David "Awol" Miller thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2003. He wrote a book recounting his hike entitled, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail. I was thrilled when he sent me a complimentary copy of the book, as well as a copy of Appalachian Pages, a handbook which he & Rick Towle have compiled for both northbound & southbound hikers. I’m headed north, so David sent me the northbound edition.
The book brought back so many memories from my AT hike last year, Georgia to Damascus, VA. The hikers David met on his journey reminded me of so many who I’d come to know. Some of whom I count as friends & hope to see again someday. I hope to meet many more good people on my hike this year. Because I’m leaving so late this year to hike, most of the people I’ll encounter will be section hikers like myself. I may even meet some southbound hikers. All northbound thru-hikers will be well beyond my starting point of Damascus, VA.
Tonight I was going through the Appalachian Pages handbook. Whether you’re thru-hiking or section hiking, this book is an important tool to keep in your pack. I also have the 2007 edition of the ,Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion (2009) I bought prior to last year’s hike, though not the current one at the time. I was comparing these books side by side. If you’re planning on hiking the AT this year at all, pick up a copy of Appalachian Pages, or grab the 2010 edition if you’ll be hiking next year. I’ll be bringing my copy with me, referring to it everyday I’m on the trail.
Once again, my thanks to David "Awol" Miller for the books he sent, as well as the check for helping with my travel expenses. Even now as I write this, there are butterflies in my stomach. I can’t wait to be back on the trail.
~The Pilgrim.
