Date: 2005-04-10
To: 2005 Hike is a Go
Miles today: 0.0

Here I am thinking about hiking again. I knew at the end of my 2004 hike that I would have potential conflicts at work with a big software development project scheduled to be in its final throes between January and June 2005, getting ready for a summertime launch. All this year planning a hike was a distant last place on my list of things to do because, at best, all I could expect was a slight chance that a September hike might be possible. Funny how it always seems to work out. Schedules at work have changed again, as they always do, it seems. Last week I began to get that question from my co-workers and other friends and family ¢ ¢When are you going hiking this year?¢ Many had known that I was unsure about going at all in 2005, so when they heard that the schedule might be opening up a little at work, they immediately assumed I would put the hike on the front burner. Should I be wondering why everyone wants me out of the way for three weeks!? I¢ve been trading emails with old hiker friends, and with new hikers who ask my take on issues they run into in their planning. I have been browsing trailjournals.com all the while to read about other hikers getting through the preparation time and drooling over their inevitable picture at the top of Springer Mountain with the plaques and the first white blaze. I¢ve followed their stories and pictures through the southernmost 525 miles of the trail that I have hiked so far. Reading their stories about gear and conditioning and preparation for the mental part of the adventure always stimulates my enthusiasm. It did this year too, even though I was likely only to participate vicariously. All that has changed now! I don¢t have exact dates yet but I will either head out in late April or early May ¢ the perfect time of year. I really enjoyed hiking at that time in 2004. I will start again where I left off last year ¢ at Partnership Shelter on Virginia 16 near Marion Virginia, Lord willing. Not sure how far I will get, but if I hike about 200 miles it should take me to somewhere around Roanoke Virginia. Maybe I can get to the airport there to rent a car for the trip back to Birmingham. I¢m scrambling to get ready. Mostly my gear is all there and in good shape. I always try to get a better variety of food, but usually end up with a heavy dose of the same old thing. We joined a local recreation center and had begun walking three miles a day about a month ago, so I¢m one year older, but not completely out of shape. The two main issues seem to be how to get to the trail and figuring out where I will likely end up this year. A rental car is not likely to work out for the trip to the trail because there are no rental agencies near Marion or Atkins Virginia to drop it off. I¢ve always thought I should experience a Greyhound bus ride for one of my trips, so maybe I¢ll do that. I ordered the 2005 Data Book, and the Central Virginia Guidebook and maps from the ATC, and they have already arrived. I may get Wingfoot¢s guide again this year too. Each year my hike has gotten a little longer, beginning at 165 miles in 2002, 175 miles in 2003 and 185 miles in 2004. So, is Virginia really flat?? That¢s not what I hear from hikers who have actually walked there, but maybe I can do 200 miles or a little more. Once I know I will plan a couple of mail drops and town stops. It¢s starting to take shape, at least in my mind. Again this year my wife, Marlene, is my biggest supporter. She has been patient with the lack of a clear plan, and now that I have stuff falling into place, she is as excited as ever. I really enjoy seeing her get into my trips and doing whatever she can to make it happen. More later.