First Post

This was an email sent out to a few people, but if you didn't receive it (for whatever reason), here goes.


Per request of my mother, i will now begin to start writing emails describing the events of my trip on the Appalacian trail. Unfortunatly, this is going to be a short email as we are only quickly traveling through a town, but hopefully we will be able to find the internet again in a couple of days and i can provide some more updates.

To date, we have traveled over 250 miles of the appalacian trail, and passed through the states of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennisee. We also passed through the great smokey mountains national park, a place that while beautiful, fit its name of smokey. The only time we have faced rain so far during our 18 day journey has been through the smokey's, which as you would expect, were foggy and often we had difficult times finding nice views (despite the altitudes that ranged to sometimes above 6000 feet).

While we have not seen the entire range of wildlife on the trail, we have seen a few of natures finest animals. While first entering North Carolina, josh and i saw a family of wild boar, about 8 in all. As you might expect, the sight (or smell) of josh and i scared them right off the moment we saw them. When entering the Smokey's, all 3 of us saw a family of bear (a mother with 3 cubs). While we didnt get a great look at them (the ran aswell), we could see that the cubs were very cute. I expect this is where the bear problems stem from; "but they just look so cute. oops, there goes my fingers". The last few animals we saw were baby snakes, snales, turkey, birds, and a grouse (a mini turkey of sorts that just makes noise and runs around).

Towns have been fun, we are still figuring out our buying habbits. We've faced problems of over purchasing for the trail, leaving us with the dilema of either overpacking our packs (a lot of weight) or leaving food behind that we paid for (a waste of money, which yes, does exist, even on the trail).

Lastly i just want to say i've been having a great time out here. Our walking time usually features debates of ethics, politics, economics, and life- usually with Josh and I siding against Jake (he does an ample job of defending himself against us). Also, to Zach, i read mysteries of pittsburgh, and thought it sucked. To those reading this email, i do not suggest it. I am at the moment reading enders game, and once i complete that i have promised that i will read anna kourinina or however it is spelled. We will see how that goes.

Most importantly, all is well. I hope to get back to everyone soon, and feel free to write back as i would love to respond to questions.