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.