Date: 2006-03-04
To: Thanks for the Support
Miles today: 0.0

Well it has been a while since my last update so I wanted to say hey. I have been very busy here lately. From working 70+ hours a week trying to finish my project for TG here in Texas to a couple of nights at the San Antonio Rodeo to a road trip down to the not so wild Mardi Gras in Mobile to some other adventures I have probably already forgotten about and of course final planning for the AT. With all that said I still can¢t wait to hit the trail. Since my last update no new gear to mention, but I still have 1 or 2 big items that I have got to purchase. No big sponsorships can through so one of them is a new tent and of course the other is more food. The more I read about weight loss the more I purchase. I hardly weigh 155 lbs as it is and with that spread over a 6¢3¢ frame it doesn¢t leave much for me to lose. I am guessing a lot of peanut butter and a few cold ones in some of the pubs along the way should help out.I have to say thanks to everyone for signing my guest book to date. For those that have not signed it yet get your pen out and get to writing. It is a real inspiration to have your support. I will think about you on those nice, crisp, blue, sky days if you will think about me on those cold, wet, rainy, winter nights. Below are just a few thoughts for you. It is going to be a strenuous feat to face however I am ready. With the odds against a thru-hike due to an 80-85% failure rate, I will give it my best in hopes to reach Katadin, Maine. So please stay tuned in and help me press on. -Thanks to Skippy I have linked up with September and hopefully the two of us will get a chance to hike together. As of now she may start a little ahead of me so I will keep an eye out for her on the trial registries. -Princess Monkey Paws remember I will carry everything but the accessories and pink high-hills. They are going on your back. Please send me some animal crackers to keep me going and send dad some Twizzlers to keep his spirits up. If you get tired of all that high dollar accounting come visit me on the trail. -Ben and Tex you are more than welcome to come catch up for a few days this summer. In fact it would be great if you did so. Get Big Dave to bring you up in his new ride. Don¢t forget Daniel Duncan even though he likes that other school! -Lesley and Scott good luck with little Vivian.-Long Lost Building Science Chic thanks for writing I would love to catch up for lunch on my way through. Write me some little notes and stick them on the trail signs as I approach.   Team Gray thanks for all the support and allowing me to take this time. I am going to send a trail map your way so you can track my progress. Keep your spirits up I will be back in the fall.   -Sonya I would say to start writing, but I just can¢t break away from the old VW¢s. I will have to send you a Match Box Beetle with little dancing bears all over it. -Ray if you get a chance to break away come on and join. It will be like old times on the Pinhoti. Maybe we can get our buddy Dave to take us to Cracker Barrel this time. I have also been polishing up my hitch hiking lines so we will have more luck catching a ride. -Mr.T and Skippy we should meet up at the Nantahala River again and get a cabin. We won¢t have to worry about anyone roaming the woods this time and you know the water will be warmer by then. -Nat since my writing is sooo bad would you like to volunteer to be my trail journal master while I am gone? Since you and K haven¢t gotten to hike it yet, it would be a great way to follow along.   (Writing has never been one of my strong points so I apologize upfront. That is one of the reasons I went into construction where I can write with fat pencils, neon crayons and spray paint.) -Michael good to hear from you man. Give me a call sometime. Brandon told me he talked to you not to long ago.    -Estes you better still be in DC when I get up that way. We will have to get a cold Yuengling when I come though town. I am already getting thirsty. -Abby will I guess you haven¢t signed by guest book because I never respond to those questionnaires that you send. All I have to say is ¢my medicine sure is bitter¢. =)-Jill will you occasionally sing and play me a few songs on the old flat top even though I won¢t be able to hear them?   -Stephanie don¢t worry there aren¢t any intercoms along the trail¢¦-Melissa you have got to catch up with me Jill, and Stephanie one night when I am in town. We miss you.-Lovoy¢s don¢t worry I won¢t miss the beach trip for anything. I have got to take my favorite shark fighter out for some S on the beach.-Caroline have you been running any lately or did you call it quits after the 26.2? How did your injury get?-Carrie how are ya? I am going to go ahead and give you a big Happy Birthday since you are my birthday buddy and I won¢t have access come the 9th. You all need to make plans to come to the beach again. -Maggie if I start to miss the beach this summer you will have to send me a Sandy Tart. Ask Rebekah she has the recipe.-Matty where are you and Free Hill¢n at these days? If you get a chance you should come back to Damascus for Trail Days. It would be a great place to catch up.-Brett I know how flexible your schedule is so if you find time off or you haven¢t moved in a few weeks load your pack and come hit the trail. You will have to leave the box fan and sticker trunk at home though.         Mom and Dad thanks for all the support. I saved the best for last. Wish the two of you could use your new walking sticks to go the distance with me. I will keep you posted as long as you promise to keep the food in the mail. Don¢t worry at least you know about this adventure unlike the skydiving trip. This will be a blast.