Here is the Vietnam Service Ribbon.  I technically earned one being active duty at USNA in 1974.  Here’s what I’ll be wearing for those vets on my hike.

   Thanks to Mike C, who served as a medic in Nam, for the bracket.

Just a little over 5 weeks to go!  I submitted my formal request for time off today.  There’s no turning back now.

  
I wonder what these will look like after 1,000+ miles. 🍄

Just figured out that I’m going to start on the “Roller Coaster”, a section with 10 essentially pointless up and downs over the course of 13 miles.  Northern Virginia is notoriously easy with the exception on this monster.  Jeff Wingard and I start at Snickers Gap going north.  Then I’m back there on day 3 to hike south 10 miles to the southern end of it.  I’m looking for lots of hills to hike at home to get ready. 👣

Here’s the elevation profile from the A.T. guide: 

Back to Greensfelder today.  Did 9.6 miles with a 20# pack on my back up and down some hills in the woods.  Now I’m beginning to understand what I need to do to get ready.

Here’s an awesome pink fungus I passed and that’s me on the trail towards the end of a strenuous hike.  (Sorry I’m not smiling, the temp was 85+.)

Tried Greensfelder Park today.  Nice trails with plenty of miles to hike.  Did another 4 miles with a full pack in some beautiful weather.  Topped it off with lunch on the trail. (Home made dehydrated corn chowder.)