AT Class of 2015 - Flip Flopper and A Couple

It is time for another update on the six Thru Hikers I met at the NoRuck this winter.  As of this writing, three of the hikers are on the trail making their way north.  Two more will be starting their Journey today and are en route to Springer right now.  The last of our intrepid six will be a southbounder and won't hit the trail until summer is in full bloom.

So here is an update:

Clifford - I'm not exactly sure where Clifford is, but he exited the Smoky Mountains on March 23rd.  He should be past Erwin by now and still seems to be having fun.  This picture sums it up perfectly. Clifford's 2015 AT Thru Hike (on Facebook)

Clifford - Living the life of the Hiker Trash

Sling Shot - Sling Shot is hiking with his Doberman Aramis, aka The Hairy Missile.  Since dogs are not allowed in the Smoky Mountains, Hannah, Sling Shot's girlfriend came and took HM while SS hiked the Smokys.  Sling Shot's problem was that he is just hiking very fast, which messes with the real world schedules that others must follow.  This had him taking a few zeros at Fontana and some after the Smokys too.  Sling Shot got through the 71 miles of the Smokys in four days.  He did his first multiple 20 + days during that time.  SS had to take a couple more zeros to fight off a flu, but is now back on the trail with his best friend.  He should be speeding up the trail again, making big miles and having fun.  
Double A and the Hairy Missile (Trail Journals)

Sling Shot and the Hairy Missile back on the trail

Treehugger - Treehugger is our Flip Flopper and she started further up the trail on April 4th.  TH is starting around Lynchburg, VA and is heading north.  Her plan is to hike up to Harpers Ferry for the Flip Flop Kick Off (FFKO) on May 2nd.  She will then give a talk on what the first month has been like being a Flip Flop Thru Hiker.  

Here is her first on trail Trail Journals Entry:

Leaving the Pedlar River Bridge was bitter sweet as I walked away from my daughter Sammy and husband John. The feeling was mixed with sadness pride elation and a bit of trepidation. As I went on I felt better. The day was cool clear and windy. The walk along the Lynchburg Reservoir was nice. The view of the lake a rarity on the AT in these parts. As I walked I thought of the people and things I am leaving behind. I will be ok knowing they support me and will be there when i am done. The Brown Mtn. Creek shelter was gorgeous. I loved hiking along streams. Several great swimming holes too! I camped near the shelter right on the creek. Slept great. Hiking with Grey Dog, a section hiker from SE Virginia, and Yin and Yang, a husband wife team of avid AT hikers. I gave them their trail names, wonder if they'll stick. Beautiful day to hike today. Chillin with two 'ole country farm dogs while I write this. Time to move on.

Scoops and Iceberg - I saw this morning that Patti aka Iceberg and Joel aka Scoops were on their way via plane to Atlanta with further transportation to Springer Mountain.  I can easily imagine the excitement they are feeling as they get closer to the trail and their adventure.  The couple will be updating (as they can) on Trail Journals and Facebook.  Follow along with them and lend your support as the hit the trail.  

Iceberg and Scoops

Justin, our Southbounder, is the only one sitting around :)

I'm sure his anticipation is just driving him crazy as he sees everyone else on the trail, but his adventure will start soon enough.

Keep on Hiking, Hikers!

EarthTone

Tracker map in the command center