Welcome to Nick's News.  As most of you know, I am not very technically savvy, but I am hoping to use this site to allow people to track my adventures along the Appalachian Trail.  I have some computer literate friends (and family) who are helping me with the technical aspect of this journey.  

Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is something I have considered for a long time... sort of a "Bucket List" kind of thing.  But the time was never right.  There was always work to be done or some show that I was working on or some other reason not to do it.  Lately, it seems, I have become almost obsessed with the idea.  This led to more reading and researching, which led to preparations like acquiring the gear that I would need (just in case.)  

Now it seems that the time is right.  I am planning to leave on the weekend of March 22, 2009.  Before I go I will make a stop in Washington, D.C. to spend a couple days with my Mom in the nations capital (I haven't been since I was in my teens.)  I am looking forward to that.  I should be finishing up at Mt Katahdin (in ME) around 9/9/09.  And I will also be taking a little detour in July to spend a week with my Dad and sisters while in NH.  (Hopefully, I will have it timed right, so that I should be passing through NH anyway... or at least CT or MA --so someone can pick me up off the Trail, and then drop me back in the same spot so I don't miss a step!)  Of course, we will need to find me a shower before I get too close to anyone!  

I will probably make another post before I leave, then one from D.C., and then once I hit Springer Mountain in GA, I will try to post when I can... depending on when I can get phone service along the Trail.  As part of my gear expenses, I invested in a real phone.  Yes, I have parted with my 10 lbs "bag phone" with the cord from the battery pack to hand set. This is the first time I ever bought a cell phone (I usually just get the one that comes free with the service.)  The iPhone will allow me to upload pictures and text to this site (and a whole lot of other things that I'll figure out when I get back.)  

My goal, of course, is to Thru-hike the AT (here comes the disclaimer) but I have had a recurring calf injury which is the reason I am officially retired from dancing.  I am fairly confident I can do this, but I may end up doing it in sections (depending on how the leg handles the hike.)   Also, since I made the decision to make the hike, I have been very excited.  Now that the departure date is getting closer, the logistics of the trip is really starting to sink in.  I will be outdoors for six months!  Is that crazy or what?  

Hopefully my posts from the Trail will give you a flavor of what it's like.  I will do my best to keep you informed of where I am and how I'm surviving.   Wish me luck.

I will miss you all while I'm gone.

Peace and Love,

-------Nick