About Me
I’m hiking the Appalachian trail because I know I want to try something completely different that I’ve never done before. I want to experience something that I will only be able to do at this juncture in my life. I’m looking for an adventure I can tell my grand kids about when I’m old and gray. I’m hiking North to South from June to November with my friend Matt. This website is to document my journey, allow friends who want to follow from their computers and stay in touch to do so, and to provide a resource to future and current thru hikers to learn about not only the physical struggles of the A.T., but also the mental toll it takes on every hike.
I am a trail hiker and this is my story.
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hey justin! just wanted to wish you luck and TONS of fun & adventure! i’ll be checkin up on this so better make it good! haha
erica
Justin, Good luck, I’ll be missing you, but will look forward to watching your progress! Have fun, learn, and keep up with your journal.
you go, boy. have fun. watch the run on sentences. mother hen
Justin:
Mom & I are excited about your adventure and looking forward to reacing your journal. Don’t play with any lions or tigers or bears or snakes or ghosts or bad people you may encounter. Just keep making good choices as you always do. And, remember if you are being chased by a wild creature all you have to do is run faster than Matt.
Love,
DAD
Hey J, I’ve been thinking about you. Hope everything is going well and that you are enjoying your adventure. Love and miss you!
Caity
Justin,
I’m very impressed at your willingness to undertake this exciting journey. Will be sure to keep up on your progress…Enjoy the adventure.
Love,
Josh
Can’t wait to hear about your first poop in the woods!! Hope all is going well so far, the pictures are gorgeous, and miss you much.
love, adge padge
This would have been a fun thing to do for my 50th! BUT, it’s currently NOT on my bucket list. But, basking in the sunshine on a tropical island is…..so, I’ll see you when you get back. Love you!
Best of luck, and maybe I will randomly meet up with you again…can’t wait to see all the pictures! These stories will be great for years…and love your dad’s advice to outrun the wild animals:)
Thinking about you always. My class is really into your website, and makes me check it for updates constantly. They really feel you did not give enough info on the 8 fingered lady.
love you
We heard from Justin yesterday via text, he said to pass it along:
“I’m alive and well just very hungry and sore. At end of today hope to be 38 mies away from our first taste of civilization. Spread the word in case my battery dies before I get this to the others.”
So glad to hear from you yesterday. sounds like you’[re making good time. heard from emory’s mom. he just climbed mt. whitney. anxious to talk to you… love mum
You are famous
http://www.cacsports.com/general_releases/gen0910/2010_Male_Scholar_Athlete
P^3,
You better make this into a book. i will be your marketing director. you will make millions and never have to get a real job lol
Hey Justin!
I love all of you pictures and stories! It helps me not to worry and miss you as much. I think of you often and wonder how you are doing. You are so legit!!!!! You were the only one that followed through with the challenge from sophomore year. :O) Im so impressed! Good luck and enjoy this once in a life time experience!
Justin
Great idea, both the thru hike and the follow along journal/potential book. As imentioned,I did only the Cental section of the Shennandoah NP in August of 1973. We had a great time and we always “talked” about doing the Main to Georgia hike, but of course never did. Look for my name carved on a picnic table at the Bear Fence Mountain shelter.
Also, t hope you have aharmonica with you. Its a must have along the trail.If not, I will give one to Caity to mail with your next care package.
Enjoy the hike!
Peter Senior
congrats! 1/10th done! so proud of you. ive been trying to run every day and when im too hot/sore/tired i always thing that youre doing about 17 more than me that day. miss you, and i dream of cabin.
He whats up Tiny Tim… Glad that you are resting up.. don’t worry the roll the sidewalks up at 9.00 pm.
I will be adding a High 5 page to this site… thanks for the post.
In the future please knock and wait for one of us before coming in the main house… Thanks
Moving forward…
I am an early to bed early to rise… we will lock up around 9 and fire up around 7 am.
If there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfrtable please feel free to ask, if you need something outside these hours call.
Caretaker
hey there hiker! I just saw your post on Facebook and hope you’re doing ok…your living situation sounds a bit like texas chainsaw but i’m confident you’ll survive the sprain.
I hope your experience has been amazing thus far. It’s been awesome to follow your trip…i have to admit i prefer living vicariously through you that actually doing it myself
Good luck, and virginia misses you. talk soon!
Hope you are having a great time on the trail, and I wish you the best of luck! Love you Justin!
Hey J,
Mom wants to know if you want new hiking boots, and she wants to know why the knee brace?
Love ya!
Hey, Smelly, I’m beginning to catch up. Annie says Aunt Gloria checks out the site regularly, hoping you’ve added a new chapter, sort of like a new Harry Potter chapter. Lots of rain here, wonder how your weather is. remember to rinse out your clothes every few days, or whenever you find a stream, whichever comes first.
Justin, WOW! We will love to hear your story!!!!
Justin, Glad you are “Back on Track” Think of you often!
Tiny Tim,
I was one of the 3 section hikers headed to Hot Springs that met you at the Deer Park Mtn Shelter Thursday Nov 11. We tent camped together behind the shelter. It was a pleasure to meet you and hear your story of your SOBO hike. Amazing! You will finish by Thanksgiving and have a story of a lifetime to tell. Keep up your spirits and be safe.
Flatlander SC