First Post!!!11!

So I don't actually start hiking until Sunday, but I thought I'd lay the groundwork for this thing before I head off into the abyss.

Since I get a lot of the same questions, I think an FAQ would be appropriate:

Are you really hiking the whole trail?
Yes.

Really?
Yes.

You?
Yes. I hope this has been enlightening for you.

Where does it start/end?
Starts at Springer Mountain in Georgia and ends at Mt. Katahdin in Maine.

How long would that be?
2174 miles.

How long would that be?
5-6 months

Is anyone going with you?
Yes. Three other people.

Where are you going to stay along the way?
A combination of hostels, shelters, my tent, and the very occasional motel.

How/what will you eat?
I'll mainly be eating dehydrated foods that I'll cook with my portable stove. Trail mix and other snack foods will also be a part of my diet.

So, what, you're just going to pick from the granola bar tree whenever you're hungry?
No, don't be facetious. I plan on having much of the food mailed to me along the way, and I'll fill in the gaps with whatever I find in the neighboring towns.

Between your food, clothing and the rest of your equipment, your pack must weigh a ton!
Nope. More like 30-40 pounds. My tent, sleeping bag, and clothes are surprisingly light-weight.

What about bears, snakes, bobcats and other things that want to attack you?
First off, these things only attack when provoked. Secondly, these aren't Grizzlies we're talking about; I'm pretty sure I can take on a black bear.

So how do you plan on updating this blog? Bringing a laptop or something?
Nope, there's actually some internet access along the trail. Or at least that's what this book tells me.

Is there a way I can find out where you are?
Hopefully yes. I'm going to try to create a google map which I will update when I update this blog. It will show you the most recent place with internet access I have been to. Check out the links on the right-hand side. If future me has created it, that's where it will be.

Can I meet up with you at location x at time y?
Unfortunately, probably not. While I would love to see people, getting in contact with me will be pretty difficult, and arranging a spot to meet that would coincide with my expected location that day is near to impossible. I'll send ya a postcard though.

Why are you doing this? Did you suffer a brain aneurysm?
First of all, I read A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson. Despite his abandoning the hike midway through, his experiences were very appealing to me. Next I had found out that a friend from college was hiking it this year, so I thought, what better time to do it than now.

Only who can prevent forest fires?
You.
You said 'you', referring to me. That is incorrect. The correct answer is you.

Where can I find out more information?
http://www.appalachiantrail.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Trail
or my personal favorite: http://www.whiteblaze.net