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, July 15, 2010

Tuesday – 7/13 – THANK YOU Jim & Ken

Ponytail was cranking a bit more than usual today. He did 5.4 miles in 1 hr and 40 mins. He needed to be at a road crossing around 11 to be picked up for a BBQ at Young’s Propane Company. Jim Lemire had organized the function and all the coordinating of picking up and dropping PTD off at the Iron Bridge road crossing in White River Junction.

Ponytail got to the BBQ and was greeted by the office, drivers, sales and service people near White River Junction in VT. They have been faithfully following his progress on the trail. All employees were delighted to have him over for lunch.

They put out quite the spread, kabasi, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, macaroni salad and much much more. The sales men Tim even went and got Ponytail a chocolate shake. He knows how he loves them and has been taste testing them up the east coast.

There was even a small interview done that they put on U-tube. Jim has a PTD wall of fame too. Filled w/all kinds of maps, pictures and newspaper articles. Jim has been doing a tremendous job helping both myself and Dave in regards to the trail.

Special thank you to everyone at Young’s Propane for making time and honoring PTD in such a great way.

Ponytail was dropped off back at the trail head and proceeded on hiking. His goal was to get to the state line of NH today.

He knew he was getting close, so he called up Ken (his boss at Franconia Gas) and asked for a ride home for the night so he could surprise me. Ken said he would be there in an hr to pick him up. Ken hasn’t seen Dave since he left the company back at the end of March.

About 7:30 or so, I hear a car pull into the driveway. My nephews went out to see who it was . They ran back in and said it was Uncle Dave. I was like no way, don’t even joke. I walked out and there was Ponytail. Fresh off the trail. What a wonderful surprise. Thank you Ken for being brining my Ponytail home for the night.

Needless to say the rest of the night was just wonderful. Nice to have him home for a short time.

20.4 Miles traveled today (guess that BBQ gave him more energy on the hot day)
1,736 Miles to date
442.3 Miles left to go
12 states down and 2 left to go!!!!!!!




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ponytail being interviewed
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Back to the trail
Posted by Dave Smith (Smitty) at 7/15/2010

1 comment:

  1. Withu Inspirit16/7/10

    Must be great-finally hiking thru your home state...bet your sorry you didnt bring back the litle grey kitten from the pavilion in Port Clinton as a AT souvenir for Chesley and Choco! Lots of luv.. hike safe..

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