TRACK MATT AT

Week one - made it to Unico Gap GA, mile 52 from Springer Mountain. staying at the Green Dragon Hostel.  Good thing too, because I tripped this morning and my back went out.  My "Tramily" divided up my gear and helped me hike down to the Gap for our van pick up to have a "Nero"  (Tramily lunch in Hiawassee) I need to start getting rid of things because my pack is too heavy.  Back at Neal's Gap my pack fully loaded with food and water weighed in at 44lbs.   (packs outside Green Dragon) I, however, am 7 lbs lighter than last week.  Now weighing in at 198.  I tried to put some back on in town by eating a double bacon cheese burger and fries. Then potatoes and pasta salad provided my a church group. Then for dinner a 12inch Italian hoagie + 2 Yueglings and king sized Twix. (Southern terminus) I touched the southern terminus at Springer Mountain on my 45 birthday.  It had been a great week.  ...

Note italic means still need to pack Gear: Pack: Osprey EXOS 58L Pack rain cover: Duck's Back Medium (REI) Tent: Big Agnes - Fly Creek UL 2 MTN GLO Sleeping Bag: Nemo Forte 35F Sleeping bag Liner: Sea to Summit Reator (thermolite) Sleeping Pad: Nemo Switchback Lifestraw - direct drinking filter (good for 100 liters) 2 water bottles, 24 & 21 oz Camelback locking squeeze top, taken from my bicycle gear Stove: Jet Boil Flash 1.0L Fuel: Isobutane/Propane Mix (small can = 24 boils..2 per week?)... cannot have on plane, buy after flight . Mug: stainless steel insulated carabiner mug spork Stainless steel - coffee filter straw...missing, really want to find it before I go . Large Swiss army knife, 3.5 in. locking blade, bottle & can openers, screww drivers, leather punch Small handheld LED Flashlight (rechargeable USBC) whistle/compass 40ft nylon cord (blue) ...may trade in for smaller paracord later Garmin InReach Mini 2 (satellite SOS) Phone: Google Pixel 8A in Otter...

Hello World!   This blog is for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike.  If you want to come along on the journey with me virtually, I plan to post roughly weekly here.  If you want to come hike with me for a day, reach out to my wife, Jane (215)805-5167.  She can tell you where I am (via my Garmin Mini 2 saltelite device) so you can come meet up. 7 days until go time!