The purpose of this website is to share with friends, family, hikers, and nature lovers the excitement of exploring the great outdoors but more specifically, the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the White Mountains. The Appalachian Trail cuts through the White Mountains in New Hampshire for much of the state. As a result many of these hikes will be listed under both categories.
In the fall of 2005, I was planning a hike just outside the White Mountains in the Mahoosuc Range. I was looking for information on a logging road that may help me get to a side trail of the AT. Using the Internet, I found what I was looking for. A site created by Sue and her husband, Jim. They run ultramarathons which by definition is a footrace longer than the standard 26.2 mile marathon. Ultras typically start at 50 kilometers, but can extend to enormous distances. Sue had a long dream of hiking and in some parts running the AT. Sue's dream came true in 2005 with the help of Jim who dropped her off each day, picked her up, and performed many, many other daily tasks. She mentions many time in her journal how she couldn't have done it without him. I have found her journal of the AT to be the most comprehensive AT site on the Internet. Whether you are looking for a good site to set up a camper, want to bring back memories of when you hiked the trail, or want the experience of hiking the AT without actually having to hike it, then visit her website at www.runtrails.net and click on the link for the '2005 Appalachian Trail Adventure Run.'
Although I am section hiking the trail as opposed to 'Runtrails' thru hike, our hikes will be similar in a couple of ways. I am not doing a thru hike like Sue, and I doubt I will be running any of it. However I am fortunate to have my wife Lynn who will be doing much of what Jim did for Sue in terms of drop off, pickups, and many other tasks. During Sue's hike she calls Jim and her two dogs (Tater and Cody) her 'crew'. Well, Lynn and Snoopy will be my 'crew'. Lynn and I later lost Snoopy to cancer, and Madison joined the team. Most people who hike the trail stay in the many shelters along the way. 'Runtrails' and Jim decided they would rather use their camper. Lynn and I will take a similar approach but making use of motels.
From the start of my hike I planned to take many pictures and creating a south to north slideshow but I had no intention of writing about it. 'Runtrails' has inspired me, and I will attempt to write about as many of my outdoor adventures as possible. I wrote my 2005 adventures almost a year later so they tend to be more brief (some very brief) and some have no pictures.
Later on I am hoping to add some of my biking, kayaking, and snowshoeing adventures to this site as well. Why all this activity in my 30's? Health. I have struggled with health problems in my stomach and back for years which is one reason why when hiking the AT I will be spending the nights at motels rather than shelters. While researching health on the Web, I came across the Bragg Healthy Lifestyle. I bought all of their books which teach about eating better, deep breathing, drinking pure water, fasting to rid your body of toxins, and getting more physical activity. So here I am a couple years later still having trouble with my back and stomach but 50 pounds lighter, an abundance of energy, and a love for the outdoors. Although I am not in perfect health yet, that is my ultimate goal.
 (Above) Eric at Boiling Springs, PA. Notice the white blaze on the rock showing that I am on the Appalachian Trail. (Below) My crew - Lynn and Snoopy meet me at the Old Forge Picnic Area in PA. Notice the white blazes on the tree. A double blaze signals a turn in the trail. In this picture there are two sets of blazes so that a hiker can see them from either direction.
On August 18, 2006, we lost Snoopy to cancer. Although we miss him dearly, this brought a new member to the team. On September 9, 2006, we adopted Madison.
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