Schedule and Other Things

Good Morning! The break has been great! I saw an orthopedist about my knee, and he said it's nothing serious. I've been stretching my quads a lot because that is all I can do for the clicking. I'm getting back on the trail Wednesday! To get back, I'm riding a bus from Knoxville to Washington, D.C., then hopping on a train to Harper's Ferry, WV. It will take all day Tuesday to get there, but that is about the best way to do it. I'm excited to hike again, but ready to have it done as well! I would love to have some of yall come hike with me! I'd love for anyone and everyone to come out if you have the desire and/or the time! And don't worry about me slowing down at all. I am perfectly happy hiking a shorter distance and seeing a good friend! Here is my tentative schedule for the rest of the hike. This schedule is an estimate, and very subject to change. I made it using an 18 mile per day average, which is what I expect to be doing.

SEPTEMBER
8th - Harper's Ferry, WV
9th - Cross into Virginia
11th - Enter Shenandoah National Park (Next 105m)
15th - Pinefield Hut (1292.8m from Katahdin)
17th - Waynesboro, VA 22980
20th - Buena Vista, VA 24416 (US 60)
25th - Lamberts Meadow Shelter (1469.4 from Katahdin)
- Daleville, VA 24083; Troutville, VA 24175 (US 11)
30th - Doc's Knob Shelter
- Pearisburg, VA 24134 (VA634)

OCTOBER
5th - Partnership Shelter (1651.9m from Katahdin)
- Atkins, VA 24311
8th - Tennessee Border
- Damascus, VA 24236
10th - Iron Mt. Shelter (1741m from Katahdin)
13th - Enter Roan Mt. State Park (TN143/NC261)
15th - Erwin, TN 37650
19th - Hot Springs, NC 28743
20th - Max Patch (1927.1m from Katahdin)
21st - Enter Great Smoky Mts. National Park
25th - Fontana Dam, NC 28733 (NC28)
27th - Nanatahala Outdoor Cneter (US 19)
30th - Georgia-North Carolina Border (2102m from Katahdin)
31st - Hiawassee, GA 30546 (67.3m to Springer Mt.)

NOVEMBER
2nd - Neels Gap
4th - SPRINGER MOUNTAIN; TERMINUS 2178.9 miles


Again, this is a really loose schedule that can definitely change! I expect to be fairly close to it however. I love company; whether for a day, weekend or longer!

A couple things about coming to hike. There are several parking lots at all the trailheads. The guidebook I have is really good for finding them, so let me know a little in advance and I can help you out with finding a spot. On that same note, I know it's pretty hard not doing a loop, and finding a way back to the car. I don't have many suggestions here. The White Mountains National Park had a shuttle system for my Dad and Mr. Bean when they visited, and Dow took a taxi back when he visited. There's always hitching :) Also, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy sells maps for sections of the AT, but I don't think you can buy them separately. I think you'll be forced to buy them for a section of trail like "Central Virginia." So do whatever there. My guidebook is sufficient, so if you know your plan, that is probably enough when hiking. If you need help, call me or write me and I'll try to get back to you soon. You can also call my Dad for some help planning. It would be a good idea to call him anyway, because I talk to him every three to six days. So, Dad knows what's going on, and can help plan if you need it. (901-853-4967)

Also, I like packages and letters! Here is a list of post offices that I will or can pass through on the trail. Address whatever it is like this:

Sam Moody
c/o general delivery
city, state zip
Hold for AT Hiker
my expected arrival date

POST OFFICES
-188 N. Main St.
Hiawassee, GA 30546
-50 Fontana Rd.
Fontana Dam, NC 28733
-111 Bridge St.
Hot Springs, NC 28743
-201 N Main
Erwin, TN 37650
-211 N Reynolds St
Damascus, VA 24236
-5864 Lee Hwy
Atkins, VA 24311
-206 N Main
Pearisburg, Va 24134
-1492 Roanoke Rd.
Daleville, VA 24083
-2071 Forest Ave
Buena Vista, VA 24416
-200 S Wayne Ave
Waynesboro, VA 22980
-120 E 3rd
Front Royal, VA 22630

That's about it. I'm anxious to get back to hiking, and look forward to making more posts. Thanks for following, and hope to see some of yall out there!

Sam The Kid