North Carolina

Good riddance Georgia; hello North Carolina. We have finally made it into North Carolina, and we are pumped. We unsuccessfully attempted to post a blog near the border in Hiawasee, GA, but my phone would not let me post the update. Nice that we paid for service that we are not really getting to use. Anyway, North Carolina is absolutely beautiful. We are about thirty five miles into the first in flight state, and the weather and trails are beyond perfect. Today we encountered three trail magics...talk about southern hospitality. First we ran into a couple of guys handing out coffee, tea, honey buns, fruit and other breakfast stuff about four miles from our campsite. Then we found a handful of Capri Suns in a waterfall. Finally, we got off the trail at Winding Stair Gap and there was an elderly couple and their friends handing out cold drinks and snacks at the roadside. To finish off the perfect day, a Vietnam Vet showed up and gave us a ride into Franklin, NC for the night in the back of his pickup. Although we don't expect the royal treatment often, it definitely restores your faith in humanity to have someone go out of their way to help you out. We continue to meet good people, and spirits are high even though Jessica has a healthy dose of poison ivy and I am waging a war against chaffing. As Matt Webb will attest, North Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the country, and we are soaking it up. With tough trail ahead and about a week until we enter the Smokies in Fontana, we hope for the best and look forward to seeing you on the trail. P.S. 105 miles down...let's see, that's 5% down. Also, wild boars are not friendly...at all.

Neels Gap

First post from the trail. We're thirty miles from Springer Mountain at Neels Gap after three days of hiking. Yesterday we met former thru hiker Jim "the geek" who was passing out beer (the beast) at Gooch Gap for St. Patrick's Day. I didn't recognize his name until he mentioned his thru-hike in the early 90's with his cat Ziggy. Last night we were both sick to our stomachs and enjoyed 8 hours dry-heaving, hence our staying the night in a cabin at Neels Gap. How can you charge eight dollars for an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner and run out of everything...weak. Feet and gear are holding up well, but our guts are on strike. Pressing on...Jess's trail name may be rotten taters.

Mail Drops

Just a quick reminder about the mail drops. If any of you feel the need to drop us a letter or package...bourbon, cough, cough...the post offices are listed along the right side of the blog near the bottom. Do the postal service a favor and try not to send anything to Maine that will have to sit there for six months. On the other hand, allow plenty of time for them to get it before we pass through. Confused yet? Me too. Anyway, here is an example of how you should address any mail if you intend for us to receive it.

Jonathan and Jessica Mandt
General Delivery (AT hiker)
Fontana Dam, NC. 28733
Expected Arrival Date: 4/1/08

Notice that you do not have to include P.O. for post office. I know the most difficult part of all this will be timing, so Jess and I will do our best to provide updates as often as possible. Thanks for all of your support.

Jon

The time has come.

The time has indeed come, and other than a little bit of anxiety, we're ready to rock. The official departure date is Saturday the 15th, but our boots won't touch the trail until Sunday the 16th. Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement and well wishing. The reality that this little adventure could take six months is starting to set in; it doesn't sound that long until you break it down and start planning for six months worth of food and gear. Now we are in the process of weeding out the unnecessary gear and shaving ounces. We'll miss you all and hope to see some of you on the trail along the way!