Update

It's been confirmed that TDS has made it to Winding Stair Gap and is now in Franklin, North Carolina. His most recent trail location was approximately:

35°7'12"N , 83°32'38"W

If you're interested in Geology, here's some interesting info about the Winding Stair Gap:

http://www.geo.ua.edu/fieldtrips/windingst.html

Mile 28-32: Blood Mountain and Walasi-Yi

Hey it's TDS! At Neel's Gap, Georgia at the historic Wallasi-Yi to visit with Winton and staff to resupply before heading further north. Beautiful day atop Blood Mountain - only a slight breeze in contrast to what it usually is: cold. Weather's been unseasonably warm, but hey it's good to sweat.

Enjoying seeing the mountains out here again, trail's in great shape -- trail clubs have done a great job!

Email access is currently limited at best...expect technology to improve as I head further north along the trail. Looking forward to seeing all the great fixtures of the AT! I'll be posting photos once I get reliable and regular internet/email connection.

It's cool because now I know things like how far I can really go without needing water...how long it takes to get from point A to point B...all these little things that take time to figure out when you first set out. No more uneasy feelings of the unknown. I feel less inclined to sit around and take it easy. It's like a job, but I certainly enjoy it.

Take care,
TDS

P.S. Here's a cool topo of the above Google Maps image.

Pack weight: 35 lbs
Food: ramen, instant mashed potatoes, gravy, peanut butter, mac & cheese, granola, powdered milk, energy bars, cheese, and water

Update

Totally Different Subject's approximate location, somewhere between GA HWY 60 and US 19.

Map of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia: http://www.n-georgia.com/appalach.htm

First Post: Intentions

Hello all, and welcome to my blog!

While I love living in Portland, I am excited to notify you of my intent to be the first person to thru hike the Appalachian Trail AND thru paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in one season.

You all know about the AT but did you know that last Spring the NFCT was completed? This water trail runs from Old Forge, NY to Fort Kent, ME. It should be a blast. And I am again, very fortunate to attempt this goal.

My hope is that by the time you are reading this, I will have already left Springer Mountain, GA, which is the beginning of the AT. My hope is to complete the AT leg in 5 months or fewer which should not be a problem if I stay out of the vortex, the towns, the Doyle (sorry Pat and Vicky- I love you all!), etc...

Since you're here, you've found my blog -- http://totallydifferentsubject.blogspot.com. I hope to be posting frequent updates about my progress toward this goal, as well as some photos and possibly video.

Take care and I hope to hear from you all soon.

p.s. I am hoping to win the support of an outfitter, specifically for the paddle. I am currently planning a solo but could do the paddle in a shorter timespan with a partner. Please email back with ideas, suggestions, comments, feedback, etc...

Best of luck to all of you, and Happy Trails!