We have a map and a plan!

A week from today, Erica and I are headed off into the Smokies to hike 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail. We now have a map! Isn't it pretty?






For the past couple of months, we've been researching and making lists long-distance, in an attempt to figure out this backpacking thing. A week away from departure day, and I think we're ready. Think. Hope. Pray.

Last night we ironed out start/finish details. We're going to start on the northeast end at Davenport Gap and finish on the southwest end at Fontana Dam. We'll meet at Fontana Dam, leave a car, pick up our backcountry permits, and drive to Davenport Gap to start our hike. Then, we walk for 7 days, and end up on the south end. We drive to pick up the other car, and then have to head home, to fall headlong into the busyness of summer jobs, having conquered the wilds of the Smoky Mountains. Or something like that.