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, June 27, 2010

Sunday 6/27 - late in day, now in New England

Several miles in by 7:30am. PTD knows it is to be a hot one again today.

Nuclear Lake, the AT goes along the shoreline. "They" say it is no longer contaminated. In 1972 it used to be a nuclear fuel processing research facility. PTD splashed his face w/the water to try to cool a bit. Says he didn't glow but wouldn't drink it if dared.

The more he sweats the more those deer flies seem to like him. He swears the same fly has traveled all the miles today w/him. All the bug spray he has on and it is still bugging him.

Passed Pawling Nature Reserve. Hay fields, one which had a huge old water tower that had been restored. Too bad it didn't have a spigot on it.  He got to see the AT train. People actually stand on the platform wave down the commuter train.  It will pick them up and bring them to NYC and back for only $23.00.  What a deal.

He got to go to Ron & Holly's PURPLE house. They are right on the trail and let hikers come up to the house and get water. They are also located near the Dover Oak. Largest white oak tree on the AT. It is estimated to be about 300 + years old and the girth is 20 feet. It is larger than the Keefer Oak tree he saw down in VA.

Heard from cousin Sue. She came in 2nd in her age group for the 5K run race. Great job Sue!

4pm - crossed the state line into CT. Excited, as he should be. Now in New England and he has 5 more states to go. Way to go ponytail.

He got to the Ten Mile River Lean to and quickly went down to the river to cool off. He says he laid right down in the shallow part of the water for about 15 minutes. Says it was so nice to get his head wet. He needed to cool his body temp down. He had been traveling a ways w/a migraine.

He went set up camp and had dinner. In tent writing in journal by 7:30. Not long after that he says he will sleep.

24.4 miles today and only 5 more states to go

Dover Oak tree
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear Lake
 







AT Train Station
 




10 mile leant to






Posted by Dave Smith (Smitty) at 6/27/2010

1 comment:

  1. Withu Inspirit28/6/10

    hows your ex-corn foot doin...with the heat and a headache-hope there were too many other discomforts to think about it. by midweek our humidity is suppose to break...hope the same forcast is yours also. only 1 full month of this and your pretty much home free...it is so outstanding you made it this far...now I understand why the completion rate is so low...youve had a long hard journey that is almost done...we are so proud of you...you "are" gonna finish this...no doubt whatsoever!!!luv ya..happy thoughts of cool-dry-weather...

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