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 1, 2010

Sunday 5/30

Zero Day! Relaxing at this awesome farm in a small country town called Goldvein, VA. Back in the 1900's when gold mines were plentiful the population was about 10,000 now only about 900 people live in town.

Mike and Nancy(Sue & Jere's friends) have a beautiful home and a super barn that they partially converted into a hunting lodge for when Mike has his hunting buddies over. Pool table, kitchen, bar, living room, bedroom... Really really nice. Mike used wood off the land to build the lodge/garage/horse stall.

PTD alarm clock today was the horse kicking the side of the stall wanting her breakfast. That was ok it was time to get up and enjoy the beautiful day. Sunny and hot.

Today they walked down to an old Grist Mill and Damn, sat on the farmers porch and just talked. Told stories of the trail and got to know each other.  Enjoyed the breeze coming across the hay  fields.

Mike is a leather man. He helped alter Jimmy's pants. They were falling off, so they took them in. They also made Dave a belt. His shorts were falling down too.

Later in the day Bailey(Mike and Nancy's daughter) and Corey came over and they all had a huge BBQ. Steaks, corn on the cob, etc...

Special thank you to Mike and Nancy for letting Ponytail and the Flying Scotsmen stay and enjoy their home. You made him feel like family. Dave couldn't say enough about you and his day off the trail. THANK YOU!

Sue & Jere - Special THANKS to you too for picking PTD up and spending time w/him and the Scotsmen.

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous1/6/10

    Hey there - playing catch up on what is going on with you! Can't tell you how proud Ronnie and I are to call you our friend. (not that we wernt before, but yaknow!) Pam - you have got to be the bestest wife around. Thanks for keeping us all posted on what Smitty is doing. Smitty, keep on keeping on! xo Deb

    ReplyDelete
  2. 5and10 sue2/6/10

    omigosh...it was soo wonderful seeing PTD again. when I first saw him, he was sittin havin a(another)corona on patio of Mexican resturant in Elkton VA-intently studing an AT map..he was so deep in concentration-I was 3ft in front of him before he looked up! super lean but very strong and happy! Flying Scotsman Jimmy is a personable chap, you enjoy
    sittin-gabbin and havin a pint with!!

    ReplyDelete