 acres of
conservation land.
We are in the process of upgrading our web site, but when you get a
chance, please hike over to the
Thornton W. Burgess Society.
Thanks, and keep up the good work. I'll definitely ask that a link be added
from our new site to yours.
Regards,
Dave Welcker
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 11:19:26 -0400
From: TED L WRIGHT WOLF6@prodigy.net
Greetings Everyone,
Teddy Lee Wright here. born in st. paul, va.....raised in norton & esserville,
went to school in wise county, va. don't get back much any more but i do miss
my country home. fall was always a beautiful time of the year. jack frost
nipping at your nose, trees adding many colors to their leaves, & knowing that
christmas was just around the corner. neighbors getting together helping with
the crops & having a very large cookout. exciting times & reflecting times but
what did i know, i was a kid of 6 years & enjoying everything without a care
in the world. enjoying moms' & grandmas' pies, corn on the cob ( real
homegrown & fresh), homemade cornbread, fresh milk from our cows, homemade
butter, it was a feast like no other. my brother & 2 sisters, swinging on a
swing that dad made out of an ol' tire & hung on a very strong tree limb.
helping dad chop wood & getting ready for the winter months, kept us really
busy on our small farm. those were adventurous days for four kids growing up
in the country. where have they gone? they're still there & i can visit any
time i want to. memories are made of these good times in my backwoods
virginia. thanx for this web page. now that i know where it is, i'll be a
frequent visitor & it'll make home seem that much closer. if anyone would like
to contact me thru email, my address is:
wolf6@prodigy.net
thanx for the trip down memory lane,
lee wright
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1998 10:07:07 -0500
From: Michael Rayl mrayl@concentric.net
Hi! This is a really great page. It has been really helpful to me. I am
an extreme beginner wanting to hike the trail. I will begin at Springer
Mt. (Amikalola Falls) and end somewhere near Asheville/Fairview. I need
to know all
that there is to know. Things like, how far is that, how much
preparation is needed, what about mail-drops, how much
equipment/supplies, filter my water or just
boil it? I need to know everything because I know nothing. I am 13
years old and will be hiking will be hiking with parents and possibly
younger siblings. Can it be
done?? Let me know. Thank you, Whitney :-)
p.s. I also need to know where a good stopping place is that's near
Asheville/Fairview. Thanks.
Date: Mon, 7 Sep 1998 18:44:12 -0700 (PDT)
From: heather s kokomo99@yahoo.com
Hi,
First off, i would like to congradulate you on a page well done!!! My
name is Heather and i have a desire for hiking the trail. i stumbled
across the Appalatian Trail homepage while looking at waterfalls. i
plan to hike the trail in the spring/summer of '99 when i graduate
from highschool. if anyone has any helpful information for me, you
can email me at kokomo99@yahoo.com i have so many questions, so if
someone could dedicate their time to helping me out, it would be
appreciated. also, i saw that there are volunteers for ATC. if
anyone has any helpful tips or info about it, please drop me a line.
Heather Smith
Belding, Michigan
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998 12:23:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kristal McKelvey kristal_dawn@yahoo.com
Kathy, Hi. I just looked at your web site and I just wanted to say
that I thought it was great. It was easy to use and had a lot of info.
See, right now I'm 14 but I'd like to hike the A.T. I couldn't
thru-hike it (due to school) but I could do large portions each
summer. I was wondering, out of curiousity, if there's any info on the
youngest person to hike the A.T. Also, for anyone reading this, I
would appreciate any advice.
Thanks :), Kristal
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998 19:22:59 -0400
From: W. Dale wdale@froggernet.com
KATHY, THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT SITE, I CHECK ,IT EVER 2 OR 3
DAYS. I FIRST WROTE TO YOU 2 YEARS AGO. THIS TIME I WOULD LIKE ;YOUR
WEATHER FORECAST FOR HARPERS FERRY FROM SEPT 18 THREW SEPT 25. I
PLAN ON HIKING THERE FOR 5 DAYS . I WILL STOP IN AND HEY TO EVERY
ONE. " tell them I'm coming" the pencil pusher w. dale
ONCE AGAIN THANKS FOR "the guestbook"_
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 19:04:44 -0600
From: Zakk Hoyt supple@primenet.com
Recently did first long distance hike along AT. Vermont-Connecticut. Just
wanted to say I enjoyed it a lot. From trudging through foot deep mud, to the
hospitality of people in towns. A special thank you to the people of Great
Barrington, MA. Views from Greylock and Everett spectacular. Hopefully return
for a thru hike one of these years. Chris Flahive, Boise, ID.
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1998 10:13:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: Rebecca DuBose rfdubose@yahoo.com
Just wanted to say I enjoyed your page & found it quite helpful! I'm
planning (fingers crossed) to thru-hike after graduation next spring.
Rebecca DuBose
Madison, Tennessee
==
"The swiftest traveler is he that goes afoot." --Henry David Thoreau
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 1998 01:11:55 -0400
From: Mark Santangelo marksant@fast.net
Subject: Just Starting the AT with my 12-year old son
My son Colin and I are just starting a section-by-section hike of the AT,
beginning at Wind Gap, PA. We're looking for a great time, and want to be
added to your Guestbook
Mark Santangelo
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 1998 14:40:16 -0400
From: Herb Eye athiker@athiker.com
Kathy,
I was just browsing the web and found your enjoyable and informative
web page and thought I would send you a note and a greeting to all those
AT Hikers out there!
I was so inspired by my section-hike of the AT that, after completing
it in 1995, I wrote a book, An Eye on the Horizon, an Appalachian Trail
Odyssey. In the book, I share sights, sounds, feelings and many personal
adventures and challenges I experienced. My wife and I self-published
the book, and I am happy to report that it is now on the market and can
be ordered from us.
Please visit our website (www.athiker.com).
Let us hear from you by
e-mail (athiker@athiker.com).
Happy Trails!
Herbert F. Eye (The Wise Man)
Date: Mon, 5 Jan 1998 20:24:25 -0500 ??
From: The Phelan's pheland@mail.dec.com
Hi!
My name is Kellie, and I am a sophomore in high school in NH. The reason I
write, is not only because I love the outside world, but for a much more
interesting reason. At my high school, it is required that senior year,
every senior complete a "Senior Project". I plan to do my iintensive
project on the AT. Although I still have a couple years to plan and
research, I need to start now. I plan to take night classes next year, to
fufill my credit requirement for graduation, and then leave for Spring
right after third trimester starts in the Senior year. Although this will
not be enough time to complete the trail, I plan to hike for six weeks, and
base my conclusions/connections/reflections on that for my "Senior
Project". Right now, I am just curious, (well, I have been for a while),
but I am definetly looking for good resources like this one!
If anyone has any comments or suggestions for me, please contact me via
snailmail at: Kellie Phelan, 49 Spring Hill Road, Mont Vernon, NH 03057.
Thank you all for listening! Happy hiking!
Kelli
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 11:45:03 PDT
From: ted mann hikinghead@hotmail.com
Subject: Bio-diversity issue
Hi Kathy,
I am enclosing a link to a page I thought may
have some interest to the hiking community. You
be the judge. Anyway, I think by most accounts,
folks who appreciate the AT may find the info on the
website worth taking notice of. Here is the URL:
http://www.arkinstitute.com/98/up0606.htm
The basic message I want others to hear is that the natural world is
shrinking and they may have some say to lessen that shrinkage. Please
let me know if you can create a link on the AT page for the above site.
I am planning to set up a forum/website-type resource for this issue,
to be done before the end of summer. Hope to hear from you, Ted.
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 13:27:41 -0400
From: titaniac titaniac@mci2000.com
July 16, 1998
I just completed the first 50 miles of the southern A.T. route and loved
every blister filled minute of it! I got off at Unicoi Gap to head into
Helen, GA to do some laundry. Unfortunately, I did not check my compass and
headed the wrong way down the mountain (North) towards Hiawassee, GA. I
didn't realize it until I had hiked 2 miles! I hitchhiked into Hiawassee.
Hitchhikers have a bad rap. 82 cars passed me before someone, a fellow
hiker, picked me up. I plan to return this summer to hike another 2 weeks
worth of northbound trail. Any advice for North Carolina/Tennessee country
would be highly appreciated. Why do people on the trail hike with so much
weight on their backs? Isn't lighter better?
Semper Fidelis, Trey McBride
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 07:19:41 -0700
From: Speleo95@worldnet.att.net
Just recently finished a slow shelter to shelter jaunt from Springer to
Fontana Dam. It was a great hike with no pressure of daily mileage. The
only problem seemed to be the gnats. Met many neat people along the way.
Speleo
GA-ME '95
Date: Wed, 08 Jul 1998 13:45:14 EDT
From: Anthony G Falcone tfal@MIT.EDU
Hi,
I am Rob, and I am writing on behalf of my friend Tony who is
currently on the trail. Tony used your pages a lot to prepare for his
hike, and they were extremely useful for him. He asked me to set up
some web pages describing his experiences, and I too have benefited
greatly from you pages. Thank you from both of us!
Tony asked me to list his web page in your guestbook. You can read it
at this link.
It has a link back to Kathy's page -- one of the best trail information
sources on the web!
- Rob and Tony
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 1998 20:28:56 -0400
From: Robert Boyle RBoyle@tapnet.net
I am a trail maintainer for a small section in Glenwood, NJ.
We have beautiful ski resorts, and lots of bear sightings.
Yes--in New Jersey!!!
If anyone has any questions about the AT in NJ, I would be
glad to help.
I hope to retire from teaching in 2 or 3 years an do the
whole trail.
Bob Boyle rboyle@tapnet.net
Date: Sat, 04 Jul 1998 21:07:50 +0200
From: Andy Sahli usamontandy@bluewin.ch
Hi there
It may sound a little bit strange by a swiss guy, telling you that my
hiking dreams are not over here in the mountains.
Since I, have several ties to the U.S.A. it became a strong whish to
hike the AT.
I'm fortytwo years old and I think it's about time for me to enjoy this
wonderful nature of aspecial part in the U.S.
Advises in "how to get on" are very appreciated.
Thanks for a great institution
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 1998 14:05:25 EDT
From: LFMcManus@aol.com
I am really missing the trail this year . I hiked in Georgia and got injured
in March,1997 and got off in Deep Gap NC. Then returned from California in May
to Harpers Ferry and hiked to Hanover. Where I was called home to a family
emergency. If anyone wants feel free to contact me at lfmcmanus@aol.com.
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998 20:52:34 -0400
From: Holly Ruck trails5@worldnet.att.net
hi kathy! i just wanted to say your page is great. i am preparing to
thru-hike the AT in 2000, and i cannot wait. i'm 25 now and have wanted to
do it since i was in the second grade. a man came to my grade school and
told us about his thru-hike and ever since it has been a goal. your page is
now bookmarked on my computer as a great source of information regarding the
AT. thanks so much for your work!
sincerely,
holly ruck
trails5@worldnet.att.net
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 01:13:05 -0500
From: me@home.com
My name is Kara and I am 17years old and I am going to be hiking the
trail all the way through after me high school granduation in 1999. I m
interested in anyones advice or expiriences. I will be hiking this
thrail with my friend, same age as me. I am from North Dakota and don't
have alot of hiking backround. To me , hiking the trail will be the
greatest challenge next to graduating high school!
Kara McCoy
Grand Forks, ND
missreal@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 15:07:51 -0700
From: suzi@lightpink.com
Good Luck brother Jeff on your hike!!!... its been over a week hows it
going???
sis
suz
Date: Mon, 8 Jun 1998 20:19:44 EDT
From: ChrisF5942@aol.com
put me in I hiked on the AT and have my trip log that I've published on my web
site would you like to check it out...
Put me on you're web page as a link..
well have to jet bye
my page
http://member.aol.com/chrisf5942/index.html
Date: Wed, 3 Jun 1998 05:30:09 -0400
From: Tonya Ryefield tsrye@ibm.net
Hi! My husband and I are going to be hiking the trail next year the whole way thru (hopefully)! We are
trying to find out as much possible before we do it, but from what I hear, you can never be fully
prepared for the magnitude of the journey, physically and mentally. We have never done any serious
hiking, but we are in training now and hope to be fit for the trip by April. Great web page and just
wanted to sign in the guestbook!
Tonya and Lawrence Ryefield
tsrye@ibm.net
Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 21:24:45 EDT
From: BOBWA8BCX@aol.com
Hello!
I am 64 years old and out of shape. I plan to retire next year (1999) in
February or March.
I have set as a personal goal thru hiking the AT during that first year of
retirement. I know next to nothing about hiking. I know quite a bit about
outdoor camping from my younger days. My family and I also have a very
primitive cabin site which we use often.
My plan would be to start sometime in the spring (April ?) in Georgia and end
perhaps in September or October in Maine.
I am not without resources to get me into shape. I recently completed a
project for the president of my company in renovating a part of a building as
a new "Fitness Center" for the company's employees. The Fitness Center
contains $36,000 worth of exercise equipment. This includes programmable
treadmills and bicycles.
Where can I get help on programming at least the treadmill to simulate the
conditions on the AT?
My personal physician has told me there is nothing healthwise to prevent me
from achieving this goal. He will insist that I pass a treadmill stress test
before starting to verify that I am in condition to do the trail.
Because he has had a personal friend who hiked thru on the Trail, he suggested
I should try to find someone to hike with. Besides this Guestbook, what other
ways can I use to try to find someone who would like to attempt this with me?
Lastly, I have heard that there are schools or classes you can attend to help
you learn what is needed to do serious hiking, and some devoted specifically
to hiking the Appalachian Trail. Can you tell me how to find them?
Thank you very much.
Bob
Date: Mon, 25 May 1998 14:59:19 -0400
From: The Browns suneedle@erols.com
I introduced my teenage sons to backbacking this weekend. We hiked 5
miles on the AT to Blackrock Hut in Shenandoah NP. PATC really has done
a great job clearing the trail of winter storm debris. We had a great
time; I think they're eager to go out again.
We met Puckerbelly and Granny on the trail and Mighty Wind (and Spirit)
and Laurel and Hardy at the shelter on May 23 and enjoyed their storys
of the trail.
Thanks, again, Kathy for a great site.
Jerry
Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 15:18:24 -0400
From: "Harold D. Lanham" hdlpsc@mis.net
Just wanted to let people know that "Model T" is on the trail again this
summer. This makes his third time. It is my understanding that a book
and maybe a documentary will follow. I had the opportunity to hike
with him a couple of years ago just north of Damascus.(Mt. Rogers and
Grayson Highlands) Beautiful area and the Blueberries were in season.
What a treat. If any hiker has run across Motel T or knows him let me
hear from you.
Pioneer from KY
Date: Sun, 17 May 1998 22:20:10 -0500
From: jeff davis jeffd@dixie-net.com
Hi, love the site.
Was just woundering if anyone has ever heard of someone with an ostomy
hiking the AT? If so i would love to hear from you. The reason is I have
an ilestomy and I am planning on a thru hike of the AT in the near
future. And would love some info. on it from other ostomies.
Thanks
JeffD.
aka (ziplock)
jeffd@dixie-net.com
Date: Sat, 16 May 1998 19:18:23 -0400
From: Will Wagers carthax@acadiacom.net
I love the site! I am preparing now for a thru-hike in 2002. Anyone who's
planning on doing it then, look for Carthax in the logbooks! :)
Peace!
-Will Wagers aka Carthax
PS Y'all drop me a line at willwage@aol.com
Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 09:32:41 -0400
From: Bob Bush langolier@email.msn.com
Greetings again Hikers! Langolier from '96 back in for another residence update. Just purchased a home
in
Simi Valley, CA. Here are the particulars:
Bob Bush
1180 Knottingham St.
Simi Valley, CA 93065
(805) 582-2759
Anyone desiring any information or just wanting to talk trail, drop me aline. Looking for some of those
'96ers!
Cheers, Langolier GA->MA '96
Date: Wed, 06 May 1998 22:47:43 -0400
From: Jeff Locke biscuit@aquik.net
Subject: Long lost friends
Hi, my name is Jeff Locke. I'm writing on behalf of my aunt Opal
Sunchyck, she and my uncle were volunteer rangers in the Jefferson
National Forrest from about 1977 to 87. They were located an
responsilbe for the Grindstone campground up near Mt. Rogers. She has
hiked to the top 17 times over the years and get this, she's 75. She
remembers quite a few of the hikers and people that came through on the
AT, and she would like to know if anyone remembers Nick and Opal
Sunchyck. My uncle Nick died 3 years ago but my aunt is still kicking,
and trying desparately to get me to take her to the top one more time.
Anyway she'd love to hear from you if you knew her way back when. You
can reach her at my e-mail address Biscuit@aquik.net Thanks for your
time and have fun.
Sincerely Jeff Locke
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 01:05:58 -0400
From: Kenneth Bowes kpbowes@roanoke.infi.net
I live in southwest Virginia with the AT only a few minutes away. I
havn't traveled much of it except what is around here. I recommend
everyone to hike at Mt. Rogers. It is the highest mountain in Virginia
and is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 15:57:53 EDT
From: Hamockhngr Hamockhngr@aol.com
Getting ready for my annual spring hike. Last year was VA this year NC. Are
there any storm damages that I should be concerned with? I haven't hike in
this area since 1994, looking forward to it. Also looking forward to meeting
all those thru-hiker hopefuls. Seems more and more complete it each year.
Did the 100 miles wilderness in ME in 1995, also beautiful if not rugged
terrain. Just a quick HAPPY EARTH DAY to all the trail workers who put in so
many volunteer hours to keep our beloved AT free and clear. See you on the
trail in 8 days and counting... The Hammock Hanger
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 09:25:20 +0000
From: "EDWARD J. RENEHAN, JR." ejren@ids.net
Kathy,
These AT pages are fabulous. I have hiked various portions of the trail
and hope to do it all by the time I reach the end of my other trail. I
am the biographer of the naturalist John Burroughs (1837-1921) --
http://members.aol.com/EJRen/Burroughs.html
All best, --------- Ed Renehan
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 19:04:54 EDT
From: RCheva3451 RCheva3451@aol.com
Hello Kathy,
My name is Greg and I would love some information on thru-hiking the A.T.
this summer. My girlfriend and I love the outdoors, and would love some
information on on the A.T. around Connecticut. We only plan on doing weekend
hikes, so it would be helpful if you could give us some info on where to start
and where to stop for a two or three day hike.
Thank you very much,
your fellow hiker
Greg.
Date: Sun, 12 Apr 1998 13:10:03 EDT
From: DLYNBID DLYNBID@aol.com
Have become obsessed with AT and thoughts of a thru-hike after reading a book
by Indianapolis writer, and thru-hiker Jan Deeds. She spoke as a guest of our
Library group last fall-WOW. I am hooked, have been thinking about several
short hikes this summer to get acquainted with the trail. Any Ideas. Last
year a travel club in Indy sponsored several "Women for Adventure AT hikes"
Perhaps I will go later this year.
Thanks for a place to post my musings...Diana
Date: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 15:12:54 -0500
From: "J. P. Burnham" jburnham@cc.cumber.edu
If any woman ( in her forties or fifties ) reading your guestbook is interested
in hiking the AT this summer for one or several weeks, I am looking for a hiking
partner. I average approximately ten miles per day. My e-mail address is:
jburnham@cc.cumber.edu
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 19:50:20 EST
From: MeStamp2 MeStamp2@aol.com
Hi from Vacaville, California. My 5th grader and I have been checking out all
the Virginia information for a state report he is doing. It has got us so
excited that I would love to visit this state. What a heap of info. Thank you
for sharing your State with us.
Carrie and Daniel
Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 15:19:34 -0500
From: Allen Walker awalker@buffnet.net
greetings frome buffalo n.y.
I am planning a thru hike in the year 2001 Well,maybe dreaming of a thru hike By
then I,ll be retired and have the time Over the years I have visited places along
the trail In new hampshire,franconia notch,mt. washington In west virginia,parts
of the trail around harpers ferry In the i will attempt a visit.a couple of days
at springer mt Hopefully i will be able to reall get on with real journey in the
spring of 01.
Hopefull One. (gordon l walker) awalker@buffnet.net
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 1998 16:04:04 -0800
From: Glenn Houde ghoude@landmarknet.net
Hi Kathy'
My wife and I are looking forward to exploring the AT and we could use
all the information we can get. We are planning a trip to northern Maine
this summer. The web page is great you are doing a great job, keep it
up.
Glenn and Lisa Houde.
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 10:28:39 -0600
From: Sajan I Abraham Sajan@nnc.net
Hello Kathy. I am actually visiting friends using their computer, but
would like to be on your mailing list. My email address is
jmackenzie@tocci.com. Thank you and create a nice day. -jrmackenzie-
Date: Wed, 18 Mar 1998 10:14:49 -0500
From: Carl Flamm Carl_Flamm@WCEU.pbs.org
hi kathy,
stopped by on my weekly AT checkout. looking forward to '98 journals. love this
site!!!
wanted to post for general AT community a query if I could: my wife and i are
planning a 4 day trip in end of april/beginning may north of peaks of otter on
AT in VA. any info your readers can give us concerning trail, temps, water and
access coming from bedford would be appreciated. please respons directly to
email address. Please respond to flamm@bellsouth.net. thanks so much.
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 20:35:29 -0500
From: Gallant sgallant@stc.net
Off the trail for a few days and visiting friends with modern technology.
Good to see your website is alive and well; what was the word? Guestbook?
Hopefully that was it. This is Dave Irving, '97 and '98 GATC Ridgerunner,
"Skookum" of '96 GA-ME. If anyone wants Georgia Info, write me at:
65 R-Ranch Rd
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Sorry, no # and no E-Mail. My office is the trail.
So long, Happy trails and Dry socks to all!
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 11:00:29 -0500
From: "L. Robin Armstrong" rarmstro@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu
Does anyone have info on the train station in
NY that hooks to AT. Planning a trip in early
May, and need to finalize transporation.
thanks, Robin.
"Nannook"/"Armstrong Express"
ATC 94 - ?
Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 23:03:21 EST
From: VStray8292 VStray8292@aol.com
Dear kathy;
I would just like to say that I am a true lover of hte out of doors. I truly
hope to get the chace to one day walk the appalachian trail. I'm currently in
the US Army and have walked many miles in other countries but not for
pleasure. We need to really treasure nature for the sake of the future.
Maybe we will meet on the Trail one day and enjoy it together.
SSG Victor G. Strayhorn
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 00:28:59 -0500
From: Kurt Thornbladh kurtlaw@mich.com
Dear kathy: I was linked to your site from a website opening up for
Michigan and Great Lakes Hikers. I come from Detroit, the motor city, but
I always thought the ticket to good health is to exercise your legs,
lungs, heart and mind and get as far away from the vehicle fumes as you
can. Needless to say the Appalachian Trail is often on my mind. The
times I spent hiking the trail when I was younger are vivid and happy
recollections. I'm hoping to arrange my affairs to do a lot more
wilderness walking in the near future and your site is a great way to find
out what's happening. I can get to the trail in less than a day and I'll
have to fit it in this summer. Kurt Thornbladh/ Farmington, Michigan.
P.S. If anybody remembers me from some of the old backpacking trips send
me an e-mail. kurtlaw@mich.com If anybody else in the S.E.Michigan area
wants to get together to explore some trails on weekends, give me an
e-mail.
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 21:06:50 EST
From: GIBRETIRED GIBRETIRED@aol.com
Hi. I've been enjoying the guestbook for some months now. I am a retired RN.
My husband (a retired hospital chaplain) and I backpacked from Springer to
Harpers' Ferry in '97. We called ourselves the Anasazi (ancient ones). So
many beautiful memories...and some not so beautiful ones too!. This page
helps me re-live ther excitement. Thanks. We hope to get back to the trail
again but not this year.
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 10:51:21 -0500
From: Sheila Shuba sshuba@mlynk.com
This is a great website! It reminds me of our vacation to Great Smoky Mt.
National Park in July 1996. My husband and I and our sons, then ages 3 1/2
yr and 6 yr old.
We hiked 3 miles to Grotto Falls and walked behind the falls. The boys
really enjoyed it. Driving up the mountain we observed a bear cub sleeping
on a high tree branch. Just like the postcard we found at a local gift shop
there. The boys recently asked when we could return to the Smoky Mts. I'm
sure it will be soon. Happy hiking!
Shelia from PA
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 12:58:11 -0500
From: Andrew Glover vdandrew@us.ibm.com
Great site! I am impressed with all the information and maps. For those hikers
interested, Visit Shenandoah
National Park , is a site that has camping and hiking information for
Shenandoah National Park.
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 02:08:42 +0800
From: BanditLeader utanbara@putra.net.my
Greetings from the land of the endangered elephants, rhinos
and wild gaurs! Please come and see us at
our site and be our guest in the
guestbook.
Mohamad Razali
UBAT TeamLeader
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 08:11:30 -0800
From: Earl Beam BEAM.EARL@epamail.epa.gov
Hi! Just stopped by to say HI! A great page, and a great way to keep up
on events that are happening on the AT. I moved from the east coast in
1977 to the wonderful state of Colorado. I did many hikes on the AT in
the 60s and 70s, mostly in NJ, PA, NY, CT, and VA, and really miss the
trail a lot. I hope to someday return and do a thru hike. But for now
I must continue hiking the Colorado Trail here in Colorado, hikes along
the Continental Divide Trail and climbing the hike peaks of Colorado.
(I'll finish the 14ers by 2000). Keep up the good work! Its a great
page and I'll visit it often in my cyberspace travels.
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 20:50:38 -0600
From: David Smith sanada@sprynet.com
Just rambling around the internet, came across your website - looks
great! Stopping for a brief visit, gotta keep moving.........
Dave "The Rambling Wreck" Smith
GA --> ME '86
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 18:09:21 -0500 (EST)
From: Suzanne M Robbins srobbins@ic.sunysb.edu
Hi all,
I just moved to the NY area and am interested in hiking the AT, both in
short sections and as a thru-hike. Any and all advice welcome!
Suzanne M. Robbins
Department of Political Science
State University of New York
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4392
email: srobbins@ic.sunysb.edu
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 17:48:37 EST
From: RotorBrent@aol.com
What a wonderful site I'm moving to N.C. next month and can't wait to spend
several weekends hiking on the AT trail.
Brent
Date: Sun, 15 Feb 1998 15:02:06 -0500
From: Bob Bush langolier@email.msn.com
Greetings Hikers! Langolier from '96 checking in for a residence update. I have
moved from Virginia to California and am now enjoying a bit of different terrain.
Where are all the 96er's? I can be reached at the following:
Bob "Langolier" Bush
3700 Parkview Lane #24A
Irvine, CA 92612
langolier@msn.com
Good Luck all 98er's, you will never regret it!
Langolier
GA->MA '96
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 11:58:38 -0500
From: Phyllis Brewer boba12@earthlink.net
Hello Kathy,
while seaching at my school for things to put on my web page I ran
across yours, being from an area that has the "trail" I deided to use it
on my page. I enjoy hiking and found your page to very interesting.
Kathleen Geier
Lynchburg, Va
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 16:45:44 -0500
From: cdk
Bryan Touchette
188 Maple Circle
Sandusky, MI 48471
Curt
dq@greatlakes.net
Date: Thu, 05 Feb 98 19:39:44 -0500
From: allison_fuleky_at_umbus-adm1@ccmail.bus.umich.edu
What a wonderful web site! While stuck in the office, it gives me a
chance to "escape" to the trail!
The trail has become a wonderful obsession to me as I plan my
thru-hike. GA->ME leaving 3/13. I would love emails from any other
trail-fetish folks.
Allie
Ann Arbor, MI
afuleky@umich.edu
Date: Sun, 01 Feb 1998 20:54:32 -0500
From: The Wilsons mwmwhw@panetwork.com
ahhhh what anice place to visist on a cold february night . looking
forward to another year of working with the konnarockers. dragons tooth
here i come.
nee nosh takka
hazmatt mwmwhw@panetwork.com
Date: Fri, 30 Jan 1998 19:34:38 EST
From: WPDJWALLIS@aol.com
I really enjoy your site. Very positive. Look forward to reading.
"180"
GA->ME 97
Date: Mon, 26 Jan 1998 08:08:09 -0800
From: Mark Purcell pirate@backpackers.com
Love your web page!!! Keep up the good work. Was in Shepherdstown, WV
last summer with the Blue Grass Boys plus one for the World Without Fear
Video. Great town...:-)
PIRATE
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 20:11:36 -0500
From: Paul Reinheimer heimers5@bellsouth.net
Paul B. Reinheimer
Charlotte, NC
Planning a NC-NJ trek
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 17:26:39 EST
From: VMI1000 VMI1000@aol.com
Greetings. I feel that you are old friends. I studied this page long and
hard last winter and spring. On April 8, 1997, I started my thru hike. I
climbed Katahdin on August 30, 1997. I had never hiked before. Thanks to you
folks I was able to make it without any hassles.
What a great experience. Thanks for all the help.
"Hey, PD"
Vince Imhoff
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 15:02:31 +0000
From: Walker cjenn@epix.net
Hi,
My name is Chris. My wife and I live less than a mile from the AT in
Delaware-Watergap, PA (Poconos). I spend quit a bit of time on the AT
and some of the "Pioneer Trails" that spawn from it in our area. I hunt
the trail, hike the trail, fish off the trail and just relax up there.
What many people don't know is that the AT is a main artery to a network
of lesser known trails. In our area more than 50 "tributary trails"
wind down into small towns. One of these bing the "Lenape Trail" in
Delaware Watergap, PA. This trail leads to the AT Hiker Center at
Church of the Mountain Presbyterian Church. Jennifer and I were married
there on Sept. 27, 1997. And yes, the hiker center was full. The
Lenape trail was used not only by settlers to the area but was also key
during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The trail
is fairly wide and meanders for approximatly 3 miles up to the AT .
Before reaching the AT you can witness the beautiful creeks and water
falls that come down off the mountain and observe many Shawnee Indian
burial grounds and cleared areas which used to be Shawnee long house
communities. If anyone is anticipating being in the Delaware-Water Gap
stretch of the AT contact us at cjenn@epix.net and we will be glad to
give you a tour of the forest and trails in our area. Keep in mind that
late spring trough mid-fall are the best times to vistit our area.
Til' then,
Happy Trails....
Chris Walker
cjenn@epix.net
Delaware-Water Gap, PA (USA)
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 18:32:55 +0000
From: Chris Townsend CHRISTOWNSEND@auchnarrow.demon.co.uk
Dear Kathy,
I'd love to be included in the guestbook. The pages are very good. I'm
planning on hiking the AT in 1999 (can't fit it in this year). I've done
the PCT and CDT so it's about time I did the AT.
Best wishes,
Chris Townsend. Outdoor Writer & Photographer
Auchnarrow, Grantown-on-Spey, Moray, PH26 3PL
Tel/Fax: 01479 873275. Email: Chris@auchnarrow.demon.co.uk
Web Site: http://www.auchnarrow.demon.co.uk
Date: Mon, 12 Jan 1998 23:59:58 EST
From: Rclarkhfwv Rclarkhfwv@aol.com
Dear Kathy,
I would love to be included in your guestbook. My wife owns The Outfitter at
Harpers Ferry and we see plenty of thru-hikers. From sore feet to broken gear
we try to take care of the problems with new gear, repairs, and or returns to
manufactures for replacements. I work down in DC, but on week-ends I help her
at The Outfitter, plus we put a bunch of the hikers to work when they are
short of money. They work on our old house here in Harpers Ferry to pick-up
some money to keep-em on the trail.
I must say I have met some of the most interesting people I have ever
encountered. If any of your Guestbook A-T THRU-HIKERS, or SECTION HIKERS would
like a 1998 Gearguide from The Outfitter, we will send one out ASAP, just call
1-888-535-2087, or E-Mail HIKERSGEAR@AOL.COM.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL, and we hope you all have a safe and wonderfull journey,
Ron & Laura Clark
Date: Tue, 06 Jan 1998 11:05:25 -0800
From: Bart Proctor bproctor@mail.kaien.com
Hi Kathy
We are introducing our tourism business that is on the North Coast of
British Columia in Canada. We cater to kayakers, ecotourists,
sportsfishermen and hikers. Our business is located in the small
coastal community of Oona River which is just south of Prince Rupert. If
you want adventure in an unpopulated area and view beautiful coastal
inlets and snow capped mountains we can offer your clients a lot of
variety for their holiday.
You can view our website
here.
We look forward to your correspondence
Thank you
Bart and Margaret Proctor
Date: Sun, 4 Jan 1998 13:07:47 EST
From: HANNAHGEE HANNAHGEE@aol.com
"No Agenda" Della, thru-hiker 1997:
If any of my old hiking buddies sees this note and wants to contact me, give
me an e-mail at "HannahGee@aol.com" or if any prospective hikers wants to ask
a question, I'll be glad to answer based on my experiences from April 1, 1997
thru November 5, 1997.
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 14:40:52 EST
From: LANZDAZZLE LANZDAZZLE@aol.com
Plan to give it a go around March 15 at Springer. Let's see how far my 65
year old 'spider legs' take me.
Cheers,
J.P. Fentress
Date: Thu, 1 Jan 1998 19:40:35, -0500
From: MS CAROLYN S MODAVI QNPA22A@prodigy.com
HI, MY NAME IS SORAYA, I'M A THIRTY-TWO
YEAR OLD R.N. I AM PLANNING TO THRU-HIKE THE A.T. BEGINNING 4/4/98.
I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO OTHER PEOPLE WHO WILL BE STARTING AROUND
THE SAME TIME. I LIVE IN OCALA, FL., AND WILL BE STARTING AT
SPRINGER MOUNTAIN, GA. PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT; QNPA22A@PRODIGY.COM
Date: Thu, 1 Jan 1998 13:42:53 -0500
From: "David A. Grim" davidgrim@mindspring.com
Kathy,
Out visiting on the net first thing this New Year and stopped by to see how your
site was looking. I first visited you in August of '95. It's looking better
than ever.
Visiting your site gets me in the mood for hiking again. I'm a fair weather
hiker so I suspect I won't actually get back on The Trail until March this year.
I'm hiking up in Virginia now. Last year I finished up to VA highway 603 a
little north of Massey Gap. I think Massey Gap is one of my favorite places on
The Trail so far. My mother and I may take it in during her annual visit up to
my place.
Hey I really enjoyed reading the exploits of another Dave, Wilcox. I still look
back fondly on my one week trip in '96.
Well you did say brief, so let me close.
Happy Trails,
Dave- Just A Section Hiker
H: (704) 554-7469 W: (704) 376-4214
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