Smankin - Appalachian Trail Journal - 2010

Journal Entry

Sooo, I'm hiking the AT starting around April 2nd.

I am part of a program called WISE at Newton South High School, which allows students to create an independent study. South is trying something new in which students are allowed to take 4th term off and do a project of their choice. This past fall while discussing potential project ideas with my mom, suddenly the idea hit me; I wanted to research the Appalachian Trail inside and out and talk to people who had hiked it before. I have always dreamt of hiking the AT and there does not seem like a better time to go than now as I am off to college in September 2010!

In the past few months, I bought most of my gear, the AT thru-hiker planner, the AT data book, and taken almost every book out of the local libraries. I took a class and became certified in wilderness first aid. I am always looking for more to learn about before I go; suggestions would be great. I found a partner named Heather and I am truly elated to be hiking with her; she sounds amazing thus far! After finding each other on whiteblaze and then an extensive phone call, she used the word “serendipity” and I couldn’t agree more.

I have been training with a marathon team at school working to get in shape. The farthest we have run so far is 7 miles, but the mileage is slowly adding up. Yet I am looking for exercises to do to strengthen my back and upper body so the pack is slightly easier to manage. I have created a set of questions and I am going to start talking to previous thru-hikers soon.

For my parents comfort, I am also currently researching the SPOT locator. For anyone that used this device along the AT, feedback on how it worked would be great! My parents would also like me to keep a working journal online as I go and I am curious to hear how people have done this is the past (with phone chargers and service).

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