Georgia to Maine - - Please join me from start (4/1) to finish (8/10) - 132 days!!!!!

Bethlehem, NH
I have completed my thru-hike of the AT from Georgia to Maine; I started 4/1 and completed 8/10/10. I decided to do this thru-hike in memory of my brother Michael and in turn decided to turn it into a fundraiser. All money raised went to the Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country which gives year-round opportunities in sports and recreation to people with physical or developmental disabilities. My wife Pam and I got involved with this program because it allows us to help people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors like we do and my brother Michael did. Michael was born mentally challenged, and he loved to visit us in the North Country of NH and go hiking. He also loved the outdoors and did many other sports. So, to help others do this and other outdoor activities is a TRIBUTE to him, and an HONOR to us. Many of you have helped me along my journey and donated (follow donation link) directly to a secure website. All donations have gone and WILL CONTINUE to go to ASPNC – nonprofit org to help assist others to hike, ski, kayak, snow shoe..etc… Thank you all in advance for your kindness & generosity, Dave & Pam Smith

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tuesday - 4/20 --- 1st ZERO DAY

 Hi all,

Yesterday was a fast 20 mile day, 7 1/2 hours, knee a little tender, so a day off is well deserved!

Staying at Elmer's Hostel, what a great guy, and a cool house.

The different Eco zones in the Smokies were fascinating, the views were more breathtaking at every turn.  I could never put down in words what it was like hiking through the Smokies and my pictures will never do them justice. Some of the ridge lines that the trail followed were only 6 or 8 feet wide with some very long drop off''s. The only sad thing is some of the different trees are dying from some king of imported disease.  It was very hard to see these big beautiful trees dead and dying, but I guess that is part of nature.

I can't wait to see what lies ahead.

Talk Later.

Hike Safe.

Ponytail Dave

3 comments:

  1. Withu Inspirit20/4/10

    great goin..a well deserved day off..cant wait to see pics..PDT..happy hiking, is it all down hill now?!!?Lots of luv..

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  2. Anonymous21/4/10

    Hi Dave!!! It's Brian from the trail. Looks like your trucking along pretty well. I hear you on the knees. I was fine when I got back then a few days ago the start really hurting. So don't stop! If you see them, pass along a hello to Gingersnap and Orange Moon.I'm leaving to head back to Co. tomorrow but I'll be following you via the internet the rest of the way. Enjoy!

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  3. Hey PD, from Clingman's Dome it's downhill all the way to the Big K! Say hi to Elmer for me.

    Monkeywrench

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