5,000,000 steps

Campfire on a chilly night at the Beauty Spot

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are. 
--John Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) American financier & philanthropist.

Squirrel and her dog, Zima

It's that time of year when Appalachian Trail thru-hikers move through our region on their way from Georgia to Maine. In all, they'll travel nearly 2,200 miles, taking approximately 5,000,000 steps through 14 states. It takes anywhere from 5 to 7 months to complete. Only 25% who start the trail complete it.

I've concluded that thru-hikers are some of the best people you'll ever meet. Most all are easy-going, fun-loving, life-embracing, thankful, helpful, joyful, fascinating people with interesting tales to tell. They all adopt trail names by which they're known on the trail. Yesterday I met Weatherman, Squirrel, Lost Boy, Bones, Lotus and Mogsley. I'm always impressed with the strong sense of community they form as they make their journey together.  Here's a list of the class of 2014.

Weatherman from St. Louis

This group has made it through snow in the Smokies and is looking forward to the Roan Balds and the Grayson Highlands. Happy trails!

For a helpful online guide to hiking the Appalachian Trail, click here.