[at-l] AT - Big Finish

[SWS]

so many favorite parts...north part of the Smokies, the Roan Highlands, Mt. Roger Wilderness and 
Grayson Highlands, Virginia Highlands, NJ swamps, PA rocks, Mt. Greylock, White Mtns, and all of 
Maine!

My longest section-hike was 17 days from Harper's Ferry to Delaware Gap. I also did two 16-days 
stretches, Amicalola to Fontana, and Mt. Washington to Monson.

Coolest revelation was how many people on and around the trail take interest in what you are 
doing. I met so many great people over the years on the trail that offer encouragement and 
support for your hike. What I missed in a continuous trail family was made up by many smaller 
ones. It always took a while to break into the season's thru-hiker circle, but one they see you 
out there for a while they made you feel part of the bigger trail community. I finished with 
some great folks, six of which had been together in some form or fashion since April 10. 
Amazing.

Coolest moments...an encounter with a jet in the Whites, and "Flags on the 48" Celebration in 
the Whites.

Saw a little bit of everything as far as wildlife...plenty of snakes including timber 
rattlesnakes, deer, beaver, muskrat, grouse, turkeys, hawks, eagles, a moose (although not on 
the trail), one bear, and even an encounter with a rabid raccoon.

Sampled many fine brews along the way, including some homemade "stove fuel" in Virginia.

Lots of hard moments, a moment of truth almost every day. The middle Atlantic, especially PA was 
tough because of the rocks. I broke a couple of toes, jammed/dislocated a big-toe once.

Toughest weather? Lehigh Water Gap, high winds and cold rain and Mt Washington both times, 
ending one hike with 78 mph winds, and starting another hike the next year with 50 mph winds and 
rain)

PA was tough on the feet. Southern Maine, especially the Mahoosuc's were tough on knees because 
of the terrain and all the rain earlier this year. My knees were troubled in part of the Whites 
and the Mahoosuc's. Much better now.

I'm still working on the website, but here is what's out there at the moment. I'm working on 
this year's hikes and pictures. Should be out there in a week or so...

http://webpages.charter.net/sws4024/snuffy.html

"Snuffy"


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sloetoe" <sloetoe at yahoo.com>
To: "SWS" <sws4024 at charter.net>; "AT-list" <at-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 11:42 AM
Subject: Re: [at-l] AT - Big Finish


--- SWS <sws4024 at charter.net> wrote:
Tuesday, September 12th
> I completed my section-hike of the AT on Friday,
> Sept 8. Started in Georgia in 2000. I must
> say..Katahdin is one heck of a mountain...talk about
> a big finish!
>
> "Snuffy"

### ABSOLUTELY TREMENDOUS!

How was your hike?
What was your favorite part?
What was your longest section?
When was your coolest revelation?
What was your wildlife sighting history?
Did you have a Yuengling? A Black Fly Stout?
What was your hardest moment? Day? Week? Section?
WHY?

Spill! Spill! Spill!
gottaknowtoe

Spatior! Nitor! Nitor! Tempero!
   Pro Pondera Et Meliora.