First post

hey guys!

first post coming out now-- I don't know how often I'll get the chance to post whatsoever considering internet is a wee bit sparse around these parts.

I'm on the Appalachian Trail-- started on the 28th of March and am writing to you today on the 20th of April from Hot Springs, North Carolina! I know it doesn't seem like I've come very far, but 270 miles is nothing to sneeze at my friends! :p

I thought I'd share a couple of experiences I've come across. One of which, certainly the most important, is the people. I've met up with a group consisting of Fozzie (Keith Foskett) and I may have just spelled his last name wrong but anywho-- he's a writer and an experienced hiker who I met my second day out. He's hiked the Camino de santiago in England and he's also done the PCT-- he has books about both out.
Also in the group is Sam, a kid from Raleigh, North Carolina who is a blast to hang out with-- he's a character and anything he says is honest but often very funny.
Phil's a quiet but very kind guy and he's been a blast to hike with. He's got a pair of Vibram Five fingers to hike in as I've been hiking in my KSO's the last 270 miles. It's been rough on the shoes, I've had one break in the fabric from a root that did in Phil's shoes slightly as well.

It's been tough sometimes due to rain-- not wanting to quit what-so-ever but the two rainstorms we have had just are a total mindfuck to deal with. When your gear is all wet, you can't exactly get it dry so you just kind of have to wait it out and wait for it to get sunny again. You get dirty a lot, muddy even more, it's quite a trip.

I've seen quite a few animals, most of which going through the smokey mountains. My first day in, I was coming up a switchback and I saw a bobcat which scampered off as soon as it saw me. I walk very quietly so I've surprised some wildlife as well. I came across a nothern copperhead my last day in Georgia, it slithered to the middle of the trail, stopped about 10 feet in front of me and just froze. I banged my trekking poles on the ground a few times and it finally moved but that is one creature you really don't want to get bit by!

I of course saw a bear as well! Out of gattlingburg, Tennessee for resupply and I was hiking at dusk when I heard a big brushing noise to the left of me on the trail. I turned and looked and saw a massive bear running away from me. They are definitely more afraid of people than one would first suspect.
I have to bear bag at night, mostly though because of mice. I came to a shelter in the Smokies (and the shelters are always crowded) and I had to sleep in the dirt under the porch of the shelter that night. Mice ran rampant everywhere-- a kid I was sleeping next to said one was on my pack and he brushed it off for me. I don't like mice, I don't want them chewing into my stuff.

Food and money are kind of being balanced right now-- not quite sure how to manage them but I'm getting a better idea as I go. Soon I should be able to go without spending very much at all.

I'm walking in memory of my dad, Peter K. Semo who passed away September 1, 2011-- I miss him greatly and am going to donate what I have leftover to PanCan in memory of him.

Some town meals are pretty good-- my favorite food I've eaten so far has been a chicken sherpa at the NOC in North Carolina-- it was a splendid mixture of basmatti rice, lentils, peppers, chicken and all sorts of little flavorings that just stacked up calories. I had breakfast this morning at the smokey mountain diner and had three pancakes topped with cinnamon apples and whipped cream. Everything was good but the pancakes themselves...

Having a blast making new friends as I go and enjoying a diet dr. pepper or diet coke every chance I can. ;)

Peace and love to you all, can't wait to update you more!

P.S. my mile average is around 16 right now-- the hostels are amazing and this is an experience I hope to share with everyone someday... just hope I can remember it all!