MAINE!!!!

The finish line is in his sights!

Ok, maybe not literally. At this point, it is doubtful that Jeff can actually see the Katahdin summit... But he's close.... Very, very close!

After nearly five and a half months, Jeff's journey is coming to an end.

At the beginning of this week, he posted this Facebook status update from a hostel in Monson, Maine:

Zero day in Monson, ME. 6 days in the 100 mile wilderness starts tomorrow. Baxter State Park. And finally...Mount Katahdin!!!

I stole some photos from Jess' Facebook page, below. She posted a few clicks while in Monson, one of which (not pictured) included a 2000 mile marker!!!  For those of you keeping score at home, that's approximately 180 miles to go (quite a few of which they would've trekked through this week)... 

Happy hikers near a "ferry" ride over the Kennebec River.
(Courtesy of Jess' Facebook)

(Courtesy of Jess' Facebook)

(Courtesy of Jess' Facebook)

I stumbled upon this blogger, Philip Werner, who sections portion of the Appalachian Trail and gives further detail of segments of the hike.  Here, he outlines an area that Jeff and Jess traveled this week: http://sectionhiker.com/at-section-hike-monson-to-maine-highway-27/

The past week's weather here, in Upstate NY, has been well below the average for end-of-summer, so I can only imagine how chilly it is in the New England wilderness!!!  Luckily, the trip has run right-on-schedule - maybe even a little ahead - so he will completed before Fall settles in.

Though I have been posting less and less as the months drone on (and we miss him more and more)... I will certainly update everyone to with the monumental finish at Katahdin!!!

UPDATE FROM JEFF: WHITE MTNS

Dad had a phone call from Jeff today - which was GREAT because we hadn't heard from him for about 2 weeks (perhaps the longest stretch since he's been on the trail).  Jeff and Jess are in the White Mtns (limited cell reception).  I'll give you a little glimpse in to the email Dad sent out to update the fam...

"...on the top of Mtn Washington N.H. The signs have said, if the weather is bad do not hike to the top. Well it wasn't too bad. At the top 60 mph winds and only 100' visibility. The good news is that Jessica's knee is doing fine.

They are gong to continue hiking down Mtn Washington today. From the Top of the Mtn. they have only 333 miles to complete their journey

While hiking the White Mtns they have come across section that have huts for rent at $120.00 per night and I believe that includes free food in the lodge(s?). Along these areas J and J ask if there is any work for exchange for a free place to sleep and food. So they sleep on the floor of the lodge after they clean up do dishes etc. They get left over food at night and in the morning free breakfast as well."

Daddy-O!

Poppa Harry returned Jeff & Jess to the trail, right back where they got off - at 1463.2 miles in...  He hiked for a large part of two days with them - the old man put in 14-16 miles each day!  Ha!

Father-Son Trekkin' 

Beautiful view as Dad bid goodbye to Jeff and our new friend Jess.  xo

There's no place like home...

After reaching 1463.2 miles on the trail, Jeff & gal pal Jess met up with Dad near Kent, CT in order to take a quick trip to Catskill for two much needed "zero days" (hiking no miles) and to resupply with dry goods, clean laundry, NY pizza, home cooking and plenty of hugs and kisses!

We missed Jeff's birthday, so we celebrated by Nana's pool with a congratulatory cake!

Jeff and Jess have been pushing themselves hard these days, doing 20 miles or more quite often - all before a very early bedtime each night (they are exhausted by 8pm).  

I tried to rapid fire questions while we had them captive... so here's a few (paraphrased) highlights:

My Question:  What the hell do you talk about after spending that much time together.

 - Jess:  Everything and nothing.  (She also recounts of a few day stretch when all Jeff did was talk like Forrest Gump). 

- Jeff:  Some days we don't talk for awhile, we just hike.  Some days we're like, "W is a weird letter..." and then we talk about that for awhile. 

My Question:  What is the one thing in your pack that you don't NEED, but you won't hike without. 

- Jess:  My books.  (They trade out books at shelters where other hikers will leave/trade/share them or grab them from free bins at various places along the way).

- Jeff:  My umbrella.  (On rainy days, he hikes with a special umbrella that clips to his pack strap, covering both him and his some of his pack.  Jess has purchased one since on the trail - since Jeff was always impressively dry). 

Calories

Jeff and Jess ate everything in sight on their trip home, as is per usual on any trip in to "town" since staying full on the trail is near impossible.  On the trail, eating "healthy" isn't the goal - it's calories!  Keeping energy up with Snickers bars and "pasta sides" packets.  Despite a somewhat junky diet, they both have lost significant amounts of weight and are the picture of perfect health and happiness!

Cool trail finds

Jeff found an AMAZING totally genuine arrowhead right before his visit home.  My Mom said "it was pointing him home."  With a chuckle, Jeff said - no, actually it was pointing southwest.  He also has acquired these stylin' sunglasses... 

the dude.

Congrats, Jeff & Jess, on rockin' 1463.2 miles of smiles
...and probably a few shitty days too.. but you're kicking the AT's butt!

The Stats

My Dad updated me on the current statistics for Jeff's mileage... I gave a lowball estimate in my last post.  He's further along :) 

"Troutville is 725 miles into Jeff's journey. When he reaches Harpers Ferry he will be at 1018.3 miles into his journey. He will be 74.65 miles short of the half way point."

Cute Kids.

Congratulations to Jeff's friends Matt & Colleen, who welcomed baby Connor earlier this month.  Here's a photo of big sister Brooke and the new addition.

Speaking of little cuties, here's a video of Felix & Maeve at their first JCC Music Concert:  

And, while we're on the subject, have you seen Jeff's future hiking buddies?  Felix & Fiona, at South Lake on Memorial Day Weekend 2014... 

Over 2 Months, More Than 600 Miles... and Still Going STRONG!

McAfee's Knob, a little over 2 months and 600 miles in...

It's been a few weeks since I have updated the blog, in which time I've had several short phone chats with Jeff.  Last weekend, he was in Troutville VA - a little after his 600 mile mark, I believe.

Jeff's stay in Troutville was courtesy of a nice, young couple that he (and his friend Jess) met while hitching in to town to resupply.  The couple offered to let them hot showers, a crash spot on their spare futon and even the use of their washer and dryer while they lounged in a pair of their scrubs!  Once again, the love shared with Jeff along the trail surprises and delights me!  The sweetest part of the whole deal was that Jeff & Co. were asked to design a quilt patch, for a larger quilt the couple intends to build - a collaboration of many AT thru-hikers they've met and housed.

The shot above is of Jeff on McAfee's Knob - the most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail.  While Jeff did report that it was astoundingly beautiful, he said it was one of the most tourist laden spots they had encountered as well.  He preferred some of the other nearby areas, as they were a little more untouched and equally as beautiful.

Jeff will soon be in Harper's Ferry, West VA.  At this point, he will bid goodbye to his new friend Alex.  She has been hiking the trail with his group since the first week!  Alex's original plan, along with Jess (who I mentioned earlier), was to exit the trail at Harper's Ferry (near their home) - doing about half of the full Appalachian Trail.  Although Alex is sticking to Plan A, it seems the magic of the AT and the thru-hiking bug bit Jess hard... she's decided to continue on to Maine with Jeff!

Jeff and Jess will make a stop in Harper's Ferry, visiting Jess's family & friends as they resupply and Jeff picks up a package from home.

One of us should hear from Jeff any day now, at which point I will do my best to get another blog update in...

PHONE CALL FORM JEFF: A Mt. Outside Demascus, Trail Days and the Kindness of Strangers

I had a great 30 minute phone call with Jeff a few days ago.  He was sitting on top of a mountain about 20 miles outside of Demascus, VA.   He sounded wonderful!  So happy!

Jeff had a great time at Trail Days, a 3-day hiker festival in Demascus.  There was a lot of food, entertainment, a hiker parade, tent village with other thru hikers, vendors and companies demo'ing products.  Jeff purchased a new backpack.  The Jansport he started his hike with had already been through quite a bit of use, and the daily wear (with heavy load) was starting to bust seams and break straps.  He bought a new Offsprey bag from a local outfitter, sending his Jansport home.  He later visited the the Offsprey booth and they gave him a free rainfly, to keep his new pack dry while hiking in wet weather.  Another vendor gave him a free sleeping mat, since his old mat was too large for the new pack - again, he sent the old stuff home.  He was psyched about his free wares and about his new pack.

Being a thru-hiker (meaning you're hiking the full AT in one trip) sounds like you're the rockstar of the hiking community.  People are very generous along the trail, sharing food and beer, rides and even a floor to crash on when in town for the night.  He's met a lot of really cool people along the way and they have all seemed to share a bit of good vibe with Jeff and his new AT friends.

Blisters
...no not the foot sores (though I'm sure he's got them too).

My favorite story from our conversation was about a dice game called Blisters.  Those of us that know Jeff well, know that he loves a good game.  He always has.  I remember Jeff and I in intense competition for the high score at Kirby's Pinball on Gameboy with Eden Roe at the Caroga Lake cabin, way back in elementary school.  In more recent years, our friend Chris Pulver introduced us to The Settlers of Catan, which Jeff shared across the country during his Colorado > San Diego era.

On a recent hike, Jeff crossed paths with a guy who really enjoyed the company of his AT posse.  This dude introduced Jeff to a new game, Blisters.  Apparently, Jeff really took a liking to the game and played many with his new friend during stops on their hike.  As his new friend was leaving the group and heading back home (I presume, he was not a thru hiker - just along for a few days or so), he tried to give Jeff his Blisters set.  The guy had the game since middle school, a gift from his mom.  Jeff turned down the gift, even when the guy persisted.  "I couldn't take it - he had it since middle school.  It was from his mom." Jeff told me.

A few days later, a friend of his (who blogs about their travels) received a message online from the guy who they had met a few days before.  "Tell Jeff to check the post office in Demascus," the message said.  When Jeff arrived at the post office in Demascus, VA a brand new set of Blisters dice had been shipped to him there with a note thanking Jeff, and his crew, for the time they spent with him on the Appalachian Trail.  Jeff sent him a post card from Trail Days, thanking him for the gift.

Trail magic.

Before Jeff left for the AT, I coincidentally chatted up the nice barista chick in the coffee shop next to where I work.  She had hiked the Appalachian Trail, solo the year before.  She said she had embarked on the trail with a very negative view on humanity, but the kindness she received on the trail gave her so much hope.

Thank you, dude who gave my brother Blisters.

Ha.  I bet that's the only time I'll ever use that sentence again.

Good night, ya'll.

xo - Sister Carly

EMAIL FROM JEFF: Damascus, VA

Hey everyone!

It's been so much harder than I thought to stay in touch.  Apparently pay phones don't exist anymore.  Also, the wifi on my ipod is never good enough to use - people always make fun of me on the trail because I don't know how to use technology.

Anyway,

Yesterday I crossed the Virginia state line and i'm in the town of Damascus.  467 miles into the trail.  There is a 3 day hikers festival this weekend called ''Trail Days'' that I'm hanging out at.  There are vendors and lives music and food.  I haven't had to pay for much being a thru hiker, people give us food all the time and beers when we want them.  My body could use the few days off I'm sure but I feel pretty good otherwise. 

My pack that I started with is about to wear out, so I just had to buy a new one.  The straps and zippers are falling apart.  It was old and not cut out for a thru hike anyway.  I got a good deal in this town though due to the hiker festival.

I don't get to a computer very often but I'm at a library right now but I'll be in touch when I can. 

I'm having a great time.

Love,
Jeff (Lost Boy)

Tough trails...

Jeff's AT friend, Sean, has taken a few weeks off to nurse some torn ligaments in his ankle... doctor's orders.  Sounds like he's resting up with his sister in NYC until he can meet back up with his friends along the trail.

A link to Sean's blog is to the right, under the "links" section >>>>

Postcard from Jeff: Smoky Mountains

Here's a postcard we got from Jeff (aka Lost Boy - his "new" official trail name) a few weeks ago...  Things have been a little hectic in Lynch-land, so I haven't had a chance to post. Conehead Buddha's gig schedule has been packed, it's been a crazy few weeks at work for both Terry and I, and we still managed to squeeze time in for an UrgentCare trip with Felix from a backyard injury (he's fine now... dermabond "glue" stitches on his forehead, a pretty gnarly gash on the inside of his lower lip, and a few other bumps and smaller cuts from a four or five foot high fall off his playset on to the gravel that is currently "padding" the area since we're still a work-in-progress over here).  I digress...

His postcard, below, was right before he ventured to Hot Springs - which Jeff had marked in his trail book as a highlighted feature along the way.  In his postcard, he mentioned a Bluegrass festival.  I heard from Jeff briefly after his Hot Springs stay... he ended up just hanging with a group of thru hikers around town for the weekend.  They didn't actually enter the grounds of the Bluegrass festival, but there was a lot going on around town and the whole area seemed like it had a great vibe with a lot going on.  

Mom and I also got some sweet Mother's Day cards, postmarked from Knoxville TN, last week.  He made a round of phone calls as well, but I (sadly) missed his.  However, I was really happy to read "the hike rules so far and I'm making new friends everyday" in my card.

FACEBOOK FROM JEFF: Smoky Mountains Completed!

I got a quick Facebook message from Jeff last night, around 8:30PM:

call mom for me tell her im ok tornado warnings all over my area but im on a porch at a hostel tonight. finished smoky mtns today

I can't wait to here more about his trip through the Smokies, especially since it appears that the weather has not been kind to that region this week.  Lots of wind and rain, tornado warnings... Hopefully he's managed to hang on to all his gear and a positive attitude.  Collecting some amazing memories, I'm sure!

In taking a quick weather check at Clingman's Dome, which is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, it looks like today has started out with beautiful weather.  73 & sunny.  Thunderstorms are predicted, however, with more rain in the future.  He should be just outside of this region, since he's already summited Clingman's Dome... but this was the closest reference point I had from the brief FB message. Perhaps he's ahead of the storm, on the sunny side of the rainbow ;)

The next generation of AT hikers?

The day after Easter was one of the most beautiful so far, in Upstate New York.  I decided to give in to the itch of cabin fever from (what felt like) the longest Winter EVER and the pangs of jealousy as Jeff calls in with trail updates.  My Mommy partner-in-grime, Annie, and I planned to do a little outdoor adventuring with the kids at Bash Bish Falls, just over the NY/MA border.

Annie's son, August, is just a few weeks younger than Felix.  So, basically, the two boys have been rough-housing since the womb (when Annie and I were working dynamic-preggo-duo shifts together at New World Bistro Bar).

We packed the Jeep with all 3 car seats, some snacks and the LL Bean kid-carrier that Jeff had picked up for me at a Salvation Army a few years ago.  Without much research, we took off on what turned out to be the more difficult of two trails leading to Bash Bish Falls.  Either trail is pretty beginner, in my opinion... but the other trail is level and paved (where's the fun in THAT?)  The rugged boys had a great time jumping over tiny tributary streams, scaling rocks bigger than them and stopping to listen for the rushing water that awaited below.  Fiona was all smiles, leading up the caboose, in the pack.

Two favorite moments:

Right before we got close to the falls, Annie made the boys sit down and raise their right hands, boy scout honor style.  "Repeat after me," she said, as she made them solemnly swear to listen to their mommies, pay attention, be safe and have fun.  "Amen."  They apparently took the oath very seriously and were amazingly well-behaved for the hour we hung by the water.

The other moment that stuck out was as Felix took it all in while munching on his PB&J.  He looked around and shouted, "THIS IS AMAZING!"  Haha.  If he was just a few years older, he might've even called it "fukkin' maje$stic."  And so, it begins...

Felix and Gus.  Ready for action.

At the trail head.

Hi-ho.

Me, with my two little hikers (a few frat boys photobombing).

Awesome-Mommy-Monday!

Gods and Irony.

I forgot to mention, I very briefly heard from Jeff while he was gearing up at The Fontana Dam - just about ready to embark on the Smoky Mountains.

His package sent from Catskill to the Fontana Dam post office was lost in transit.   The package contained supplies for his trek through the Smokies and he was pretty damn bummed that he would have to drop some extra cash at an outfitters nearby in order to restock on fuel for his camp stove and other goods he had meticulously planned to receive at this stop.

The package, sent through the US Postal Service, had a tracking number.  We have now been told by a rep for the USPS that these tracking numbers are basically bogus and they had absolutely zero idea where his box is.

My theory?  Jeff tempted the gods when he considered the trail name "Postmaster" and they are now teaching him a lesson in irony.  Just like sixth grade English class.

A google-found photo of the Fontana Dam Post Office.

Sunrise over some smokies.
A photo taken by "Carl Smith" and posted on The Great Smoky Mountain Association Facebook page.

Other AT Bloggers...

Some of the people Jeff has met along the way also blog.  Here are some links you may be interested in...

• Jessica, Washington DC gal hiking half the AT with her partner-in-trails, Alex.  www.jphikinghome.wordpress.com

• Sean, a Florida thru-hiker traveling (most days) with his brother, Ken.  www.seanxedge.blogspot.com

Appalachian Trials: The Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking The Appalachian Trail is a book that Jeff read, and took notes from, before leaving to become a part of the AT Class of 2014.  The author of this book, Zach Davis, has inspired a generation of trail bloggers. Many of them share their stories through his website, here:

• www.appalachiantrials.com/appalachian-trials-bloggers/

I added these to the "Links" page of While You Were Walking... and if I encounter any other cool web spots, I'll add them there too. 

EASTER, PHONE CALL FROM JEFF: some river in NC

I got a call from Jeff on Sunday afternoon.  The reception was a little spotty, as he was calling from a borrowed cell phone... but it was great to hear is voice, as always, and get a few tidbits about his travels.

Jeff's toes were dipped in the cool, refreshing waters of a North Carolina river.  At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, he had already hiked about 11 miles and was done traveling for the day.  A large number of the thru-hikers he has met along the way were gathered together - cooling off in the river, sharing beers and stories, really enjoying the company and setting up camp for the day.

As I wished Jeff a "Happy Easter," he reported that they had received some "trail magic" that day in the spirit of the holiday (Easter Bunny-type goodies).  I was excited to hear about the trail magic, since I had read about it on other AT blogs and think it is such a beautiful, loving gesture of humanity.   I'm hoping to hit a spot where the AT passes through nearby and provide some trail magic sometime soon.  Hopefully, the good karma I put in to the trail will come back around to Jeff in the end...

Trail Magic, defined as an unexpected act of kindness, is a quintessential part of the Appalachian Trail experience for many long-distance hikers. - Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Since Jeff was calling from a friend's cell phone, I asked him to ask the cell's owner to send me a photo of their day.  A few hours later, I received this awesome shot of "Fukkin' Maje$tic" and his cronies.

Meanwhile, on the home front...

Jeff, as you are walking, the kids are growing.

Felix talks about the Appalachian Trail often.  Occasionally, it gets worked in to his daily role-playing. Michelangelo and Raphael, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (not the artists), have kicked some serious enemy butt along the AT... he and Maeve went hiking on the AT... we were going on a picnic on the AT...

Fiona's personality is beginning to emerge.  She is silly and girly, but pretty darn tough (thanks to big brother, I'm sure).  For the most part, she is a super happy-go-lucky little gal... except for her hard-to-handle sleeping habits.

Here are some photos:

sweet... 

...and sour.

This is Felix at school last week.
He looks like he could be a film director
in his little man-style gettup, huh?

Fiona, doing some AT Data Book reading...

JEFF VIA FACEBOOK: Franklin, NC

I was surprised to wake up to Facebook message from Jeff this morning... Here's the copy-and-paste:

hey! I'm in franklin, nc. stayed at a motel last night with ''my ladies''. finding phones and computers has been harder than i thought. but in the past few days i hit the 100 mile mark. crossed the GA/NC state line. survived a 10 degree night. hitched to towns. hiked 16 miles days. saw awesome views. got down poured on. doing laundry right now, and then going to resupply for 4-5 days until i hit Fontana Dam, NC which starts the Smoky Mountains. Life rules. Love you miss you. Tell mom and dad and everyone you heard from me. I'll call soon.

hitchin' a ride... Jeff's current Facebook profile pic.

The Daily Mail, Mike Gilfeather

The Daily Mail did a story on another Catskill High grad, Mike Gilfeather (aka "Wingin' It"), and his AT hike.  Mike is currently on the trail, hiking in honor of a Multiple Sclerosis charity.  Mike's mother, Sheila, was diagnosed with the disease years ago.

Read the full story here:
http://www.thedailymail.net/news/article_0bbd244e-c461-11e3-bc8b-0019bb2963f4.html

Mike is about 200 miles ahead of Jeff.  He called Jeff, from the trail, about a week before Jeff embarked on his journey.

We wish the best of luck to "Wingin' It" and look forward to hearing more about his travels too!

PHONE CALL FROM JEFF: Hiawawsee, GA

Living the good life.

Jeff called on Saturday from a hotel in Hiawassee, Georgia.  He has loosely hung with a group of about 15 AT thru-hikers.  The entire group was spread out among hostels and hotels in Hiawassee, celebrating their first full week on the trail with hot showers, Mexican food and margaritas.

I stole these photos while Facebook stalking Jeff's new friend Sean (pictured in the blue jacket, on the right).
Sean uploaded a whole bunch of photos when they were on hotel Wi-Fi.
Here is the group of hikers enjoying a Hiawassee-Mexican meal, Jeff just out of the photo across from Sean.

Drink up, Buddy.

Jeff split the hotel room with three 20-something girls (Alex, Amy, and Jess) and a guy named Sean that he said reminds him of his friend Wayne Hutchins.  The girls are all solo-hikers, I think.  Sean is traveling with his brother, who stayed at a hostel with some others from their crew that night.

He described his first week as a little tough, physically.  The whole group of hikers is complaining of various aches and pains, sunburns and sore spots.  Jeff made a stop at an outfitters along the trail and bought a new pair of boots (sending his old ones home in a box), after finding that the old boots were about a half size too small.  Major blisters!  His knee is also feeling some pain.  He's been treating it with Ibuprofen and was very happy to ice it at the hotel... and even happier to enjoy a luxurious soak in the hotel hot tub.

Jeff sounded beautiful.  Happy.  Healthy.  Grateful.  Surrounded by love and excitement, new friends and adventure.

OHHHH, I've got a Trail Name update:  "Fukkin' Maje$tic"  (yes, that dollar sign is not a typo).

In true Jeff fashion, he's not all that concerned with the label of a trail name... thus the humorous moniker.  Among the small group he's traveling with, he's still "Jeff."  If he runs in to others along the trail that introduce themselves using a trail name, he shares in their trail-name-game and says "Fukkin Maje$tic, with 2 k's and a dollar sign."  It came about during a quiet moment on the trail.  Everyone was hoofing it.  Hard.  They had been plugging along and Jeff realized he, and his friends, had barely taken a moment to notice the breathtaking view displayed before them.  "Yo, guys!  Stop!"  He exclaimed, motioning towards the scenery "This is fucking majestic!"

You can take the boy out of New York...  but you can't take New York out of the boy.

PHONE CALL FROM JEFF: Suches, GA

Jeff called me this morning from Suches, Georgia.  The nice folks at the General Store let Jeff use their phone to make a quick check-in with his family in NY (they have free long distance... but, man, you've gotta love the sweet South!).

He spent last night (Monday) in a hostel in Suches.  It may or may not have been connected to this General Store, pictured below, which does have a hostel called the Wolf Pen.  I don't think it was part of his initial plan, but with 2 days spent in super-rainy weather he adjusted accordingly and I'm sure the hostel provided a much-needed dry space for him to recoup for the night.

Jeff has been traveling with a small group consisting of half a dozen twenty-something girls (which, upon my questioning, he divulged that a few of them are pretty cute) and a newly retired guy from Dallas, TX.  Each of the individuals are traveling alone, but have enjoyed each other's company.    They spend most of their days hiking solo, but planning to meet up at days end.

A view from Blood Mountain.
(This is a photo from an online website dedicated to a trail journal written in the 1980's by a AT Hiker  "Gonzo," http://www.2000milehike.com) 

Today, they were going to hike Blood Mountain.  In an earlier post, I speculated that he may have stayed at the Blood Mountain Shelter.  He will not be staying at that shelter, though.  In order to stay there, you are required to have a bear capsule to protect your food (...and, subsequently, your arms and legs from hungry Yogi's... hey, Boo Boo?).  None of the folks in the group, including Jeff, have a bear capsule (don't worry, Mom)... so they will be hiking through that area and setting up camp elsewhere, not far from Blood Mountain.

Jeff sounded great!  Happy, eager and ready to keep trekking.  Weather looks better for the rest of the week.  We can expect to hear from him again in 4-5 days, when he reaches the next town.

(Note to novice blog readers:  I often include links within the text.  You will notice some text that is underlined or highlighted, which indicates that it will link you elsewhere.  You can click on these links for additional or related information.  For example, in this post above, I have linked the un-official website for the town of Suches, GA and the Wolf Pen Gap Hostel & General Store's Facebook Page).                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The Suches General Store, quite a few years ago... 

A "new" photo of the same Suches General Store / hostel I pulled of the 'net.

Rainy Days.

Jeff intended to spend his first night in a shelter, I believe.  That is, if I'm correctly following the Appalachian Trail Data Book he gave me for Christmas (complete with highlighted notes from Jeff, by the way.  Awesome gift!).  There were a few shelter options, but I'm thinking he stopped at Gooch Mountain Shelter on Saturday night, continuing on to Blood Mountain Shelter today, Sunday.

Well, it's pretty damn soggy at Blood Mountain right now.  The forecast calls for a lot more rain, 52 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms and strong winds (though I'm not certain if this forecast if for the town nearby or the Mountain, factoring elevation, for temp).

He's well prepared for all weather conditions.  Either way, rain or snow, I'm sure he's enjoying the majesty of nature...

Blood Mountain Shelter.  Jeff's home for the night?

"uh, guess you ain't no 'Postmaster,' Jeff!"

I heard from Jeff via Facebook late Friday afternoon.  He had arrived at the hostel as planned... but there was a hiccup in the journey already...  His major box of gear hadn't made it to the hostel, even though his tracking information said "delivered."  Lost.

The box contained EVERYTHING (pretty much) that Jeff needed to load in his pack.  Boots, clothes, pots and pans... all in all about $500 worth of gear.  Financially, it would be a blow to replace.  Mentally and emotionally, it was an even bigger devastation.  For months, Jeff had painstakingly selected the few items he would bring on the journey.  Each object's importance was determined based on size, weight and level of necessity on the trail.  Propane to heat food?  Yes, it was packed.  Fourth pair of underwear?  Nah, three would be fine.  Not enough room.  And so on...

When I heard from Jeff via Facebook, he was going through the emotions of loss.  Denial, anger, sadness (all this, yes, a sister can ascertain from a few short instant messages).  The post office was supposedly closed until Monday - so not only could he not start the trail on Saturday as anticipated, he wouldn't even know if the box was confirmed lost or stolen until Monday morning!

Immediately, I googled "Dahlonega Post Office" and took a stab at a phone call to the Georgia number.  To my surprise, someone answered!  The USPS employee said he was in the office late and only answered the phone by chance, they were indeed closed since noon.  After a little explanation and a plead for help, he looked around the office for the box with Jeff's name on it.  Viola!  It was found!

After I hung up with the post office, the nice USPS worker I spoke with called the hostel and reported the good news!  He even let them come pick up the box right away!  How's that for southern hospitality?

Basically, this is what went wrong.  The box had in fact been "delivered" to the correct spot (the Dahlonega Post Office).  However, when the office receives boxes intended for P.O. Box addresses (in this case, the hostel's) they put a notification slip in the P.O. Box.  The slip must've gone in the wrong box at the office, so the hostel was unaware of its arrival.

Long story short... Jeff, and full gear, took off Saturday morning.

In a related story... prior to Jeff's departure from Catskill, he already had an issue sending this very same box.  The box contained a propane tank and the Catskill Post Office was not going to allow him to send it.  He went home and did some research, eventually going back to the Post Office and citing the very exact byline in the rules (Section 56 B, Law 78 or something...) that stated that he indeed COULD legally send propane via mail.  He claims he said to himself "I'm the Postmaster now,"  a take on the 'Captain Philips' line "I'm the Captain now."  He even considered coining himself 'The Postmaster' as a trail name!  When ending my conversation with him on Friday, I said... "uh, Guess you ain't no 'Postmaster, Jeff!"  

And, once again, things come full circle.  ;) 

...and he's off!

Jeff left for Georgia, on a flight from Albany, around 6am.

Mom drove him to the airport and said "if I could've fit in his backpack, I would've."  Needless to say, her drive home was with teary-eyes... but we're all filled with excitement for his journey.

He will arrive at the ATL airport, then take a shuttle to a hostel in Dahlonega, a few miles from the trail. Side note:  Dahlonega is where Seth & Bree Roe got married in a few years ago... beautiful, sweet southern town in the Georgia mountains! If I was going on this trip, it'd be hard for me not to get sidetracked at a charming little cafe on the village's square.  I highly doubt that's going to be the case with our very determined Jeff as he eagerly starts this journey.  I digress...

Jeff will be spending tonight in a hostel, most likely with other AT hikers.  In the morning, the hostel shuttle will take him to the start of his hike.  The actual Appalachian Trail doesn't start until about the end of his first day, at the top of Springer Mountain.

In about 2 days, there will be an opportunity for Jeff to take a short detour in to a town.  He says he'll probably skip that and spend the first 7 days on the trail.  At around day 7, he will visit another town off the trail to reload some food supplies and (hopefully) check in with us at home.

We'll update when we hear from him.  Maybe he'll have a trail name by then!

Bon Voyage #2... and #3.

#2:  On Saturday night, Jeff's closest friends celebrated his trip with a small gathering at Adam & Lena's house.  His friends Matt & Colleen (along with daughter Brooke), Mike and Justin (and perhaps more... I'm not sure) had some grub, some drinks and a cake that featured the following photo(shop) of our own Mountain Man, Jeff.

#3:  Tasty Mexican food at Casa Latina last night, impromptu.  Jeff, Mom, Terry, the kids and I.

On a related note... during (another) dinner over the weekend, Felix raised his glass and said "Cheers!  To Jeff's hike."  Completely on his own.  We all laughed and toasted our glasses, which Fiona is also quite good at (oh, boy - looks like I'll have a couple of booze hounds on my hands).  We then asked Felix, "where is Uncle Jeff going?"  To which he very articulately answered "the Appalachian Trail."  Pretty damn good for three and half, huh?

Farewell, Dinner #1

I have a feeling that the next week of Jeff's time in New York will be quite celebratory.

Last night, my Dad invited a bunch of us over to Grandma El's for a fun little dinner to help send him off with lots of love and good vibes.  Chinese food & sushi, a super cool cake and a lot of smiles.

My Dad put this collage together.  Old photos of Jeff 's hiking adventures, which started LONG ago.
Family backpacking trips with Fred, Pete, and Sarah Riccobono were a regular thing growing up.
Also some great shots of the family trips we took out West (Grand Canyon, Sedona, Utah...) and Maine (Acadia...).  

...a jolly good fellow.

The awesome cake - which was pretty damn cool to look at AND tasty as hell!
Trail winding up to the top, Appalachian Trail marker at the base.

"All Roads Lead to Home"