SETBACK FOR "BEAR MEAT"

Well…I missed February 29. My new departure date is the week of March 23. Note how I slipped from a specific date to a week-wide window.

I am not too, too bothered by the delay, but it caused me to change my plans. I do not want to depart from Springer (with the mob) in late March and I decided to flip-flop. I will start in Harpers Ferry and hike south to Springer; then take AMTRAK and Greyhound to Katahdin and hike south from there to Harpers Ferry. The beleagured AMTRAK is a lifesaver for my AT flip-flop with stations conveniently located in Gainesville, GA and Harpers Ferry. Katahdin is in the middle of nowhere, but I can AMTRAK to Portland and bus it from there to Katahdin (Medway, ME).

In addition to hiking against the grain, and the crowds, it will remove the pressure for me to get to Katahdin before September 15. I will be hiking south the entire trip.

Today, I met another thru-hiker through a mutual friend. His name is Dave Nikkel and he is leaving from Springer March 8. We will be hiking toward each other and hope to connect somewhere. As I write this, Dave does not have a trail name.

I picked a trail name tonight. Everyone I know had the same reaction when I told them I was thru hiking the Appalachian Trail, “Aren’t you afraid of the bears?” “Bear Meat” came to mind and I couldn’t shake it. I figure after about a week, my odor will repel even the bears, and so I feel safe with my selection, but if it is my fate to be eaten by a bear, I can take comfort in the fact that I contributed a little protein to a beautiful animal. (Of course, if I really thought that I would change my trail name to something else...or stay home.)

I’m ready to go except for a few last minute purchases. I don’t have all of the charts (maps) for the AT and I am ordering more from the ATC on Monday. There are about 50 charts in total and as a group they are bulky and heavy. I will break them up into small bunches that weigh about a pound each and send them ahead on the trail with my mail drops. I’m raiding Costco next week for large quantities of trail mix, which I will also send ahead in manageable quantities.

I talked to Shenandoah National Park officials yesterday and they told me Elkwallow Gap and Big Meadow Wayside will open on April 2nd. That helps to break up the 100-mile journey through the park. The northern boundary of the park is only about 60 miles from Harpers Ferry.

Comments

[Dewayne Mikkelson]

Great trail name!
Sounds like you are getting very close to hitting the trail.

How many bear incidents have occurred on the AT in recent years?

Trail Mix food of the gods!

Well if you do not get another post in before you hit the trail. Have a Great Trip!