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

Friday, May 21, 2010

Tuesday 5/18

Feeling really good. Getting stronger and wants to eat! Think the hugs from mom and dad over the weekend helped.

Today it is breezy and hot but skies looks like rain. He says he is starting to dry off a bit for now. Boots are still soaked.

Had to tell Ponytail today that one of our friends had just passed. It was very hard for me not knowing how he would take it being alone out on the trail. We thought we covered about everything before the trip on what to do if....Nope...didn't touch on death. He does have support out on the trail but no one just to give him a hug so that bothered me. Gingersnap wish you were there for him to give him a hug from me.  He was ok once he got the news. Sad of course but ok. We talked several times today.  Glad he was in a good service area.     Donald we will miss you.

Today he passed Dragons Tooth. Took pictures of all the jagged rocks that look like teeth. Very overcast. No other views.

Ponytail hit the 700 Mile mark this afternoon near Catawba, VA. Super job! Before we know it he will be in Harper's Ferry (1/2 point)

He also went to McAfee Knob (one of the most photographed place on the AT). Well, wouldn't you know it, it was pouring rain and foggy. There were no views. He did manage to strategically place the camera aways away and run quickly back over the slippery rocks to get a picture. Can't wait to see it. I will attach one of our friend Allen who was there on a better day last year while he was thru-hiking the AT.

PTD stayed at the Campbell Shelter. It is a small shelter that sleeps 6. To get water he had to go behind the shetler, follow the blue blazed trail through the "electric meadow" to the spring.

Posted by Dave Smith (Smitty) at 5/21/2010

3 comments:

  1. Unknown21/5/10

    Oh wow, McAfee Knob. I was there in 2001 and it was amazing. Your living my dream Dave, thank you so much for sharing it with everyone!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous22/5/10

    Well. I feel bad that he is always wet, and that he didnt get to see a nice view. But im sure other than that Dave is staying strong and will make it threw the trail just the way he wanted to, in loving memory of his friend.
    LHS Student(T.R.H)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Allen Freeman23/5/10

    Hey! I recognize that guy in the photo. He was so slender and fit! I sure do miss him.

    - Monkeywrench

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)