Welcome. You're about to hop on the Appalachian Trail and become part of the 2009 thru-hike of Chris Hennig, whose trail name was "Feed Bag." While Feed Bag took in all the personal benefits of spending hours alone in the woods (getting in better shape, crying, pondering the meaning of life), there is a purpose greater than that for which he hiked: to make the world a better place for children. And you can be a part of this journey starting now...and help make a difference!

Start Date: 3/29/09 End Date: 9/5/09



Happy Trails, to me?

Filed under: Blog Posts — chrishennig @ 11:03 pm March 28, 2009

Here I sit less than 9 hours away from the beginning of an adventure that was over a year in the making. If the editor and content manager of my website weren’t sitting here with me, I’d probably be going out of my mind. And if the TV producer wasn’t hiking with me the first two days, I would have a lot more anxiety about tomorrow.

However, I do feel prepared. I’ve done the reading, asked all the questions I could, the rest I’ll have to learn as I go.

The last several days have been a blur. About 25% of my gear was purchased within the last week, including my first several days of food. Hours ago I had all my gear spread out on two hotel beds sorting the musts froms the mustn’ts, the needs from the wants, and any extra ounces I could eliminate. I’m sure the days and weeks ahead will point out other things I can live without, but I’ve always been an overpacker :)

Other than being tired and ready for bed, I am so excited to get started tomorrow. The beginning of the trail is a bit misleading. While the marker on top of Springer Mountain announces that it is the southern terminus of the trail, one must first hike 8.8 miles up the mountain from the visitor center (otherwise known as the approach trail). Many parts of this approach trail are labeled “strenuous,” including the 604 stairs that climb up Amicalola Falls.

Since I will not be able to have Starbucks in the morning, I made sure to have it twice today.

Special thanks to Allison (who edits my posts and content) and Brian (the brains behind the construction of the site). With that said…there’s a comfy bed with my name on it. From across the room is just said “HEY…I’m the last hotel bed you’re going to sleep in for some time. Do the right thing. Get a good night of sleep.”

Ok bed, ok.

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