The Grand Beginning!

On Sunday, Jarrod and Becca began their ascent up Springer Mountain.  A steep 4 mile hike to the top that has been enough to deter many a hiker from continuing on to hike the 2,000 plus miles of the Appalachian Trail.  Luckily, Jarrod and Becca were far from scared off and continued another 8 miles until they reached their first stopping point.  It's only the beginning and they have already met a handful of interesting people, all with unique stories and missions, all with the same passion for the great outdoors.   Becca described this new society of backpackers that they were discovering as she and Jarrod made some hot chocolate.  They had just eaten their last packet of freeze-dried magic: vegetarian lasagna which they described as "awesome Spaghetti-O's" and blueberry cobbler for dessert.  It's amazing how the "just add water" meal-in-a-bag tastes positively gourmet out in the woods, but more like something you might consider feeding your dog any other time.  

Jarrod and Becca were sharing their shelter with one of their first thru-hiking friends.  "The Bat" is his trail name which is appropriate considering he is legally blind!  They will most likely end up at the same shelter with him tomorrow as well.  

They report that tomorrow should be an easy day.  Only 7.3-ish miles over Blood Mountain.  Then one more day before they will be replenishing their food supply.  Already they have determined they came with more than enough gear and intend to mail back a pot, two bowls, a spatula, and so extra clothing items.  

Their starting pack weights with water included were:

Jarrod- 44 lbs

Becca- 38 lbs

We'll see how they weigh in once they have shed a few extra pounds!  

Until next time, happy trails!

Blood Mountain Shelter.  Highest peak in GA!

Preparations

For the past year and a half, Jarrod and Becca have been collecting supplies, reading books on the Appalachia Trail, and most importantly, finishing their undergraduate degrees.  With less than three months to go before their intended departure date in March, the final preparations are being made.

They have recently added a new mission to this rather extensive undertaking: they will be hiking to raise money for multiple sclerosis.  MS is an inflammatory disease that affects nerves cells in the brain and spinal chord resulting in a broad range of symptoms.  To make a donation and aid their efforts, you can visit the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America which will always be displayed on the right-hand side of the screen for your convenience.  OR you can just click on this link: http://support.msassociation.org/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1030&pxfid=5981

Jarrod and Becca have asked me, their sister, to record their journey using this blog so that others may follow their progress.  Updates will come whenever possible, most likely via phone call and post cards that they acquire from towns along the Trail.  I will then transfer their correspondence into this blog for your reading pleasure.

Who knows what this wild adventure will entail!?