http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php Copyright 2012, Kenneth Kenneth en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8
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The last set of photos are online! They go from Pearisburg, VA to Springer Mountain (the end!) and a final "closing shot" of a cute crab on the beach in Northern Florida where I spent some time decompressing. hehe]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry071106-142818 Kenneth Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:28:18 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=11&entry=entry071106-142818
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Stay tuned for "the book"! In the mean time live with this tiny thought... "in the end, the AT wasn't really the adventure I was looking for, but it was the experience I was hoping for. The AT really isn't all that challenging - it's very populated, easy to follow, and far from 'remote'. Some people hike it to find themselves or the answer to some indescribable question, I hiked it simply to prove that I could walk 2200 miles. If I accidentally answered some of life's ultimate questions along the way, all the better."

Thanks to everyone for the support and encouragement, look ahead to 2009 where maybe I'll have the time/chance to hike the Pacific Crest Trail! ;)]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry071105-212658 Kenneth Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:26:58 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=11&entry=entry071105-212658
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From Springer Mountain, GA he will go to Atlanta for a couple days, on to Florida next weekend, and then to NY to officially decompress from the hike.

Yay for Ken, and for all the AT thru hikers class of 2007!!!!!

Andrea]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry071028-193852 Kenneth Sun, 28 Oct 2007 23:38:52 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=10&entry=entry071028-193852
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2. Thanks for the water drops and info! There's definitely been a lot of water at road crossings in TN/NC (VA was surprisingly unhelpful in this respect) and now GA! :)

3. Walking from my hotel room in Fontana Village, overlooking the majestic Smokies, I stepped on a stone funny and caused a strap to rip completely off my Chaco sandals - my primary footwear! The N.O.C. is in 30 miles and has a good footwear selection, and my Crocs can get me there if need-be... but with the help of an awl, screwdriver and zip-ties I have managed to temporarily repair my sandals AND reinforce the other straps close to ripping. Yay!

See you in 30 or 130 miles when I next have internet!]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry071022-103042 Kenneth Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:30:42 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=10&entry=entry071022-103042
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I'm about to enter the Smokies and unfortunately had to put a few warmer articles of clothing in my pack (ohhhh the weight!) in anticipation of 30F temperatures. Once I'm through the Smokies I can shed those pounds though, so hopefully I'll be through by Sunday.

Gettin' there!]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry071017-121851 Kenneth Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:18:51 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=10&entry=entry071017-121851
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On the plus side, after more than a month I have once again WALKED IN THE RAIN! It's been so dry that the last time I hiked in the rain was Duncannon, PA I think. The last time it rained (at night) was in the Shenandoah's. My second day in to TN/NC I had 4 hours of wet hiking and then it rained most of the night while I was warmly tucked away in a log cabin hostel. Ahhhhh... tonight I'm also staying in a [more modern] hostel, hence the internet.

Thanks Andrea for getting those photos online so quickly, and thanks to the Postal Service for delivering it - it only took, what, 14 days to go 200 miles? Figures, the one and only time I sent a flash card in the mail this happens. hehe

I was originally planning on some slow days and some zeroes (no miles) but the hostel owner today suggested I get through the Smokies ASAP before the cold sets in. So I think I'll do just that. Plus I think there are some new hikers gaining on me fast and I'm not ready to see them yet. :)

Cheers!]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry071010-230059 Kenneth Thu, 11 Oct 2007 03:00:59 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=10&entry=entry071010-230059
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***See new photos link at right.***

I also got to check in with Ken in Gettysburg, PA this weekend. No, he hadn't turned around and hiked back that whole way, but he did take a few days off and rode with new friends (thanks Geezer and Slow Barbara!) up to Gettysburg for the 25th annual "gathering" of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association. It was great to catch up and meet lots of new people. We got to see some fabulous photos and film from other long distance hikes in the U.S., so I'm sure Ken has some more ideas now for his next adventure. We were both intrigued to hear about the latest extension of the International Appalachian Trail up in Newfoundland.

Ken got back on the AT this morning in Damascus, VA.

Enjoy,
Andrea]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry071008-213215 Kenneth Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:32:15 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=10&entry=entry071008-213215
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I saw 12 bear in the Shenandoah's and even walked underneath one that was hanging out 10 feet above my head eating acorns. I scared it just like it scared me and we both froze - then I hurriedly walked on and it remained frozen in a look of "maybe it didn't see me". Apparently they're eating the acorns early this year because of the drought. I do have (well, Andrea MIGHT have) photos of a mother bear in a tree 100' off the ground over a parking lot - with her 2 cubs - lunching.

As for this drought... it's bad. Worst in many years. And yet, so far as long as you can carry 10 miles worth of water you'll be ok - unfortunately how do you know this time it won't be 15 or 20 miles? The longest stretch I had was 16 miles, but if I were desperate I'm sure I could have take a detour to find water. These days I'm carrying 2-6 liters of water at a time which. With these mild temperatures I can easily hike the whole day with just 2 liters, but that's because I drink the most at night in camp, which is another 1-2 liters. So if I'm carrying 6 liters I can walk for 30 miles in one day, drink up at night, and still have 1/2 a liter for the morning which will last maybe 10 miles. So basically 6 liters can get me 40 miles, and I'll definitely find water in that time. The question is, how do I know when to carry 6 liters instead of 2? Educated guess, info from other hikes, and luck. :)

Well, my internet session is about to expire, time to go. I don't think I'll have another scheduled mail drop since I'm about 20 days away from finishing the AT! Go Ken Go! Oh, and once again I'm hiking in my solo bubble (since Front Royal, VA) but there are a few not far behind and a few 1-3 days ahead. Cheers!]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry071002-144000 Kenneth Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:40:00 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=10&entry=entry071002-144000
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There are a good number of southbounders behind me by a few days, so we're starting to come through the area.]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070912-221047 Kenneth Thu, 13 Sep 2007 02:10:47 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=09&entry=entry070912-221047
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I do love Harpers Ferry though, so this works out great.

* NEW MAIL DROP LOCATION *

** BTW, thanks to everyone for checking this site and taking interest in my journey. When I am done with the trail I will be putting captions to my photos AND writing up my trip into a "book" format rather than these little blog summaries. The blog is just to whet your appetite. :) **
]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070904-143919 Kenneth Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:39:19 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=09&entry=entry070904-143919
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Andrea]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070902-141352 Kenneth Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:13:52 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=09&entry=entry070902-141352
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Photos ARE NOW AVAILABLE! 07/24-08/25!]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070827-120901 Kenneth Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:09:01 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=08&entry=entry070827-120901
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I'll leave a more detailed summary of the trail once I hit DC, but here's the short version:
- VT was muddy and rainy!
- MA was buggy and less rainy
- CT was gentle, less bugs, and river walks (ahhhh)
- NY was virtually bug free, lots of small ups and downs
- NJ was over quickly, saw no bears, bug free
- PA is long but flat, springs and streams mostly DRY so carry lots of water

Oh, and my second Gregory backpack began to fall apart after a week. :(]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070821-144714 Kenneth Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:47:14 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=08&entry=entry070821-144714
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Cheers,
Andrea]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070815-111648 Kenneth Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:16:48 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=08&entry=entry070815-111648
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Anyway, I added two links on the right to help you find the photos! When I get time I'll add captions and organize them better, but one thing you realize when you get to town is that you have far too much stuff to do in too little time.

Tuesday morning (July 24) I'm hoping Sara can get me back to the trail - I'm anxious to see who's caught up and/or passed me!]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070723-135820 Kenneth Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:58:20 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=07&entry=entry070723-135820
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Take a look at the right side for the "398 Mile Summary" page for full details! In short, the hardest part of the trail (The Whites and Maine) is done and I'm told is pretty much flat and fast from here to Georgia!]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070713-143453 Kenneth Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:34:53 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=07&entry=entry070713-143453
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Gregory sent me a loaner backpack that's rated to carry LESS weight than the backpack I'm sending back - the backpack I'm sending back was falling apart because I was carrying too much weight. We'll see how long this one lasts. hehe

Getting in to Stratton I pulled a 22 mile, 15 hour day despite significant elevation changes - so I'm hoping that the next stretch through the Mahoosuc's (which is rated as the hardest so far on the trail) won't be so bad. So far my legs and body are holding up just fine and I'm feeling good. I'm definitely losing a little sensation in my feet, and occasionally a minor tear in my achilles acts up.

I've seen a lot of hikers, a lot more than I thought I would - and it seems the common thought from everyone is "There are too many hikers". Once us SOBO's pass the NOBO's (maybe around Maryland?) the trail will really feel empty.

Well, I'm just waiting for a ride back to the trail from the owner of this hostel, but if it gets too late I'll just stand out by the road with my thumb out. Turns out the guy that gave me a ride last night to town was the same guy that gave "Brit" a ride in this morning - the locals definitely like to support the trail. :)]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070628-144913 Kenneth Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:49:13 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=06&entry=entry070628-144913
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So far the trip has been great. The mosquitos can be pretty bad at times. Only one moose from a distance although today one came crashing towards me in the woods today but ran off when I made noise (never saw it, just heard trees breaking). Mostly toads and snakes out there.

In Stratton, ME I pick up a new backpack since my brand new one is already falling apart (probably faulty manufacturing) and the company, Gregory, really bends over backwards for thru-hikers. It turns out most camping gear companies will do just about anything for you if you call and say "Hi, I'm currently a thru-hiker on the AT", it's really nice.

Well, this "free" internet connection in the brewery lounge is nice but it's time to get to bed. Happy trails!!!

P.S. The best gear so far has been the Black-Eyed Susie rain flies!]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070625-220133 Kenneth Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:01:33 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=06&entry=entry070625-220133
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Right now my hip, knee, and feet joints are all sore, but otherwise I feel great. Not so sure I'll be eating anything in it with Peanut Butter for a while though (methinks I consumed at least 1 jarful over 7 days...).

Enjoy the images:)

Adam
Images of "Kenneth", "Adam", and the trip from Katahdin to Monson, ME ]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070624-205233 Kenneth Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:52:33 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=06&entry=entry070624-205233
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Cheers,
"Kenneth"

p.s. Would you believe Monson ME has good BBQ? Yum...]]> http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/index.php?entry=entry070622-155220 Kenneth Fri, 22 Jun 2007 19:52:20 GMT http://www.suicidalslinky.com/sobomega/blog/comments.php?y=07&m=06&entry=entry070622-155220