Check out the link below, it’s an awesome video that will call you to the mountains:

http://youtu.be/LGt_KpgXymU

If you’re not familiar with the song, it’s from my favorite movie, “The Last of the Mohicans.”  Is there a better way to take you into the Appalachians?

9+ miles with a full pack again at Greensfelder today.  At first the hike was easy, even going up hill.  But after about 7 miles it got tough.  The pack got heavier, knees and ankles began to get pretty sore.  And then during the last 1/4 mile of the hike I run into one of these guys standing in the middle of the trail!

However, this isn’t his picture, he ran away too fast.  In fact, my fox was much bushier and bright red-orange.  What a sight!

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: