Q&A

- Do you keep up with current events, news, sports, etc. while on the trail? I tend to forget about the news while hiking. This is kind of strange because I would check foxnews.com 20 times a day when I have a computer. If I do get the news then it usually comes via a phone conversation or a tv when I am in a town resupplying.

- Do you carry any type of protective equipment, i.e. mace, pepper spray, tear gas or gun? I do not. There is no need, and it is extra weight.

- What is the biggest "no-no" on the trail? I have asked many people this question. Some have said to not blue or yellow blaze and still say you are hiking the trail. One guy said to not let all your gear get soaked. My answer is to not contaminate water sources (i.e. a creek or spring) by using the bathroom in or near them.

- How do you protect yourself? If this question is based on people, then I would say just be smart. This is really not a problem on the trail. Plus, it is cool how the hiker community watches after each other. If it is geared toward animals, then I would say make noise, be on the look out for animals, and make smart choices.

- Are you scared of snakes? I am not as long as I see them before they see me. I have not had a run in with a rattlesnake yet, but the time will come when I see one.

- How are your clothes holding up? My clothes are good. I have switched out a few things including my boots for trail running shoes. I try to take care of my clothes as they are part of my survival.

- What's your favorite trail magic so far? I came across a group of guys that offered snakes, bacon, strawberry short cake, gatorade, and other beverages.

- Have you seen any shooting stars? Yes, I saw a couple while cowboy camping near Fontana Dam.

- Are there wolves in the Appalachians? I do not believe there are any. There might be some further north that have been introduced back into the wild. Perhaps you can research this for me and let me know.

- How big is your tent? I have a one person tent. It is a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1. It is big enough for me and my pack.

- How long/bushy do you think your beard is? It is out of control actually. I would guess that it is between 1.5 to 2 inches. If you take the face side of a $1 bill, it is roughly the distance between the "E" in NOTE and the right side of the dollar. I hope that makes sense.

- Do your boots have holes in them? I am currently wearing trail runners. They do not have holes, but you can see the wear and tear on them.

- Do you believe in ghosts? I believe in spirits if that is considered the same thing.

- What is the most remote part of the trail? Like how far between roads? Parts of the northeast are pretty remote. I will go with the 100 Mile Wilderness in Maine as the most remote. It is actually less than 100 miles, but it is quite a distance between roads and resupply points.

- Thus far, what has your favorite state been to hike? Which has been the easiest and which has been the toughest? Where is the best scenic view at? My favorite state was TN and the Smokies. I also enjoyed the area near Dennis Cove, TN. The stretch is about three miles of walking through a gorge. The SNP in the northern part of VA has been the easiest. It is not flat, but has been the "flattest" part so far. The Smokies were the most difficult as I dealt with 3 to 5 feet of snow, ice, the highest peak on the AT (Clingman's Dome), and shin splints. The Smokies have offered the best views so far.

- What is the highest elevation on the trail? Cligman's Dome is the highest point at 6,643 feet.

- How do you shower when you are on the trail for a long amount of time? I take showers when I stay in towns. This is either at a hotel or hostel.