Appalachian Trail Hike '07

Derek and Bobby made it back safely! They hiked a total of 67 miles!!! WOW!

Day 1 (Wednesday evening 09-26-07)

The first night they hiked about 5 miles (some through the rain and the dark.) They finally made it to their shelter where there were two other hikers staying the night as well. The one guy was sleeping in a hammock and took up a lot of space. He also snored all night long so Derek didn't get much sleep! They came to be friends with this man (who's trail name was "Used To") and hiked some of the trail with him and his dog Jack.

Day 2 (Thursday 09-27-07)

Today they hiked a total of 21 miles. The goal was 25 miles but they didn't quite make it. Derek said his feet started to hurt this day and towards the end he could barely walk.

They came to a town called Boiling Springs and stopped in a gas station for water and a snack. It then started to pour so they decided to stay the night in the middle of town in a gazebo!! They said it rained all night long. Bobby said he slept good that night but poor Derek still didn't.

Day 3 (Friday 09-28-07)

This day they hiked a total of 25 miles. Derek said all he can really remember from this day was pain. They hiked some with "Used To" (and his dog Jack) and he gave Derek his trail name "Chisel." This name was given to him because with every step he took he would tear up the ground with his poles (which was very loud.) And Bobby said also because of Derek's chiseled facial features ;-) When they got to the shelter this night there was a group of four that wanted to sleep together in it. So "Chisel" and "Lark Boy" (we're not sure why this is Bobby's trail name) slept in the grass right next to the shelter while "Used To" and Jack slept down by the spring. Derek said he still did not get a good night's sleep.

Day 4 (Saturday 09-29-07)

The last day of the hike...finally! Today they hiked 16 miles. Derek has a huge blister on the bottom of his foot and he said he sprained and rolled each ankle a couple times. They reached their final destination sometime around 4pm. They treated themselves to Cracker Barrel and stuffed themselves! FINALLY Daddy arrived home to a VERY happy wife and daughter. The guys are very thankful to have made it the whole way with no injuries. I am so glad Derek is back home! And so is Reagan! I am sure Bobby's family will be just as happy to get their Pop back safely ;-) Unfortunately he had a 5 hour drive tonight before he could get to see his family. And Derek still won't get a good night's sleep tonight because the poor guy now has to work 11pm-7am!