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

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Sunday 5/16

They all got up this morning and went to the local IHOP and had breakfast. They had a nice visit together.

They were almost back to the point where they picked up Ponytail last night when they noticed that road was closed. They stopped and asked the State Trooper what was going on. A big tree had fallen last night in the wind/rain/thunder & lighting storm and they were waiting for the crew to get there to cut it up and move it. Well, instead of waiting (it is Sunday and they are in hicksville) they found another back road that took them the long, long way around but they got him back to the same point without PTD having to walk from where the tree had fallen up to the trail head which would have added about 6 more miles to his day.

They got to the spot and there was 2 Rings. Sitting having snacks exactly where Dave had been last night. So, 2 Rings got to meet the parents too. They all said there good byes and 2 Rings and Ponytail went off on the trail. Back on the adventure.

PTD said he pasted the largest Keffer Oak tree on the AT . When it was last measured, the girth was 18ft, 3in. The tree is estimated to be 300 years old. He has yet to come across the Dover Oak that will be slightly larger in New York.

He also encountered another big snake today.  This must be snake week.  This one was black.  He says he got some good pics and we should see them soon.

Ponytail says not sure if he will be able to call tonight to let me know where he will stay due to low cell service.   Not to worry, I will find out and post where he stayed and the miles on the next post.
Posted by Dave Smith (Smitty) at 5/16/2010

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous17/5/10

    Good to see you've recovered. Damn good planning to have padded miles earlier and still be on schedule despite the setback.
    You can eat that rattlesnake. Tastes just like chicken. :-)

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  2. Withu Inspirit17/5/10

    have to agree with Pam bout bein glad that her folks met up with ya-perfect timing for a checkup to ease everyone worries bout ya! Jere & I both bought walkin sticks...for snakes!!plus I bought a--dont laugh--bear bell, we'll be ready for it all (I hope!)can't begin to tell ya how excited Jere is about our 2 day AT adventure with ya!!!until then, be safe...happy thoughts out to ya!!!see ya soon!!!!

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