Pack woes

Things are still good out here in AT land. Last night we stayed at Blue Mountain Shelter, and though the sunrise was spectacular, it was one cold night. Sally was in the shelter and I slept in my hammock since the shelter was packed. Did almost 14 miles today to get close to the road to Hayawasee because we have to go get sally a new pack tomorrow (hers is starting to develop holes). We're well and making many new friends from all walks of life. Just hope my knee stops hurting!
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Safe

Sorry if this posted a bunch of times, but we are safe at Neel's Gap. Lots of cold, wet weather. Staying at a hostel tonight. Sally and I are good. Friendly people and lots of ups and downs. This is our first milestone: not quiting even though we had two drenched, dank, rainy, overcast, foggy days. Hope to post in 10 days.

-Koli
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Midnight Train To Georgia

I'm sitting here on the last leg of my trip to Atlanta, and it struck me that I was indeed on a midnight train to Georgia. I have nobody to share this with, being out of cell range, but at least I have a song stuck in my head to go to sleep by.
Since starting on the train, I went through Chicago where I must have had "answer man" written on my forehead because six people asked me for help figuring out where to go before we boarded. The next day, a crying two-year-old later, a leather-o-cardboard sandwich later, and three hours of sleep later, I made it to Charlottesville, VA where I took a six hour pit stop that went by much faster than I expected. It's bed time, and I'm hoping this post by email works. Only three days till we start!
-Koli
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From NY to Georgia to Maine

The boxes are packed, I'm ready to go... Well, the preparation stage is about over. After many days coming home to a house filled of a spagetti sauce/ chicken/ beans/ pineapple scent (that dehydrator works well!), many trips to EMS, and many phone calls to the post office as to what exactly can be shipped priority mail, I am ready to go! I was very lucky to have a small taste of what the trip will be like as well, as my Dad and I enjoyed a nice weekend out in the wonderful weather, hiking, eating oatmeal and some favorite dehydrated meals, and testing out the stove and water purifier. There is nothing quite like the refreshing water straight from a babbling brook. My gracious chauffeur has decided to drive me down to Georgia, so we will be taking a nice road trip and then hanging out with my cousin there, before beginning the trail adventures. I am excited to see many of you as we make our way from Georgia to Maine, especially all of you in good 'ole Dutchess County. Don't forget the pizza!

Our Journey Has Almost Started

Thank you, everybody, for taking the time to check out our new blog.  I don't know how often we'll post, but when we have the time and access to the Internet, we'll try to post at least information about where we are and when.  I will have my phone with me, but pretend like I don't have it.  It will be off most of the time, and reception is very sparse on the trail. At the bottom, you'll find a list of links.  The first one is to our tentative daily plan which shows where we'll be, milages, and mailing addresses for our drop boxes.

   So, here we go, on our 2000+ mile journey, starting on the morning of Tuesday, March 24th. I leave by train from Kansas City for Atlanta on the 19th, where I'll stay with cousins.  Thanks Darrin, Kristen, and Lauren! Only six more months to go....

-Koli