Every time I’ve done a section on the AT there’s been a theme. For example, in May of 2019 I sought to find the “spiritual” on the trail. The evening I saw thousands of fireflies across the street from the Quarterway Inn I found it.

This hike is about electronics. I’ve redone everything and it’s been fun to play with all the new gadgets. I’ve got a new iPhone 12 mini, a Garmin InReach Mini, a SteriPen, a RavPower 15,000 mAh quick charge power bank, a NiteCore rechargeable headlamp and shortie multi-use cables to charge everything.

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We’ll see how everything works out. I’m optimistic about the power, relative low weight, and functionality of everything.

I leave for Eastern Tennessee in a week, and will be on the trail in the Smoky Mountains in 8 days. The long term weather forecast looks pretty good so far. So all is go for launch!!!

You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. – Henry David Thoreau

Yes, there are 30 days until I start my hike. I’m in the process of making reservations in Smoky Mountain National Park for the start of the hike. I’m also doing some warm-up hikes. I did a short but nice one in a local nature park to try out the Garmin InReach Mini. I think I’m going to like it. I’m pretty sure I’m going to opt for the unlimited plan when I hike, so anyone can message me via the satellite messenger. Go to my Garmin MapShare Page (link on blog web page) to see my little hike. In April, go there to send me a message as well.

The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax. – Albert Einstein

2020 was a tough one. My plans to hike the 300 miles between Port Clinton, PA and Great Barrington, MA were cancelled; therefore, I did no hiking during the calendar year. After looking into the best places to go for an April 2021 section hike, I have decided to hike ~210 miles from Newfound Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the southern terminus of the trail at Springer Mountain. If all goes well, I will arrive at Springer Mountain at the end of the day on Thursday, April 22nd or Friday, April 23rd. The Springer Mountain parking lot is 55 miles from Lake Lanier Sailing Club and a MC Scow Regatta. So, my sailing friends, I’m walking to the Rebel Rouser Regatta!

Electronics!!

I have new toys this trip.  I decided to upgrade my phone and power bank in addition to adding a GPS tracker and water purifier.   Here’s the set-up:

 

 

15,000 mAh RavPower Battery

iPhone 12 Mini

Garmin InReach Mini

 

 

 

 

20W RavPower charging cube and cables

15,000 mAh RavPower Battery

SteriPen Ultra

 

Gone will be my Sony camera, Sawyer water filter and 10,000 mAh power bank. I’m hoping that the extra power and new phone will allow me to post some video from the trail and keep in touch better. You can also follow my track on the Garmin MapShare page (link on page).

 

 

Link to SteriPen Review: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/steripen-ultra-water-purifier-review

More to come soon.

The new electronic independence re-creates the world in the image of a global village. – Marshall McLuhan

Well, it’s time to go back to the trail again. I’ll have some updates shortly. Here’s a little video to let you know that we’re coming out of the abyss.

https://youtu.be/BrsqwK-IR4w

I am a slow walker, but I never walk back. Abraham Lincoln