9/8 - Final Post Until the Finish

Al has only 36 miles left. When we last spoke it was a beautiful day and he was by a lake overlooking Mt. Katahdin where he could see Baxter, the Brothers and the whole ridge line. He's making great progress 19 miles yesterday, 18 today and he's scheduled to arrive at Katahdin Steam Thursday, between 2 and 3pm. He also can't wait to see everybody and do the last leg with his family.

9/4 - One Week Left

Yesterday Al was on Moxie Bald with 135 miles left, today he’ll be in Munson and then he’ll be starting the 100 mile wilderness. He’s still planning on being at katahdin stream on the 10th. Last Friday we picked him up off the trail in Sugarloaf, had lunch (he ate most of Kelly's too) and went back to the cabin only to find the water was shut off. So, that much anticipated shower Al was expecting never happened.

He took a zero day on Saturday because of the weather, and it was a good thing because on the bigalow's it was freezing rain, sleet and the ranger wasn’t letting anyone go up.

8/11 - 1 month to go

Allen's in North Woodstock New Hampshire, and will be in Franconia Ridge tomorrow. He's finally been given a trail name - 'walking home' which was given to him by a group of teenagers and was confirmed to be a good name by some through hikers he met shortly afterwards.

He will be in Mt. Washington Saturday where he'll meet up with Donna in the Lake of Clouds. His only request was that she bring a few balogna sandwiches, and is still not hooked up to email because he forgot his password (must be mentally stressful too, ha!). He'll be home on the 22nd to pack up his truck to grab all the camping equipment needed for his big arrival.

More pics on the way......

More Pics

7/28 - Update

In Vermont now, 590 miles left. There's mud everywhere and its raining a lot which is slowing him down. He also wanted to let everyone to know that he hasn't checked his email in over a month, so don't think that he's snubbing you, well actually he is snubbing you....he's just busy walking to Maine.

Old Update (new to us)

July 12th - Al met up with Guy as he was walking off the trail in New York...had a good meal but they thought there was a dead rat in the room. Turns out is was Al's backpack. Ha. So, Guy was supposed to be there for 3 or 4 days, and every night when Al would pull out his notebook to determine the mileage for the current day and the next, there was apparently problems when Guy realized there were more miles than he thought. Needless to say Guy was done after 2.5 days. I don't blame him, this trek is a lot tougher than we think. Oh, and by the way.... i don't think he'll be sharing a tent with Al anytime soon...the dead rat seems to be a constant companion on this journey. Good times.

Al's currently in Connecticut...less than 700 miles to go. He says he's ahead of schedule.

6/24 Photos (finally)

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Harper's Ferry - 6/20

In Harpers Ferry 1011 miles done. Va was a long state 550 miles. Took some time off the trail, going back on 6/22. Looking forward to the second half of the journey. Hope to get a chance to hike with family and friends ( 15 plus miles per day ).

6/6 - Mile 851

I'm in Waynesboro today and a zero day tomorrow, mile 851. Will start the Shenandoah on 6/4. This is suppose to be a
really great walk. More food and shorter miles seem to work, for now.

Memorial Day Update

I'm taking a 0 day in Daleville ( 717 ) miles done. I need to think about my food so I don't lose any more weight. I'm planning on decresing my miles per day to around 13 and carry more food. Also starting to have shin splints ( one more reason to cut the miles ). Not really all that bad, but want to make sure they don't get any worse.

Allen's thinking of taking a 5 day break in June from the 17th to the 22nd to come back home, get some home cooked meals and try to fatten up before continuing on. Good idea. Lots of BBQ's and beers!

Day 33 Update

This email came in on 5/6.....

Have done 462 miles and in Damascus, Va. Will be leaving tomorrow for 6 days. Did my first 25 mile day on 5/3. All my miles are done and will be done, with full pack. Some folks slack pack ( only carry snacks, water, with a small pack, and have someone drop them off, or pick up after doing some miles on the AT ).

Live Update - 4/28

Its been about 2 weeks since we last heard from Al. Last night this email came in.......

I'm in Erwin Tn. to resupply, have done 340 miles. Its been hot...85 degrees during the day for the last 5 days. Not used to it and its been tough going. Tomorrow I'm leaving for 5 days on the trail. Still trying to eat everything I can get my hands on, and it appears my weight is becoming stable. My pack weight was 40lbs at Springer and in Hot Springs on 4/23 it was 35lbs, happy with that. Hoping when I get rid of my cold weather clothing I'll be able to be around 30lbs with 5 days of food. Always looking to make the pack lighter, cutting straps, pockets, etc.

Day 10 - Update

Al got in at 11 a.m. in Wesson North Carolina, a total of 137 miles so far. Its been cold and rainy. In 2 - 3 days he'll be arriving at the Santana Dam which is the start of the Smokey Mountains. Tonight he's staying at the Nantahala hiking club which is an outdoor center that has kayaking, canoeing, hiking, etc. At the time of this update he was having a beer and going to find a restaurant to order something fatty. He reports that he has lost some weight and needs to fatten up a bit, but his body is holding up well and he's raking in the miles. Recent attempts to resupply have been somewhat unsuccessful as the only 'food' he's been able to get are snickers bars, crackers, beef jerky and nuts. On the last resupply he bought a pound of nuts and ate those over a 4 day period. Order the steak tonight, Al.

Live Update - 4/8

snowed for 2 days, 4/7 AM water had a coating of ice in the tent, with snow on the ground, very cold. Came off the trail yesterday 4/7 got a room in Hiawassee, GA for two nights. Will get supplies for 5 day. Going back on the trail 4/9 early morning, will be done with GA. . Next resupply Wesser, NC about 67 miles down the trail.

Day 3 - First Update

Al officially started April 3rd on Springer Mountain.  He's been averaging 15 mile days.  Yesterday he arrived at Neel's Gap which is about 30 miles in.  Apparently the weather's been so cold he had to go buy a new 35 degree sleeping bag and send the other one home.  Today he encountered snow squalls, about 20 degree weather and 30 mph winds.  When we spoke he was finishing for the day and all he had to do was hike 1000 ft. for water, find a shelter out of the wind and hope his new sleeping bag keeps him warm through the night.   By Wednesday he says he should be coming off the trail for a shower (first one in 7 days), do some laundry, eat some real food and have a beer. 

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) meanders through 14 states and follows a 2,167-mile (3,487-kilometer) course from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mt. Katahdin, Maine.

This Blog will document Allen's trip (seriously long walk) across the AT with photos from Al along the way...thanks to the camera Kelly, Ryan and myself (Phil) got him for christmas (you're welcome).