In Georgia

DAY 1: Approach Trail or Springer Mountain?
Out of the 7 hikers leaving on Tuesday, we were the only 2 to begin the trek at Amacola Falls. This meant we did the Approach Trail (an extra 9 miles). GO GIRLS!! The other 5 hikers (all boys) started at Springer Mt. We now know why...a tough, strenuous hike up and down 4 or 5 mountains.

We camped at Springer Shelter. It was a very cold 17 degrees. All was fine until we heard footsteps circling our tent. Freaky, for sure. The next morning we learned it was a guy wanting to party.

DAY 2: 15.1 mile hike to Gooch Shelter
The weather was beautiful. The trek was tough once again. However, our sore bodies and heavy packs added to the difficulty. The scenery was gorgeous, but it is hard to take it all in when you worried about falling off the mountain. Thank goodness our mom (and us) didn't know what the terrain is like or we would be even more nervous. We think the AT is making us hike up every peak in Georgia.

We spent the night with a young guy from Michigan. We agreed not to hang our bear bags because we were told the bears are hibernating. Haha...critters and other creatures are not. We didn't know mountains had pigs. What other animals snort all night long? This freaked out our shelter mate who continuously got up during the night to make sure his food was safe. Fortunately for us, and not so fortunate for our shelter mate, a mouse ran over his face. Yuck!

DAY 3: 11 mile hike to Woods Hole
Our goal was to make it to Neels Gap, but we cut it short due to sore feet and bodies. The weather was misty all day so it was hard to see what was ahead. This slowed us down tremendously as well. We spent the night with two brothers. This is actually the third pair of brothers we have seen on the trail. Kirstin's hypothesis is that crazies run in the family. We have yet to run into any girl hikers. The brothers were hilarious and lifted our spirits. Because of their snoring and other noises, we didn't get a great night sleep. It is nice to have some company in these shelters.

DAY 4: 4.5 mile hike to Neels Gap
Our first hike in pouring rain. We made it up and down Blood Mt. and decided to call it a day at Neels Gap. This isn't a town, but there is a hostel and general store. It was amazing to get out of the cold, take a warm shower, do some laundry (phew...our feet stink!), and get a warm meal.

Our next planned stop is in Franklin, NC pending all goes well. It is 75 miles from here and should take us 5 days to complete. These mountains are kickers...up...down...around...up...up...you get the point. We plan to pick up the pace once we get beyond the mountains.

Thanks for all the support and posts! We miss you and love you all.

And they're off!

All packed up ready to go to the airport. With Dad. . . .
With Mom. . . . .
It was hard saying goodbye (we love having them so close and able to spend time with them and share in their other experiences). We are excited for them, impressed with their adventurous spirits, proud of their determination, and. . . . . . (I am their mom, you know). Anyway, they made it to the hostel in Georgia, and tomorrow they start their trek. Thanks to all of you for following their adventures. Normally they will post and keep you up to date, but I had the pictures and thought you all might enjoy them.

good bye

Well we're off. Georgia bound. After a late, late night, we're packed, sparkly clean & well fed. Mom, Dad & Erik....THANK YOU. Kiara, you're excused because you lack the necessary skills such as rope tieing, bag packing and innovative gear adapting that was required:)

To everyone, thanks for the super sweet text messages, phone calls, emails, posts, prayers & support. FOLLOW US! We'll keep you updated.

Bob, I'll see you at the airport.

HEAVIER THAN WHAT WE WANTED

Below are picture that make up the bulk of what we will carry. It doesn't include our clothes or our backpacks. Happy Hiking!

Shelter/Sleeping


Kitchen/Cookware


Hygeine


Emergency


First Aid


Luxury

our first week's menu

Here is a picture of the food & drink for our first 40 miles. Tuesday morning (2/24/09), the hostel will drop us at the approach trail. It's an 8 mile trek to the beginning of the AT. Word is...this upward climb is extremely difficult and takes the entire day. Once we're on the AT, Neel's Gap is the first town which is approximately 40 mile away. As for our food, we're not confident we have the right amount but we are confident it's not very healthy. In town, we promise to load up on fruits, veggies, protein & milk. We'll let you know how this all pans out!

FOOD
4 boxes of macroni & cheese
2 packets of Teriyaki noodles
6 packages of ramen noodles
1 box of black beans and rice
4-7.05 packets of Chunk ligh tuna
1-22.5 oz. Flour Tortillas (family pack)
1-15oz. peanut butter
8 individual wrapped beef & cheese snacks
1-12oz. Barbeque roasted peanuts
1-12oz. Smoked almonds
12 remaining oz. from a COSCO size container
14 oz. Wasabi WOW! Trail Mix
6 Luna Bars (S'mores)
6 Sweet & Salty Bars (Chocolate Almonds)
6 Odwalla Bar (Berry Go Mega)
12 Sweet & Salty Nut (Peanut & Almond)
1 10oz. braided pretzels twist
6 Snicker Bars
6 Payday Bars
2 pound bag of Twizzlers

DRINKS
4 boxes of Propel (10 packets/box)
8 oz. instant coffee

Erik's contribution
2-2.4 oz. Hummus Dip
2-1/3/4 oz. Sausage
2-2 oz. cheese
6-1/8fl ounces of Tabasco
1-1.4 oz. mustard

Juju's supply
2 Clif Bar (Oatmeal Raisin Walnut)
2 Luna (S'more)
2 Clif Shot Electrolyte Replacement Drink
2 Clif SHot Recovery Protein Drink
4 Java Juice (French Vanilla & Hazelnut)

Happy Hearts Day

We have a couple people to THANK.

Julie...for your fun filled, very thoughtful, super sweet package. Because of you, we will be warm, moisturized, nourished and able to see!

Jaime...thanks for the medical kit, GPS unit & fun messages. Your continuous support during our crazy adventures is always encouraging. Wish you could come with us. You will be missed!

Bob...thanks for making sure we stay safe. We appreciate you providing us with hard core ammo to ward off furry creatures and creepy people.

Mark, Trevor and Frank at REI...for your tips, jokes & encouragement. Now, our bags (Osprey Ariel 75) are ready to go! The bags have been adjusted, re-adjusted & molded to fit our hips.

If it weren't for the support of these people or tons of others, we wouldn't feel as prepared.

official last day at work - Friday, Feb. 13

Brittany:
Over 4 weeks ago, my principal signed off on my plan to thru-hike the AT. Her support made my dream a reality. This past week, I...
Tuesday - transitioned a permanent sub
Wednesday - said goodbye & hugged my students
Thursday - celebrated honest Abe's birthday
Friday - completed paperwork & handed over my classroom key!
With a granted leave of absence, I'm on my way. To all my coworkers & students, see you in September!

Kirstin:
It was a bittersweet farewell. It's been 7 1/2 years to the day. On August 13th, 2001 at the young age of 21, I began my career at Starcom. On February 13th, 2009, I walked away from the familiar building, familiar routine, familiar work, and familiar faces. I have been comfortable with the challeging work, the stressful days, my talented and funny coworkers, and rewarding accomplishments. It's time for change, it's time to get out of my comfort zone, it's time to challenge myself physically, emotionally, and mentally. While I look forward to the experience and the simplicity of life for the next 6+ months, anxiety and nervousness seem to override my excitement for right now. Trying to keep my emotions in check has been difficult as this transition has been overwhelming and confusing. This will change as I become accustomed to hiking miles and miles every day and living out in the wilderness.

Thanks to all my sweet friends, coworkers, and management who are supporting me on my adventure and my desire to complete the AT. See you in September!

This next week will be devoted to our final trip preparations and goodbyes to friends and family. I know it won't be easy.

T minus 15 days

Our flight to Atlanta, Georgia takes off Monday, February 23. Hostel prior to our trek is booked, majority of our gear is purchased, and our apartment is mostly packed up. While we have done so much there's tons more yet to be done.

Gradually, we've packed up our apartment in order to open up space for Kiara and Stasie. This process has showed how much junk we've accumulated. After several car loads (thanks Bob) to our parent's home, we had the grueling task of putting our boxes into the attic. We lifted boxes that weighted close to 35 pounds which is the weight we will carry on our backs. YIKES!

We keep checking our emotional status: excited - yes & nervous - for sure. Check in later.

have a great camp

Today, Britt received the below precious email from a student. Enjoy!
ms. f, I wiil miss you. see you on september
have a great camp. -A

State by State

We will travel northbound (NoBo), starting at Springer Mountain and ending our hike on Mt. Katahdin.

Georgia - 75 Miles
Tennessee-North Carolina - 371 Miles
Virginia - 544 Miles
West Virginia - 2 Miles
Maryland - 41 Miles
Pennsylvania - 232 Miles
New Jersey - 74 Miles
New York - 88 Miles
Connecticut - 52 Miles
Massachusetts - 90 Miles
Vermont - 146 Miles
New Hampshire - 161 Miles
Maine - 281 Miles