California

Hi

I seem to be always apologising about not updating the blog sooner, so again sorry, but we have had a hectic week or so.

Last time, we left Santa Fe to stop in Denver for 2 nights.

We stopped in Colorado Springs on the way to Denver to visit the garden of the Gods, some very impressive rock formations of red sandstone, once horizontal but now tilted vertical up into the air. We met a hiker whom we met in Southern Maine/ New Hampshire, called Smiley, and he gave us a tour, followed by dinner on him, thanks Smiley!! The garden of the Gods is overlooked by a large Mountain, with lots of aerials on top, with is hollow inside, and houses NORAD. This is the joint armed forces base featured in the film 'War games' and is probably where the button will be pressed to end the world as we know it, good to know.

The driving is taking its toll, and when we arrived in Denver we had to really force ourselves to head out and enjoy the pre Christmas festivities. Denver is one of the largest growing cities in the U.S. and also boasts the fittest population, with access to the Rocky Mountains so close by and all the outdoor sports that can be indulged, it makes sense.

I stopped by the Rockies Baseball stadium for a visit, then watched the Broncos on TV, who were playing just a stones throw away. We were very impressed by a very clean city, with good public transport, if not a little chilly. One would expect the 'mile high city' to be cold in December though.

Driving out of Denver took us through the Mountain range that had been to our West for hundreds of miles as we approached Denver. We stopped at a ski resort called Vail, and hitched a free ride to the top of the slopes on a cable car. This took us above 10,000ft, which is the highest i have ever been, and the snow covered mountains were breathtaking, or maybe that was the altitude sickness.

We drove out of Colorado, through snowy (!) Utah a little, stopped over in a place called Green River, then onward to Las Vegas Nevada, which did not have snow. This drive was long but we saw the landscape change so much it was worth it to do so quickly. From snowy desert to the dry dusty Nevada desert in one day, and driving into a basin with a large man-made money maker in the centre, looming out of nowhere, was surreal. Lets face it, it shouldn't be there. But, 2 days before Christmas, the place was as busy as ever, and more and more people arrived while we were there, so as they could spend Christmas there.

We stayed in the Luxor, a large glass pyramid, with hotel rooms for walls, and a huge open atrium housing a village below, with shops, restaurants and a casino - of course. Floyd joined us, another friend from the trail, who lives 3 hours drive away in Arizona. It was great to see him again and we hope it is not the last time on this trip, watch this space. We walked up the strip from the Luxor taking in the Excalibur (medieval themed castle), the MGM grand, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and it was hard not to stay out of the casinos, literally. The paths and layout lead you into the casinos, then try to overload your senses and make you spend money. Nicole spent 25 cents, one some tokens (you never win money back, that's too easy), then we couldn't find a cashier to cash in our chips. They were kiddies chips from the child's casino, and we would have won a cuddly toy, and we did try, its amazing, the casinos even screw kids over!

Leaving Las Vegas (;0) was not hard, we couldn't spend Christmas there, it just wasn't right, so on Christmas eve we headed for San Francisco, and after the longest drive of the whole trip, we arrived late and collapsed to bed. We woke up and made our phonecalls home then headed to China town for dinner.

Oh no, Library closing in Inverness California, i'll tell you how we got here another time!

New Mexico

We are currently in Santa Fe, on the way to Colorado Springs.

Last time we blogged, we were driving from New Orleans to Austin Texas. On the way from New Orleans we drove through Charles Street, one of the more affluent areas, and then through the Ninth Ward, the area worst hit by Katrina. This was a very eery experience, as it was basically flattened, and still shows the signs of damage. Not many people have moved back, but there are signs of new growth. We also visited the unique graveyards (oh no, we're turning into Steve and Bev!), which appeared in the film 'EasyRider'. Driving through Louisiana took us through the swamps by the gulf of Mexico, and slowly as we drove through Texas, the Cactus then started to appear, as well as an Armadillo.

Austin Texas was a one night stop over (we are driving 5-8hr days), and unexpectedly beautiful, although i don't know what i had imagined. We had a dilemma though. Every direction we took out of the city led us into Texas! So drove through Texas some more, and all in all in took us 2 days to get across the State and up to New Mexico. Its almost like it is its own Republic here within the U.S.

We are gradually climbing higher and higher in altitude, without even realizing. I think we got up to 4000ft last night in Carlsbad. We then descended again dramatically into a cavern, at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. They were breathtaking. I have never been in a cave so high, or deep underground, and never new anything like it existed.

We drove towards Santa Fe via Roswell, New Mexico, which is basically a shrine to UFOs and the paranormal, very strange, but it made me feel like Mulder from the X-files, so all good.

This trip is like picking up a copy of National Geographic. Such a wide diversity in the landscape. Santa Fe is at 7000ft, and that is where we stop for the night, before setting off to Colorado Springs and Denver on Saturday night. Santa Fe is very Spanish in style, and i can't wait to see the city in daylight. There's a little bit of snow on the ground, but the days are sunny and not too cold. Will get a bit chilly towards Denver maybe, but at least we have the correct gear with us to keep out the cold!

Rockies here we come!

Nic and G 'off' the AT

Sorry not to blog in so long, but we have had a hectic 4 or 5 days. Where do i start...

Last time i blogged, we had stayed in Johnson City with some new friends, Tim and Theresa (Thanks guys). We went along to the town Christmas parade, but unfortunately missed the police car getting smashed by a train (It parked on the railroad tracks to stop traffic. Then when the train came along, no-one could find the car keys. Train then hits car. Police shouldn't be allowed to carry guns here, seriously).

We get back on trail, one snowstorm has passed, another one comes along. We stay in Damascus one night while the storm tears the forest apart. When we start hiking again another cold snap comes along and temperatures drop to 15F, about -8C. It didn't get above 32F for 2 days. Its no fun hiking with frozen water bottles. There's ice on the trail and lots of fallen down trees blocking the way. We were slowed down to about one mile an hour, climbing over trees and getting around them. We got a hitch to gas station, then another hitch to Abingdon, a town off Interstate 81. That's when we got kidnapped, again...

So, the first time we got kidnapped, we were brought to Florida. Now, the same kidnappers (Tinkerbell and Phoenix), whom we called up to say hi to, asked us if we would like to go on a roadtrip with them, to San Francisco, via Atlanta (1), New Orleans (2), Austin Texas (3), New Mexico (4), Denver Colorado (5, which is really handy as i need to visit the Rockies for a very special friend!), Las Vegas (6, OH MY GOD), then California (7).

We are in New Orleans. It is like a different planet. This place is like nowhere else on earth. It just does not stop. Its alive. Its amazing, after all they've been through. We are staying on Royal street, near Bourbon street. Bourbon street is in the French Quarter, must be about 1km long full of bars with live music, and is famous for cocktails like the "Hand Grenade" and "Hurricane". Both of which i have now sampled, on different nights. I don't think they should be mixed. Trust me. We walked the short distance to the Mississippi River, its huge, with large oil tankers on it. We are so close to the Gulf of Mexico, and the climate feels so tropical at the moment, but nice to be warm again.

As the list says, we are off to Texas in Phoenixes car tomorrow, and i still can't believe we are actually doing this.

Who knows if we will get back on trail, but its certain we are heading West on what is becoming the most unpredictable Appalachian Trail Thruhike ever. We just couldn't refuse when asked to go on a roadtrip of this kind, how often does this happen?!.

Maybe i should rename the blog now...
G

PS
Thanks to Jeff in Abingdon for taking us into his home for the night before being picked up by Tink and Phoenix. He insisted we stay with him, and we couldn't refuse. Cheers mate.

TN to VA

We are Northbounders, and walking North in and out of Tennessee and North Carolina, towards Virginia.

Thanksgiving is already becoming a distant memory, and we are experiencing signs of Winter. Well, when i say signs, i mean we woke up in a shelter one morning and there was snow everywhere, its Winter. Not very deep snow, but when we walked to about 5500 and above 6000 feet, the trail was icy, and very interesting to walk (slide around) on. But i think we have seen the last of our 6000 feet climbs, and as we walk towards Virginia we will be at lower elevation, and slightly warmer hopefully!

Some new wildlife to report. We saw Whitetail Deer (possibly female Elk) on the trail a few times. Got very close and Nic got some good pictures (Nic is the holder of the camera on trail). We saw flying squirrel in a shelter (not flying), very cute, but pretty sure he was only there to try and get our food, which he didn't get, thankfully.

We met a nice group of Hikers going South when we got back on trail, who invited us to stay with them in Johnson City if we needed somewhere to warm up for a while. The U.S. is experiencing a particularly cold snap, so we are in Johnson City today, and are looking forward to 'First Friday' downtown tonight. There will be a Christmas parade followed by the turning on of the Christmas lights, art openings and live music. Sounds like our timing is perfect.

Hopefully the next time you hear from us we will be on our way to, or already in Virginia, and all the snow will have melted!

G

Thanksgiving in NC

We're stopping in for thanksgiving in North Carolina with the Ackermans, who have been acting as trail HQ for us. Kathy, Chris and Katie have been amazingly kind to us throughout our trip, and we're having great fun.

So, since we last spoke, we made it out of Florida without major sunburn, and liver disease, and got to Charlotte. Michel, a family friend of Nicole, took care of us, and even taught me how to drive on the wrong side of the road. When we had seen Charlotte, and after i had visited hooters, Michel then flew us from Munroe to Raleigh Durham airport, in his 4 seater Cirrus airplane. It was the best flight we've ever had, and the smoothest landing. Suffice to say, i wasn't flying it.

Now we're in Raleigh (Cary). When we arrived, we 'force fed' Mojito cocktails, and 'made' to watch half naked ladies rollerskate around a track, knocking seven bells out of each other. We were introduced to the sport 'Roller-Derby', a sport were American people drink beer and cheer when girls fall over at high speed, i loved it! Then we attended the after party with aforementioned half naked ladies, with more beer and dancing, terrible(!). Needless to say, the next day was somewhat of a write-off. For those who want to know more about Roller Derby, check out the new film 'Whip it'.

We have just visited the local museum of history. I must say, American history makes so much more sense now, and its amazing to see how much has happened in such a short space of time. Also interesting to see how much tension still exists between North and South.

We're currently planning our next section of the trail, next time we speak we will be on trail.

G

Florida (but that's not on the bleedin trail mate......)

Yes, Florida is not one of the 14 states we should be visiting on the trail, but that's were we find ourselves this weekend. Long story.....

There are several different ways one can hike the trail. Straight thruhike, all the way North or South. Or you can do a flipflop, where you hike to the halfway point, then flip to the other end, and walk back to where you got off. Some people start in the middle and work North, then go back to the halfway point, and hike South (complicated, sorry!). We met some of the latter in Maine in August, Phoenix and Tinkerbell. Then, as we are also on a flipflop (of sorts), we were hiking on the North Carolina/ Georgia border when we met Phoenix and Tink again. Then in a roundabout way we spent 4 days hiking through Georgia, climbed into Phoenix's car, and went to Florida, via Atlanta. ROADTRIP!

The last 4 or 5 days on trail are a bit of a blur, as we did very high mileage hiking, so as to have the weekend off to drive to Florida. But we did reach the Southern Terminus of the trail at Springer Mountain, and enjoyed Banjo country and the hospitality we have been given in the South. Its the bible belt down here, so a few cultural differences to get used to. No Alcohol sold on a Sunday, some counties are 'dry' so no alcohol sold at all. Blasphemy not tolerated either, so you gotta be careful of 'cuss' words. Don't even mention Allah, its just not worth it.

Atlanta, 8th largest city in USA i think, massive. Can't believe the size of the place. I really underestimated this place and enjoyed our stay in the City, real eyeopener.

Then, packed into a Subaru Impreza, we're off to Florida for the weekend with friends on the Gulf of Mexico. 85F and white Sandy beaches 200 yards from accommodation. There are Pelicans flying around, lizards on the ground, but no gators yet.
We've been made so welcome here, its another great experience in America, and can't wait to see what happens next!

G

TN, NC, GA.

Hi, long time no blog.

Been through Tennessee, North Carolina and entering Georgia and the Southern terminus of the trail is fast approaching. Even though we will have summited both ends we will have a good bit of hiking to do still, but looking forward to it.

Smokies were great, however the Nantahala National forest area in Southern North Carolina has been absolutely breathtaking, unexpectedly so. Some of the best panoramic views and perfect weather have made it a memorable section of our trip.

Lots more bears in the Smokies, they are protected and used to humans, so we got some pictures this time. Salamander, Bald eagle, wild Turkey, Blue Jays, but no large reptiles but we have seen some very large discarded snake skins. I worry when i get to shelters and there is no mice activity at night, i think 'what the hells eatin the mice'! The mice are crazy in the South, and love to steal hairs from our heads at night. Lovely.

Visited the tourist town of Gatlinburg to resupply halfway through the smokies. It was mental. It was like Blackpool on crack. It was like Vegas with trees. I was scared. All i wanted to do was get back to the safety of the woods with the bears in!

We have been hiking into the evening recently, doing some big miles. The moon has been lighting our path, full and very bright. We crossed the highest dam in the East recently, Fontana Dam was used in the film 'The Fugitive' (Tommy Lee Jones), and was very beautiful when we crossed it at night.

No 'Deliverance' style stories to tell you, sorry. Everyones really nice down South. Got a crash course on American Football by a hiker called 'Curse', at last, it all makes sense. So I'm a converted football fan now (Football, not soccer). Speaking of soccer, if I'm in town on a Saturday morning i can pick up the midday game in England on ESPN, live.

And lastly, to get to the deep South we had to go through New York city. I never planned to go to NYC, but i am so glad we did. Walking up the steps from Penn Station dressed as a hiker with my pack on and hiking poles, and looking up to see the skyscrapers all around us, is an unforgettable experience, after being in the woods. In addition, there was a KISS concert that night so there were hundreds of fans dressed like Gene Simmons, surreal. Came in at 4pm, our train South wasn't until 7am the next day and it was Saturday night. There were no Hotel rooms available in Manhattan, so we tested the theory that NY is the city that never sleeps, and its true!!

Missing our friends up North and all you fellas in the UK, but we'll be catching up with our buddy Houdini for thanks-giving dinner soon, and we'll stay in touch on t'internet.

G

Change of plans

Hey there everyone, we have news...We are in North Carolina!!!

The weather was getting cold and we wanted to do the Smoky mountains before the snow came. So we have been staying with a friend for a few days and have had a great time. Heading back to the trail today. Going to hike south to Springer mountain in Georgia (the southern terminus) and then back up to North Carolina for Thanks giving (27th ish of Nov). Then continue our hike north until we run out of time. So if you posed a package we will still receive it, we have asked the post office to forward on mail to another address. Please don't send anything until we have a new address to post to. Thanks.

Hope all is well in't UK and everyone is behaving.

Love Nic

XxX

Hanover NH

Just 1 mile to Vermont, and another state will be ticked off later today. Bit of rainy weather at the moment, mostly at night which is good. We got into Hanover and couldn't find a place to stay at all, all the hotels are too expensive and fully booked. Dartmouth College are playing an Ivy League game, and the town was busy. We got a shower in the University gym, but still needed to do laundry. This is the biggest town yet, and it was packed full of students, and i felt a little out of place, it was weird!

Luckily, a thruhiker whom we met on the trail a while back left her number with one of our group (we are 4, and a dog!). We got a meal, a bed, and the chance to wash our clothes for free. Everything works out in the end!

Now we're dry and clean, we're off to Manchester Centre (VT) in around 10 days time. Our mileage has picked up, there are still some hills and nice views of the leaves changing across the landscape, but the trail is easier.

We'll, be passing through towns more now which is a novelty, usually our resupply towns can be 10 miles off the trail.

Thanks for all the birthday cards and presents, you know who you are, British chocolate is the best!

Blog soon.

G

Mail drops and care packages

Hey there fellas, thanks for sending lots of stuff. The letters are a great read and keep us going. We miss home. We have recently found out that the post offices hold post for 30 days only. So please don't send anything to a post office after Cheshire Massachusetts, until we post a blog about our progress. The stuff that has already been sent further down should be ok (we can ring the post office up, but we don't want to annoy them by constantly contacting them with a new eta).Please don't let our "dynamic" schedule put you off from posting in the future, the original plan we posted at the beginning of our blog is constantly changing!
Thanks again.

Nic and G
XxX

Glencliff NH

Glencliff NH

Dramatic change in terrain yesterday. People have been telling us for 2 months now that it gets a little flatter after Glencliff, and boy it did. We walked through a field with grass and everything yesterday, first time! Its been forest so far, but we walked through a beautiful open meadow, heard lots of new bird calls (no idea what birds they are yet), and the weather is still warm in the daytime. Before i forget, saw wild turkey near Crawford Notch at the bottom of the presidential range.

Saw our best views yet of a moose a couple of days ago, they use the trails just like us, so we meet them now and then. Usually we hear them run off, but we got a glimpse of a young female moose, but it was too quick for us to take a picture.

We are dodging acorns dropping off the trees right now, trees are changing colour, and the trail will be a different beast going forward. I can feel we are using different muscles on the flatter trail than we have been when climbing. We're already planning slightly longer days, will update you on progress when we can. Where the internet turns up again, nobody knows.

Thanks to 'Phatt chapp' at the 'Hikers Welcome' for letting us get in for the night to dry off after 24 hours of rain, and letting us use the net.

Oh, and thanks to T.S. Father turning up at Beaver Brook shelter with a stereo, playing Led Zeppelin, and cooking everyone food, with a creamy mushroom soup starter. It was almost civilized, apart from the smell of THE WORST privy on the A.T. lingering in the background.

We'll be in Hanover in 4 days. There is no long term plan (apart from walking to Georgia to catch a flight home), we just get up in the morning and walk South with Fall, and take in the countryside on the way....

G

Lincoln NH

We're in Lincoln New Hampshire, and nearing civilization again, so i can blog.

Right, ok, don't be alarmed, but we saw a BEAR! It was about 5 days ago before climbing Mt. Madison and ascending onto the ridge that Mt. Washington is on. Bear just came strolling along the trail, while Nic and i were looking for a spot to cross a river. I was in an uncompromising position at the time (river crossings make me go to the toilet, i can't really explain it, but it happens every time!), and the bear just strolled past, turned towards the river and crossed in a flash. Before we could even get the camera. It got to within about 10ft of us. It was a beautiful 1 year old male, and pretty harmless to humans.

'The Whites' (Presidential Mountains including Franconia Ridge - awesome) were hard, but not as hard as Maine. Big ups and downs, but we have almost finished the hardest part of the trail. 20% of the distance, but 50% of the effort is complete, so they say. We had a Maximum gust of 91mph on top of Mt. Washington, the rain was horizontal and didn't even touch the ground, it was crazy (but pretty safe!) and so no pictures unfortunately, unless you like pictures of fog/cloud. Sun came out down the valley and all was good within a few 1000 ft. High winds are due to its position under the jet-stream, apparently. I would google that but i'm on a meter at the moment.

Now the pressure is on to complete higher mileage days as the trail gets flatter, but we intend to increase our distances gradually, and continue to enjoy the trail, and the good company along the way.

I had a birthday party in a place called the Mahoosuc Notch, slowest mile on the trail. Its a boulder field that you have to climb through. So we put our hiking poles away and got climbing, it was great. A few squeezes and a bit of crawling. There was still some ice down there from last Winter, the temperature drops dramatically in the Notch and you get an icy blast every now and then.

Met an American guy on the trail who knew all the words to the George Best song 'Georgie, Georgie, they call him the Belfast boy'. Got pictures, it was so random and funny. Met a few Brits recently and had a good moan about how we miss British food (Pies mostly), and discussed the weather, as you do.

Listened to the Northern Ireland game against Poland on the internet, was disappointed with the result of the next game, but thats just the way it goes.

We are off our original schedule for our trip, just because we have realized you can't really plan the trail to fine detail, because you have to get on it to realize whats its all about, what the terrain is like under foot etc. We have been lucky with the weather, but we were walking in mud for the first couple of weeks, due to heavy rain in June and July. We got the heat wave in Maine in August which dried out the trails for us in South Maine, and the trails are better/different as you get South in general anyway. We're still learning, so we just listen to what our bodies tell us we can do. Safest way to hike.

We are off to finish the White Mountains now, and to watch the leaves change colour, next town Glencliff, then we walk right through Hanover, our first true trail town, first of many, can't wait!

G

Andover

Hey,

Stopped in Andover to pick up re-supply before doing a 5 day walk out of Maine into New Hampshire. Maine is about 300 miles long, and one of the larger states. It has felt like we were never gonna get out of it, but it's close enough to almost touch it now, feels good.

Next Town is Gorham in New Hampshire, i will hopefully update you on our Maine exit next.

Bugs have died down now a bit, but the weather is still hot. Weather is good up until next Tuesday, which is nice. Hopefully we can walk South with the nice weather all the way!

Nicole's birthday was great, we had balloons on the trail, hanging off her pack to help lift it off her back, and then we stopped in a town for food etc....

We're meeting so many nice people along the way, we're always in great company and enjoying getting to know our fellow thru-hikers.

Keep the comments coming, nice to hear from you all (Y'all!).

Nic and G

Stratton

Hi again.

We're in Stratton right now, its Nicole's Birthday, so we're on a zero day to enjoy. We did get some miles under our belt yesterday, so we came out of Stratton, hiked around it, and came back to town. No-one deserves to be in the woods on their birthday, especially when its raining.

We're in town with Houdini, one of out trail buddies, who thought it would be rude not to join us! And she had to make a phone call also.

We met Houdini in the 100 mile wilderness, with Floyd, a University lecturer from Arizona. Floyd finished at Katahdin, drove Houdini back to Caratunk for her to start her last 1000 odd miles South (Flip-flopping = hiking the trail in sections, not necessarily all at the one time in the one direction), walked into a restaurant and spotted us having dinner. So now we're kinda hiking South at a similar rate to Houdini.

Wildlife update; We saw a Moose's arse yesterday, as it fled the trail. Nicole described it as 'really big' (the Moose in general, not just its arse).
Been spotting a few Hummingbirds in the woods, they think colourful T-shirts are flowers, until they get up close and smell the sweat!

Strange foods update; Moxie - a non-alcoholic drink that tastes like TCP, god knows why they drink it here, but it is unique to Maine. I'm beginning to think Maine is a bit 'different' to the rest of the USA. We shall see.

We met our first Native American yesterday (not Red Indian), who was a very nice lady who told us everything you need to know about Moose hunting. Native Americans get a licence to shoot one Moose a year, and they have 'Moose Butchers' ( i just made that up, can't remember real term she used) who prepare Moose steaks, or burgers for you. Depending on the status of Moose in a given year, the tribal elders dictate what you can shoot, males, females, or Moose of a certain age/size.

Met a really nice guy called John Kelly, who told me about his backpacking/cycling travels through Northern Ireland and Donegal in 1972. Was interesting to listen to his experiences in a time that not many tourists came to NI.

Been playing the flute a bit, getting more used to the fingering without keys. Met a Southerner called Dave, from Texas, who sang 'Dixie' for me so i can could get the tune, He told me to be careful about which states i play the tune in. I think i'll wait until Georgia, just to make sure i am as far South as possible before getting lynched! Yankee doodle is safe up North and seems to be more accepted.

The towns are not what i expected. They're all spread out, detached. So the Main Street is often about 3 miles long, even though the town might only have 500 residents. Very patriotic here, there is an American Flag on almost every Porch, and on every other lamp-post.

That's all for now, i'm in the local Library on a time limit, off to Rangeley next, and hope i can scrounge internet access again to keep you posted.

G

Caratunk

Hi!

More free internet in the 'Northern Outdoors retreat, outside Caratunk! Its got a Micro-Brewery, i'm drinking Blueberry Ale and one pint is going to me head.

Its Boiling, i mean, this is the hottest i have ever felt, and we're walking in it. Thank god Maine is nothing but bloody trees that's all i can say. We only get outta the tree line on the tops, just above 2500 ft. Think i forgot to mention in previous blogs the sheer amount of frogs here. All shapes and sizes, some as tiny as your finger nail, and very colourful too. Seen some NON-POISONOUS snakes along the way too.

Been doing lots of bathing at the end of our walks in the lakes here, or ponds as they call them here. Everything's on a different scale, mostly bigger.

Had our first encounter with Leeches yesterday, none of them attached but they took a great interest in us. They're very mobile and fast swimmers, but you usually find them in the more stagnant waters, after you've kicked up the mud.

Red Squirrels everywhere, and they're noisy too!

But the best wldlife so far has to be the Loon. Its a waterbird that calls early in the morning and late at night, and its really eerie.

Gotta go, someone needs the net!
G

Monson

Howdy y'all!

We're in Monson Maine, pretty badly bitten by mosquitoes, but having an absolute ball!

It's hot and humid at times, but never cold, happy days!

We have met so many nice, friendly people in the 1.5 weeks we've been here, its unbelievable!

We may not get the chance to access the internet very often, so this might be it for a while.

We're walking 4 days to Caratunk next, then 3 to Stratton, then onto Rangeley which is only about 20 miles from the Canadian Border.

No Moose yet, plenty of chipmunks and red squirrel, some deer, and a pile of Bear Poo! But the bears run away from humans on the East coast so nothing to worry about. Lots of new bird sightings to tick off also.

I spent this afternoon (G) playing my flute in the local general store with the owner (Tim), while he played his guitar, and his friend Colleen sang. They're into traditional Irish Folk music. Then we drank homemade wine.

Took a Kayak into the middle of a huge lake a few days ago (White House Landing) to search for Moose and Bald Eagle. No Moose yet, but we're getting closer. We heard the Eagles in their nest. Can't be sure i saw one, but did see a large bird of prey.

The people walking the trail are very supportive, and the people living here bend over backwards to help the hikers out. I'm off to pack for tomorrow, will hopefully get to a local library or something and update the blog further.

See ya!

G

JFK NYC

Mental day. Flight cancelled to Bangor Maine. Stuck at JFK for the night due to bad weather, but have just eaten my first 'all you can eat! Flying tomorrow at 9 instead.

out.

G

Thursday 30th July 2009 - 17:11

Hey there, below is a list of post offices which we could stop at if you wish to post a letter or anything else (like wispa bars)! If you do post anything please email us to let us know, wouldn't want to skip a post office and miss out on a chocolate bar;-) Please put on the letter; our names, then 'POSTE RESTANTE' and an E.T.A (which will be two weeks after the dates written next to the post office). No pressure :-)...


Post Office, Stratton, Maine, P.O. 04982 please post before 06/08/2009


Post Office, Hanover, N.H., P.O. 03755 please post before 31/08/2009


Post Office, Manchester Centre, Vt., P.O. 05255 please post before 08/09/2009


Post Office, Cheshire, Mass., P.O. 01225 please post before 15/09/2009


Post Office, Salisbury, Conn., P.O. 06068 please post before 20/09/2009


Post Office, Unionville, N.Y., P.O. 10988 please post before 02/10/2009


Post Office, Port Clinton, Pa., p.O. 19549 please post before 11/10/2009


Post Office, Duncannon, Pa., P.O. 17020 please post before 15/10/2009


Post Office, Blue Ridge Summit, Pa., P.O. 17214 please post before 21/10/2009


Post Office, Waynesboro, Va., P.O. 22980 please post before 05/11/2009


Post Office, Daleville, Va., P.O. 24083 please post before 14/11/2009


Post Office, Atkins, Va., P.O. 24311 please post before 25/11/2009


Post Office, Hampton, Tenn., P.O. 37658 please post before 03/12/2009


Post Office, Hot Springs, N.C., P.O. 28743 please post before 12/12/2009

Love Nic and G
XxX

Wednesday 29th July 2009 - 23:17

Just completed our 6 month route card of all the campsites we 'intend' to stop at, all the re-supply stops, PO boxes we'll be posting stuff to ourselves at (maps), and most importantly where we'll get a wash!

Gotta get an early start tomorrow, wedding at 2.00pm in Burnley (and the rest!), then drop off car in Huddersfield on Friday. This is slowly turning into my to-do list...

Looks like the UK is in for a wet August, oh well!!

Tuesday 28th July 2009

I'm not sure what form our future blogs will take, but it will be interesting to see how this develops over our 6 month trail expedition and beyond! Basically, we're walking the Appalachian trail, and we don't know if we'll get access to the internet, but if we do, we'll blog our socks off. Its Tuesday, and we fly on Sunday. Last minute prep is taking place in Burnley.
chat soon