The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately 2,181 miles long. The path is maintained by 30 trail clubs and multiple partnerships,and managed by the National Park Service and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The majority of the trail is in wilderness, although some portions do traverse towns and roads, and cross rivers. The Appalachian Trail is famous for its many hikers, some of whom, called thru-hikers, attempt to hike it in its entirety in a single season. Along the way, the trail passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

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Friday, June 10, 2011

2 months, 1,605,500 strides - 6/10

Today Ryan has been on the trail 2 months.  He has covered 700 miles.  He has taken 1,605,500 steps.  He has been in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia.  He has experiences 171,000 feet of elevation gain equivalent to 6 ascents of Mount Everest.  Taking down days into consideration, he has averaged just over 15 miles per day. He is currently just outside Catawba, VA.  Based on his GPS location it appears he may be at a shelter around Dragon’s Tooth.  He has been out of contact since last Wednesday and should be in Daleville today or tomorrow.  He has a package waiting at the Daleville Post office.  If he makes it into Daleville before noon on Saturday, he should be able to get it before the Post Office closes for the weekend.  His package includes his normal mix of protein bars and powder, a few packages of Tuna, flour tortillas, candy bars, cash, toilet paper, tooth brush,  maps for central and northern Virginia,  shoe inserts, and some advil.  He also asked for an ankle brace. 
Over the past two weeks his equipment has started to show considerable wear and failure.  He has gone through his third pair of hiking shoes, his water bladder has sprung a leak, his sleeping pad is leaking, and his pack is starting to show seam damage.  He was able to contact the equipment manufacturers while he was in Pearisburg and all have agreed to replace the equipment and will have replacements available at a trial outfitter in Daleville. 
I expect to hear from Ryan this weekend and will update the blog then.  He will need to set up his next mail drop.  He should be moving into Shenandoah National Park early next week and will remain in the park for most of the balanced of his trip through Virginia.    The “Virginia Blues” are legendary on the trail.  Virginia has the most trail miles of any other state, 550.   The trial is deceptively difficult as many hikers expect reduced elevations but find considerable ups and downs and long days.   Many hikers call it quits in Virginia.  It will be good to hear how he’s doing.    
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