It’s time to go on a short hike to get the season started. I’ll be going to Roan Mountain, TN in one week to do an overnight between Carver’s Gap and Mountain Harbor at 19E. It’s only 15 miles, but for the first time, I’ll be taking the dog with me. Mille’s been training with me so she’ll be ready. She’s also been storing up energy for the trek. She has a backpacking bed and a warm jacket to wear. Dont’ worry, she’ll be well taken care of.

I also stopped by Amicolola State Park a couple of weeks ago to pick up my hang tag for the year. I’m officially registered for a SOBO LASH starting at Kathadin on July 9th, even though I’ll be hiking before then. The ATC reps at Amicolola were wonderful and I even watched the corny thru-hiker video!

“You have to prepare physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to conquer any mountain.” – Lailah Gifty Akita

Good question. The only thing I used to be able to think of, other than getting on trail with a pack and starting to hike, was to put on a 25 lb pack and walk stadium stairs for 8 hours a day for three weeks. I decided to search the internet for plans and here’s what I found.

The program outlines a program that includes work on the treadmill, balance/strength exercises, stair walking and hiking. The program gets progressively more intense over 12 weeks. Level 1 allegedly prepares for 6 miles a day at up to 6,000 feet of altitude. Over another 12 weeks, Level 2 is for 10 miles a day at up to 10,000 feet. I’ll be completing Level 2 before the summer when I go to Maine.

So far, the program is working well for me. I’m half way through Level 1; I’m stronger and more agile.

For balance, I’m using a slack line board. The Gibbon Board https://gibbon-usa.com/ has been a fantastic trainer for me.

So that’s it. I’m off to the Y to hike 5 miles on their indoor track today. Happy Hiking! “Puffin”

It is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come he is ready.

Theodore Roosevelt

Today was definitely a success, albeit a slow one. The long steep downhill continued to take its toll on my legs. Despite my slow pace, I finished the hike back to Uncle Johnny’s.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #2 (10/9/25)
Start - Stealth Camp (353.9)
End - Uncle Johnny’s (344.5)
Today's mileage: 9.4
Total section miles: 20.3
Section Avg:  10.1
Total miles on AT: 1298.5

“Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” —Theodore Roosevelt

Update: I reviewed my hike while working on my book. In two days, I covered 20 miles of trail with almost 5,400 ft of descent! Not too shabby if I say so myself. Definitely a success!

I picked up where I left off a year and a half ago. I hiked the hurricane bypass and then over Unaka Mtn and Beauty Spot. Both downhills took their toll, but some Meloxicam and rest made it OK.

I found an awesome stealth site for the night. Didn’t eat dinner; I was too tired.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #1 (10/8/25)
Start - Iron Mtn Gap (364.8)
End - Stealth Camp (353.9)
Today's mileage: 10.9
Total section miles: 10.9
Section Avg:  10.9
Total miles on AT: 1289.1

Do not worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older it will avoid you.

― Joey Adams