Springer

58 degrees raining And very foggy no view from the summit

My hike inn family

There is no better place to start your thru hike experience.The Len Foote Hike Inn is a true family experience .I walked here alone,but I leave here with a much bigger family and the reaffirmation that I never walk alone. Thank you all

5 miles to hike inn

It's all uphill from here and I don't start the actual a.t. for 2 more days

Weight distribution within the pack

The only thing more important than weight distribution is the accessibility. you don't want to unpack everything when you need water I've heard some people say they are most comfortable with the bulk of the weight high on the pack. For me I'm most comfortable with the weight center closest to my shoulder blades. the only way I've been able to read how the pack sit's on me is to look in the mirror with the pack on. every pack sits different. with that in mind, here is how I have prepared for georgia and  the smokey mountains
Main compartment- food bag 8 pounds sits at the bottom of the main compartment. on top of that hammock tarp stakes rope all stuffed inside a 10 liter waterbag total weight approximately 5 pounds. hammocks spreder bars and shelter shoes complete the main compartment.
Center bottom compartment-
Insulated nylon shell ski pants, 1 light marino and 1 light fleece total approx 2 pounds. my mess kit contains stove and fuel total 1 pound 11 ounces.
Upper side bags each hold 1 quart containers. lower side bags contain headlamp ,spade ,toilet kit ,notepad disposable lighter ,gloves, hand warmers pain reliever and sunblock
Center exterior pouch holds the 5 liter dry bag containing first aid and all my electronix totaling under 2 pounds.
Map pouch on flap contains trash bag, zip ties water purification tablets.

Sugar mountain leather works

Jim Dewitt
of "sugar mountain leather works " has repaired and prepared my 38 year old nylon backpack for the journey before  for us. he re stitched lose zippers, put Velcro  on the map pouch that never previously sealed & mended frays with leather reinforcement.
This pack never had a better chance!
Jim's shop is located at The Enchanted Bazaar.
Next to the dino
Thank you jim

food for orangelightening

At apex approximately 4 miles

Top of morgan hill very icy. I found it was fun no injury. light snow making it more slippery. we will move more slowly on the way down the hill

Hiking the north country trail

I just got confirmation from chris, mark and I are riding together and keith will meet us at the hemlock trail this could be the last hike together until september. I will miss them very much! without their help I never could have attempted this physical challenge. come here on it will be up to me to fight the loneliness so many people have added to this experience that I can never say I walk alone