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

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Friday 4/30

Dave said he hauled butt today. He did about 27 miles today. A total of 51 miles in 2 days. At 6:30pm he hit the TN/VA line after 11hrs of hiking. He then walked another 3 miles into town.... Ponytail Dave has entered Damascus, VA!!!! 3 states down. He has hiked 463 miles in 30 days. Way to go baby! That is an average of about 15.3 miles A DAY.

He says he is beat. He has both feet wrapped in duck tape. Blisters, chaffing, hurting. Just plain old tired. Never been so exhausted.

He is staying at the hostel called "the place" in downtown Damascus tonight. It is a bunk house w/showers. $4.00 a night. Not the "Ritz". He was off to go get a quick bite to eat before going to bed.
He has assured me he will slow a bit. Only predicting on doing 23 miles between the next 2 days. He needs to give his feet a bit of a break.

Will have lots to tell really soon. Signing off till late next week.  Pam

3 comments:

  1. Mike Innes1/5/10

    Hi Dave. sounds like you are doing great! Keep up the good work. I will be following your blog.
    Nancy Rapoport clued me in on your adventure.
    Awesome!
    Mike Innes (from the Highland Center) (you went to my AT presentation)

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  2. WOW!!! Dave- you are an animal! We admire your strength. Keep those feet happy though. That's what's going to keep you going. Keep on trucking!
    John & June - Twin Mountain
    J&J

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  3. Mike2/5/10

    Hi Dave! This is Mike and Ayesha from Roanoke. It was great meeting you and will be following your progress.

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