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

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Wednesday 6/23

Ponytail says the day started out dry, sunny and breezy but before you know it, it became very sticky. PTD called about 8:30am and he was already having 2nd breakfast. It was a PB sandwich. He isn't diggit it, too plain, needs jelly.

9:35am his body was 1/2 in NJ and 1/2 in NY. So, 8 states down and 6 more to go.

He came across Prospect Rock - 1,433 ft - highest point in NY on the AT. Nice views of Greenwood Lake.

He came across Bellvale Creamery where he had several homemade birch beers and 2 chocolate shakes. Tasted great going down. But lesson learned. Don't drink shakes and soda all in one sitting. Belly not feeling so good.

As the day grew longer Ponytail kept thinking,  how many more miles to get to cousin Sue's house on this hot sticky day and wondering when his belly would stop turning from all the ice cream and soda.

Around 2:30 he was coming down the trail to Lakes Rd when he came across a bear and 2 cubs. That was a nice sight to see froma distance.

It had been a tough day, hot and humid and Ponytail says he felt somewhat like he was back home hiking. Bigger mountains and rocks to scramble over. He said his 13 miles felt like he did 25. Must be because of the heat.

No cell service so he traveled a bit further so he could call cousin Sue. She lives about 5 minutes from the trail. Super! She was there and on her way to get him. Ponytail was spending the night there.

They were so excited to see each other. Haven't seen each other in several years. They got back to her house where Dave got to meet her boyfriend Ron(very nice). They all sat outside on the patio, talked and had beers.

Sue made them a nice dinner. Steaks on the grill, corn on the cob... and for dessert, brownies, hot sauce, whip cream, he says it was all wonderful.

Later they sat around and talked more and he even helped them put in their new AC. Then they got to sit in the house in the AC and chat before bed about tomorrows plans.  Ponytail was very comfortable there.

Traveled 1,365.5 miles to date and 812.8 left to go

Posted by Dave Smith (Smitty) at 6/24/2010

2 comments:

  1. Sharon25/6/10

    Good Day Pony Tail Dave,
    Glad to hear that you are doing well and 1,365.5 milesWow!
    You are in my prayers,
    Happy 4th to you and Pam where ever you are.
    Peace and Harmony,
    Love,
    MT Host Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous27/6/10

    Hi Dave,
    So happy that you are doing well, we read about you every chance we get, keep going and stay healthy,,,
    love,
    Ron and Cathy Gendron

    ReplyDelete

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