mailman's 2014
Appalachian Trail Journal About

Currently, I am a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Villa Grove, Illinois. I will be retiring on January 31st of 2014 and hope to be on Springer Mt.in April a few months later. My plan is to thru-hike the entire trail without any set time frame as long as I summit Mt. Katahdin before winter weather closes Baxter State Park. I have no backpacking experience so I have been actively researching the trail and hiking gear the past few months. I will listen to any suggestions or advice from real hikers willing to share their experience.I do have a few skills that might get me to Maine next year. I have worked outdoors most of my life, walk several miles a day in all sorts of weather, and have no problem sharing the outdoors with insects and other animals, mostly dogs. All kidding aside, I have a driving ambition to fulfill this quest and I know there will be many challenges along the way. I can't wait to get started! Mailman