Day 2, 23 April, Pine Knob Shelter (MD), 13.5 miles

This was the first AT section hike for which I did extensive training.  I began walking with a pack and taking a fully loaded pack into the Y (when it was raining) about 3 weeks before the actual hike.  I can certainly affirm the usefulness of pre-emptive training, especially for my knees by lunging and hopping intermittently (thank you, Backpacker magazine).  It usually takes me 5 days to feel trail savvy, and with the exercise I cut that time in half.  Plus, I never really obtained that deep lactic soreness in my thighs and hamstrings. Those things make for happy hikers! :)
It is always odd to me that the AT can be SO remote at times (like this pic from Raven Rock cliffs), and yet also be so stinking close to civilization.  At Pine Knob, we were less than a mile from I-70 (nice traffic hum) and there was another hiker who was listening to Pandora's "stand-up comedian" channel.  In those moments, I'm glad I packed a tent although I really didn't escape the interstate noise.

Day 1, Appalachian Trail (AT) Across the Mid-Atlantic, MD-WV-VA

    During the months of April and May this year, I was graciously released by my family to spend 24 days on the AT.  The planned trips were to send me over 370 miles, 4 states, and put me at about 60% of the entire trail.  What is it about the AT that is so attractive?  For me, it is partially the opportunity to be completely consumed in physical activity, pushing oneself to the boundary of physical and emotional limits, and the challenge of setting a lofty goal to attain. In retrospect, the AT provides seemingly unbounded time to reflect, ruminate, ponder, and pray.  It also provides the opportunity to visit places that I have never spent time (WV, MD, and PA).  I learn things about the places traveled on the AT that I would never learn staying in motels, visiting well-known cities, etc.  It is a gritty, well-worn knowledge that is obtained, and in some ways it is more valuable and lasting than easily-obtained knowledge.
In some ways, one has no idea of what is ahead when a journey is begun, even though I've hiked the AT several times.  Here I stand at PenMar mark beginning the first of 24 days on the AT- innocent and somewhat aloof.  As my dad dropped me off, we shared a short prayer, the kind of prayer that I now pray for my son, and I was off for a short 4.5 mile walk to Raven Rock, MD.  Excited, nervous, and unsure of what to expect, I set out for my first 10 day adventure- PenMar Park, PA to Big Meadow Campground, VA.