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, June 22, 2010

Monday – 6/21

Ponytail started hiking a little before 6AM today due to the fact that it was going to be the 3 H’s again. Hazy, Hot & Humid. Weather has been extremely hot as you all know.

Today is the 1st day of summer or on the trail it is National Hike Naked Day. No our Ponytail did not partake in this but, he did several other hikers w/nothing except socks, boots and backpacks (well, they had some leaves stuck into the pack straps on the front in the right places 

He happened to call at noon today and he was sitting at a gazebo out in the middle of nowhere eating wild blueberries and sipping water. Beautiful countryside. I just happen to be out for a nice walk myself during my lunch break up in Sugar Hill near the Iris Farm. I was thinking the same thing. Beautiful countryside.

He came across another fire tower. He has gone up many but didn’t feel like climbing up this one today. Just too darn hot!

Wild life – came across deer, says he isn’t even taking pics of them anymore since he sees them all the time, kind of like our wild turkeys here in NH. A big black papa bear. He was on the edge of the trail and just checked him out and then milled around for a bit and left. A bald eagle near Sunrise Mountain. Very cool.

PTD saw the High Point Monument from a short distance (didn’t feel like taking the side trail to go see it up close – again, just too hot). This monument was built in 1930 and was dedicated to the NJ wartime vets.

Stayed at High Point Shelter. This is a stone shelter w/wood floors.

About 24.6 miles today which leaves 850.4 more to go and he has completed 1327.9 to date

1 comment:

  1. Withu Inspirit22/6/10

    havent been online over the weekend...great news from Dr. Toole!! hope its feelin a little better each passing day..can't believe your outa PA-almost outa NJ...your not just hiking, your power-hiking..just dont concentrate so much on finishing the trail, that you loose appreciation of the trail. This is deffinately a once in a life time experience...savor it, cause(as much as you want it to be) its gonna be over soon and all you'll have...are memories, so take it easy and have good ones!
    lots of luv and happy thoughts to ya!!!
    be safe

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