tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33151694371406859712024-03-05T17:52:56.903-08:00365 Summits For CancerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-57505017857362560592013-12-02T17:13:00.000-08:002013-12-02T17:13:04.696-08:00Summits # 336-338 - Mt. Kephart, Masa Knob and Charlies Bunion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spent the final day of my Thanksgiving vacation hiking in a true mountain paradise - the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. I hiked north on the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap in the center of the park over three incredible peaks. First was Mt. Kephart, whose 6,217 feet in elevation makes it the 22nd highest mountain in the Eastern US. Second was Masa Knob (5,680 ft.), named for George Masa, a Japanese-American photographer whose incredible photos of the Smokies were essential in helping the area become preserved as a National Park. Last was Charlies Bunion (5,564 ft.) which is one of the most well known peaks in the park and probably my favorite that I've summited this year.<br />
I spent most of the day hiking through the famous blue haze for which the GSMNP gets it's name. Often visibility was down to a few feet and snow flurries fell from the sky. I summited Kephart and Masa Knob in a thick fog and saw no signs that the weather would clear any time soon. I was so pleased as I turned the final corner to Charlies Bunion to see the clouds part for just a few minutes. I took as many pictures of the incredible view as I could before the clouds and snow rolled back in. It was almost as if the weather opened up for a few moments just for me, rewarding me for my long drive and early alarm clock. I ate lunch in the foggy silence before heading back south on the AT. It was a surreal moment that I'll remember forever. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coldwater Spring Shelter on the AT near the summit of Mt. Kephart. Not a terrible place to have to spend a night. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from Charlies Bunion. </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-21472276219517672702013-10-23T15:58:00.000-07:002013-10-23T15:58:52.604-07:00Summits # 296 and 297 - Tray Mountain and Yonah Mountain, GA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall in the North Georgia Mountains. It doesn't get much better.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brilliant fall colors on the AT climbing up Tray Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tray Mountain summit survey marker</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking south from Tray Mountain. Yonah Mountain is the hump shaped mountain in the center of the picture. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backpacker Magazine rated the view from Tray Mountain as the best in Georgia. I disagree, (Rabun Bald is probably my favorite) but as you can see it's still pretty great. This is the view north into the Nantahala National Forest. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yonah Mountain is used for rappel training by the Army Rangers.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the top of the cliffs on Yonah Mountain</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-78486310669792350412013-09-09T14:05:00.000-07:002013-09-09T14:05:11.249-07:00Summits 251-255 - Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I spent the day Friday hiking in one of the crown jewels of Southern Appalachian backcountry - North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest. Located just south of Asheville, it's a stunning place that contain some of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States. The terrain is unlike anywhere else I've been this year, with grassy, open balds that offer incredible views from all directions. I spent most of the day on the Art Loeb trail climbing to the summits of Sam Knob, Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mountain and Grassy Cove Top and I rose early the next morning and hiked to the rocky summit of Devil's Courthouse. The next time you're in Asheville, plan a side trip to Pisgah - It's a place you won't soon forget.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty standard view on a clear day in Pisgah </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Knob summit view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">late summer wildflowers in bloom. Sam Knob rises in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Balsam Knob</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Balsam Knob summit. At 6,214 feet, it's the 30th highest peak in the eastern United States.<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Art Loeb Trail winds between Black Balsam and Tennent Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Blueberries. And yes - they are delicious. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tennent Mountain summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devils Courthouse summit just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I hiked early Saturday morning in the dark so this was my only picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking Glass Rock</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-36290842189843307782013-07-29T15:38:00.000-07:002013-07-29T15:52:01.881-07:00Summits # 210 and 211 - Wesser Bald and Wayah Bald, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First off I'd like to thank everyone that has donated to this worthy cause. For the second time I've hit my fundraising goal for the year and will (gladly!) raise the amount again. Thanks so much and let's keep it going. There's plenty of mountains left to climb. Your generosity is an inspiration.<br />
I spent the weekend with some friends in one of my favorite places on Earth - the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina. For an outdoorsman, this part of the country is simply paradise. Hiking, whitewater paddling, fishing, mountain biking - The Nantahala has it all. And to top it off the place is staggeringly beautiful. I spent some time hiking to the summits of Wesser and Wayah Bald on the Appalachian Trail along with paddling the chilly Nantahala River. Again, I'll let the pictures and video tell the story.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the AT just north of Tellico Gap near the summit of Wesser Bald<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wesser Bald fire tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wesser Bald</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayah Bald fire tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nantahala River</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-37075281601800896652013-06-17T15:33:00.002-07:002013-06-17T15:33:57.457-07:00Summits #169-171 - Buffalo Mountain, Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elev. 3,971 ft.</div>
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My wife and I spent this past weekend in the beautiful rural town of Floyd, Virginia. It's the kind of place that should probably be a well known Appalachian vacation destination by now, complete with miniature golf and go kart tracks. Thankfully, it is not. And that's just the way most of it's residents like it. Life moves at a slow, steady pace in this part of the world and it's just about the most relaxing place you could possibly imagine. Just off the famous Blue Ridge Parkway (which winds it's way a few miles from town) lies Buffalo Mountain, the highest peak in Floyd County. I managed to hike the mountain all three days I was in town and was shocked to have the entire mountain pretty much to myself. The rocky, exposed summit offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding farms and woods. It's a beautiful spot. Just don't tell anyone - It's our little secret. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Mountain is named for it's Buffalo shaped "hump"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wildflowers if full bloom in SW Virginia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">views from the summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo Summit sunrise<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvujQ066xE1M6fmXk60b4jn2USfs6-D2nnlAPVEp4f76uO5VjAvfRwyH9aNtBlOFEz2661_vrGhGc8KWj9t4P8cLfgImXoByPbUkoyImzpXQ6_FHpwQ5XIjM7vb2xQbAjScZTJrq3weM/s1600/GOPR0223v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvujQ066xE1M6fmXk60b4jn2USfs6-D2nnlAPVEp4f76uO5VjAvfRwyH9aNtBlOFEz2661_vrGhGc8KWj9t4P8cLfgImXoByPbUkoyImzpXQ6_FHpwQ5XIjM7vb2xQbAjScZTJrq3weM/s640/GOPR0223v1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virginia sunset</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-73212718420549269652013-06-03T16:00:00.000-07:002013-06-03T16:00:52.124-07:00Summit # 156 - Blood Mountain, GA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutod-XwvDycEMP_ttnMcL63wmRuTCGLc5fB2ms6YvHy9Ih0xm0AK4XDz6YzY6NH9ml_TDyIhMO5qxhnYaLoqCJV0Pn1rZInsg_16NXLl6IsFpZW1wuC4Gm2IlfMooJc3RXfWC1mmVwOU/s1600/GOPR0119v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgutod-XwvDycEMP_ttnMcL63wmRuTCGLc5fB2ms6YvHy9Ih0xm0AK4XDz6YzY6NH9ml_TDyIhMO5qxhnYaLoqCJV0Pn1rZInsg_16NXLl6IsFpZW1wuC4Gm2IlfMooJc3RXfWC1mmVwOU/s400/GOPR0119v1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Elev. 4,458 ft.</div>
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6th highest peak in Georgia</div>
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I returned to Blood Mountain yesterday (this time with a fully charged camera) with hopes of capturing some images of the stunning views from the craggy summit. The weather, however, had other ideas. A light drizzle fell as I climbed up the AT and a heavy fog shrouded any views from the summit. All was not lost, however, as the weather kept the crowds to a minimum and I had the peak all to myself. Plus there's a certain spooky quality that comes while hiking through the mist alone on one of Georgia's most famous mountains that you just have to experience for yourself. "No Quarter" by Led Zeppelin was the perfect soundtrack for the day. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel in full bloom along the AT<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">had to make an entry in the Blood Mountain shelter trail register</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-56780694096019209312013-05-19T17:21:00.003-07:002013-05-26T05:50:20.244-07:00Summit # 140 - Rabun Bald, Georgia (elev - 4,696 ft.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-BPW4wZnwx0S-iONd98ATgGB_B_ltOJqnWF67HQeou4oxzUb39IZnPGFzixWDqgz7b02RauPieWTAZYNJIVMeXUrMFN-0dLdzPaU9PH5Ku_jJIEpxRsyOigV4_wgzMehtTNbZMidWag/s1600/DSC_2018v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-BPW4wZnwx0S-iONd98ATgGB_B_ltOJqnWF67HQeou4oxzUb39IZnPGFzixWDqgz7b02RauPieWTAZYNJIVMeXUrMFN-0dLdzPaU9PH5Ku_jJIEpxRsyOigV4_wgzMehtTNbZMidWag/s400/DSC_2018v1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I thought I was in really good shape. After all, I've been hiking on a daily basis for months now. I've even taken to jogging some portions of Kennesaw Mountain here at home or carrying a backpack loaded with bricks (sorry for the humblebrag). I figured that I could cruise up just about any mountain I wanted. I was wrong. On Friday I hit the Rabun Bald Trail in the Northeast corner of the state and made the challenging 3 mile, 2200 foot climb up Georgia's second highest peak. The final mile or so of this hike is particularly difficult but the reward is well worth the effort - An old stone fire tower at the summit has been outfitted with a viewing platform with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. And the fact that the three miles back to the car is all downhill is pretty nice too. I shot some video with my new GoPro so here's a short clip at the summit. Now maybe its time to add another brick or two to that backpack....<br />
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Edit - Now with full video<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">trailhead off FS7. Thanks to whoever left the hiking stick - It came in handy on the way down.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I even managed to fool a few trout in the nearby Chattooga River later that day</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-48916058468147105402013-04-27T18:39:00.000-07:002013-05-09T15:22:02.114-07:00Summits #106-108 Stony Man, Little Stony Man and Mary's Rock - Shenandoah National Park, Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weekends back my wife and I celebrated our anniversary in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. We did a good bit of hiking and summited three of the park's most famous peaks - Stony Man, Little Stony Man and the stunning Mary's Rock. The pictures tell a much better story than me blabbering away.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chester Gap Cellars, one of many small wineries that dot the Shenandoah valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">typical view from Skyline Drive, the famous 2 lane road that winds through the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of Stony Man from Skyline Drive - Can you spot the "face"?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the AT climbs up near the summit of Stony Man</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hundred mile views from the summit of Stony Man</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skyline Drive as seen from Little Stony Man</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good Virginia white</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the AT near the summit of Mary's Rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljhdq1OhlcSBcZ6vkr_dD-4KB5iPqqGKATRUk8qIvMGKovANMMwhhyJX8rhc5kWdH5bkwSa1tggQ3Icm5X8vuKbv4cEGF9zWclTUk1joWlk210YQNGFtJY6CdRVoIowIzu4wKc6Zw6us/s1600/DSC_1987v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljhdq1OhlcSBcZ6vkr_dD-4KB5iPqqGKATRUk8qIvMGKovANMMwhhyJX8rhc5kWdH5bkwSa1tggQ3Icm5X8vuKbv4cEGF9zWclTUk1joWlk210YQNGFtJY6CdRVoIowIzu4wKc6Zw6us/s400/DSC_1987v1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary's Rock summit. Awesome 360 degree views.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">worth carrying the extra 12 oz. up the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home for the weekend. It was even smaller than it looks in this picture. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-30603448424312018362013-04-20T15:35:00.000-07:002013-04-27T20:55:14.228-07:00Thanks to EveryoneMy wife Lindsay and I wanted to thank everyone for your overwhelming support and kindness in response to the passing of Lindsay's father, Al Sauvageau. While we are devastated at the loss of this great man, your kindness has brought a smile to our face.<br />
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Al was not a large man but his presence absolutely filled up any room he was in. (As did his voice - the man had a way with words unlike anyone else I've ever known). If we all lived with the passion for life that Al had, the world would be a much better place. His love for his family, friends and country was endless and he lived more in his 65 years than most would in 10 lifetimes. I am truly honored to call him my father in law. </div>
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I had decided late last year to call off my 365 Summits idea. At the time, Al was getting ready to start chemo and I felt that the idea was too close to home, too personal. I worried about constantly reminding him about cancer. Lindsay insisted that he would like the idea, so I decided to ask him what he thought. In classic Al fashion, he loved the idea. From that day on, he was my biggest supporter, always asking me about my hikes and requesting pictures and stories. One of Al's biggest loves were the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina, so this particular endeavor was right up his alley. The rest of my summits are dedicated to his memory. I'll end this blog with a tweet I just found that he wrote several years ago. It's classic Al in 160 characters or less. </div>
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"Reflect on what you DO Have & give thanks. Focus on your blessings, skills & how they may be used to help others. You'll be richer in many ways." </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-69851295566415145842013-03-04T16:31:00.000-08:002013-03-04T16:34:55.925-08:00Summit # 71 - Big Cedar Mountain, GA (Preacher Rock)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past Saturday night I stepped outside to take the dog out and instantly, my sunday morning was planned. It was (just barely) snowing. Like a kid on Christmas, I headed inside and <strike>turned on my electric blanket</strike> picked a peak to hike in the mountains, where I knew there would be a nice dusting by morning.<br />
I can remember a time in my life when I would often make fun of southerners for freaking out about the snow. After all, I was born in Pennsylvania, where its seen by most as a seasonal nuisance (at best). And while I still chuckle at the sight of people emptying grocery store shelves at the forecast of a chance of flurries, I must admit that I have turned the corner on being excited about snow. (The fact that we never get enough to require shoveling may have something to do with that). After all, nothing beats hiking in the mountains with a (light) dusting of the white stuff. Hopefully I'm not developing a southern drawl too.<br />
With that admission out of the way, I must urge everyone to check out Preacher Rock atop Big Cedar Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest here in Georgia. It's close (1.5 hours from Atlanta) and accessible (3 mile round trip hike on the AT, around 600 feet of elevation gain). And the pictures speak for themselves - it's beautiful (especially with just enough snow to cover everything - that's how we do it here in the south).<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-78011058327241491242013-02-21T14:55:00.000-08:002013-02-21T14:55:54.915-08:00Summit # 59 and # 60 - Wildcat Mtn. and Cowrock Mtn, GA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I woke early this morning (aided by 2 hungry cats and a dog), took a quick look at the weather forecast for the next few days (more rain), and decided that I just had to head to the mountains. After all, it's February and I'm in the pool business - It won't be long before things are far too busy to blow off work mid-week for a carefree trip up to my Appalachian playground. After consulting with my guide (aka Google) I picked a spot on the Appalachian Trail just north of Cleveland, GA that was perfect. We picked up the AT at Hogpen Gap and climbed over Wildcat Mountain and Cowrock Mountain, both of which had great views on this sunny, clear day. The skyline of Atlanta was even visible, over 100 miles to the south (It's amazing how quiet and peaceful a city with millions of people can look from a silent, faraway mountain top). We hung out for a bit on the summit of Cowrock before backtracking to the truck and heading home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we had a bit of snow left over from a late winter storm for the climb up<br />Wildcat Mtn.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of Cowrock Mtn. from the Wildcat summit. The large open "table" where we would later stop are just visible near the summit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start of the climb up Cowrock Mtn. from Tesnatee Gap</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">southern Appalachian "glacier"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the AT near the Cowrock summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the Cowrock Mtn. summit. Wildcat Mtn. on the far left. </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-77450370673302052072013-02-10T15:15:00.000-08:002013-02-10T15:15:53.454-08:00Summit # 43 - Tray Mountain, GA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDSlCiHq7oc1LTT6HKmM13VTBFFIrTYaaJNUJSEqXe1-pOkAuBZZuFTUt8nOf9GmRFlFGm9bzja7LwmJl52uSMyIS_bJsSKuliQfkJ2_vhW_UNTgcALzIAPywzUS7oYsZ3bUULw8i9fo/s1600/DSC_1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDSlCiHq7oc1LTT6HKmM13VTBFFIrTYaaJNUJSEqXe1-pOkAuBZZuFTUt8nOf9GmRFlFGm9bzja7LwmJl52uSMyIS_bJsSKuliQfkJ2_vhW_UNTgcALzIAPywzUS7oYsZ3bUULw8i9fo/s320/DSC_1798.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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Tray Mountain, GA - Elev. 4,430 ft.</div>
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I woke up early this morning and took a trip up to Tray Mountain, the seventh highest peak in Georgia. It was a balmy 50 degrees when I left my house in Marietta, but by the time I had reached the parking area at Tray Gap the temperature had dropped to near-freezing and the wind had picked up quite a bit. Luckily my laziness from the night before paid off as I had an extra jacket in the truck. Jax and I climbed up the AT to the peak in no time and were rewarded with clear views of the Nantahalas to the north and the rest of the North Georgia mountains to the south. We hung out for a bit and headed back, Jax sleeping in the backseat and me debating where to stop and eat in the front (a pizza place in nearby Helen, GA won that debate). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the view south from the Tray Mountain summit<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1m8nzmfs9lukTcEhPLe0YKa3D9CWHJsv3STPvP2Cv4m9hgEX0eDpHfLEv5FgqAboRB5wBcbLvpn2_BsGUGr4B-x3T6wsmeZpXopx9Ud2sqwRiWSVflqycnOsn-nIwbfiywhmvdb49vk/s1600/DSC_1777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1m8nzmfs9lukTcEhPLe0YKa3D9CWHJsv3STPvP2Cv4m9hgEX0eDpHfLEv5FgqAboRB5wBcbLvpn2_BsGUGr4B-x3T6wsmeZpXopx9Ud2sqwRiWSVflqycnOsn-nIwbfiywhmvdb49vk/s400/DSC_1777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Carolina mountains to the north</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyObNqnuSKj-W6Wf9mgDzYGxMnWifgs5VFSL_xncmcqQKjPcETdK_FYoE4vz18pFlDihJYxM4F6oSm8C1AO-4wkMWhhRoq_lIh8hLgIUoC0UHAQ6UOKfYI3WxxwpAvXEE79sWVOy-RXk/s1600/DSC_1793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyObNqnuSKj-W6Wf9mgDzYGxMnWifgs5VFSL_xncmcqQKjPcETdK_FYoE4vz18pFlDihJYxM4F6oSm8C1AO-4wkMWhhRoq_lIh8hLgIUoC0UHAQ6UOKfYI3WxxwpAvXEE79sWVOy-RXk/s400/DSC_1793.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the AT switchbacks its way down the mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77D98WaFKM3gEfqzROsRjaZ-jalEFEOz3PfKrfF3hqXZZ_zRJBS1cNjce2AfusDWTKGp-jqSuqobvP9wFjg240sokjQsRuUCwazh1nmDsuqyOEG8NwgDy1m2Ks_5LDO_52pdWwa1rOaE/s1600/DSC_1797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77D98WaFKM3gEfqzROsRjaZ-jalEFEOz3PfKrfF3hqXZZ_zRJBS1cNjce2AfusDWTKGp-jqSuqobvP9wFjg240sokjQsRuUCwazh1nmDsuqyOEG8NwgDy1m2Ks_5LDO_52pdWwa1rOaE/s400/DSC_1797.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">obligatory dog picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">headwaters of the nearby Chattahoochee River<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-31553355761583823632013-02-07T14:28:00.000-08:002013-02-07T14:28:48.793-08:00Thank You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just wanted to send a quick note to thank everyone that has been so supportive of my little adventure up to this point. I'm proud to announce that I have already gone past my $500 goal for the year and it's only the first week in February! Thank you so much to everyone. I guess the pressure is on me now to keep it up. (On a side note I did see a surgeon today about a hernia I have developed. It looks like surgery can hold off for now but that could change at any time - Keep your fingers crossed! Luckily the recommended recovery activity is walking, so the surgeon can't be too mad at me if I hike up a mountain, right?) I have gone ahead and raised my goal for the year to $1,500 and hope to have to raise it again. Also I'm working on some t-shirts or maybe some other fun giveaways if those work out so stay tuned. I'm still planning to get to as many mountains as I can, including some in the Smokies and Shenandoah National Park in the next few months as well as many others here in the southeast and will be blogging (that still feels weird to say) when I do so. If anyone has any mountains or great hikes in mind or wants to join me, just let me know - I'm up for anything. Again, thanks so much to everyone for your support. </div>
-R.E.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-13346588946272172692013-01-27T14:46:00.000-08:002013-01-27T15:25:45.358-08:00Summit # 27 - Blood Mountain, GA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I headed up to one of Georgia's most famous peaks this morning and enjoyed 5 mile out and back to the summit of Blood Mountain. At 4,458 feet it is the highest point on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail and the sixth highest peak in the state. I was excited to have a clear, cold day to take some pictures at the summit with my Nikon DSLR until I reached the top and realized that I had foolishly failed to charge the battery before leaving home. Hence the grainy, blurry cell phone pictures you will see below. They will give you some idea of how beautiful it is on the summit on a clear day anyways. On the bright side I have an excuse to head back up there with a fully charged camera (not that I needed one). I had my first good fall of the year today - a tumbling, thundering, arms and legs flailing embarassment of a fall. My first reaction was to be sure that I didn't manage to actually injure myself (I didn't, if you don't count my ego) and my second was to look around and see if there was anyone around that had seen my glorious tumble (thankfully there wasn't). I thought for a second my dog Jax may have been laughing but I figured the secret was good with him. Of course I'm blabbering about it on the internet so I guess it's not a secret anyways.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AT winds it's way up Blood Mtn.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of many great views from the summit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blood Mountain shelter, built in 1933</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a nice chuckle from this</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of us got a nice nap on the way home</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-60060530315624830502013-01-21T05:34:00.000-08:002013-01-21T05:34:04.807-08:00Summit # 20 - Medlin Mountain, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few buddies and I spent the weekend hiking the 20 mile Foothills/Fork Mountain/Chattooga Loop located in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness along the Chattooga River. In the process we climbed Medlin Mountain, which at 3,143 ft. is the 12th highest peak in South Carolina. This is our 12th consecutive MLK Weekend backpacking trip and over the years we have seen a little bit of everything - icy mountain roads, car accidents, sub-zero temperatures, "interesting" locals and all sorts of wildlife. One year we even hiked 9 miles in the wrong direction - I'll save that story for a future blog. This year we had a great trip and my only regret is forgetting to take a picture of our table at Wendy's afterwards. My buddy Casey shot some video with his GoPro (an awesome gadget that I now must have) so I'll have some videos to post at some point but for now here's some pictures from our trip:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Creek Falls<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp on Night 1 along the Chattooga<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">start of the hike up Medlin Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heavily wooded summit of Medlin Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">here we are probably talking about food<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">entering the Ellicott Rock Wilderness</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">camp Night 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgems6ut7hdbFn1kx_wLwNU1wJ7vjzIA7dghGrXaOvTuAw0AhXE3W_D88NbMToDKszNkPWWIvPrXZVTI9H2LJzejWkxxj_a35np1X29OA-NbCCmY1n7URFGNc6sDV76L5-tW7bWw7SACbk/s1600/P1010983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgems6ut7hdbFn1kx_wLwNU1wJ7vjzIA7dghGrXaOvTuAw0AhXE3W_D88NbMToDKszNkPWWIvPrXZVTI9H2LJzejWkxxj_a35np1X29OA-NbCCmY1n7URFGNc6sDV76L5-tW7bWw7SACbk/s400/P1010983.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thanks to my buddy Joe (www.suburbanwino.com) for the awesome travel wine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fire picture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of several stream crossings made difficult because of recent heavy rains</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished up back along the thundering Chattooga</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-72216012298660460382013-01-13T12:49:00.000-08:002013-01-13T12:49:01.797-08:00Summit # 14 - Springer Mountain (1-13-2013)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I woke up early this morning and made the 90 minute drive up to Springer Mountain, a 3,782 foot peak that makes up the southern terminus of the famous Appalachian Trail. On a clear day there are great views from the summit but today was foggy and drizzly. I was grateful to have the short mile-long hike up to the summit all to myself (I suppose the Atlanta Falcons playoff game later in the afternoon may have had something to do with that). The plaque and first of an estimated 160,000 white blazes announces the start of the trail that travels 2,179 miles north to Mt. Katahdin in Maine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AT Trail Register<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to make my own entry in the register<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First few steps on the trail descending from the summit<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springer Mtn. Shelter near the summit</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3315169437140685971.post-91971757586796521182013-01-06T08:26:00.000-08:002013-01-06T09:31:23.902-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On January 1, 2013 I hiked up Kennesaw Mountain, a small appalachian peak near the otherwise crowded suburb of Marietta, GA. I have done so every day since and will continue to do so until I have climbed a mountain 365 times in the year 2013. I have plans to climb as many different mountains as possible over the year and already have some picked out in North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania and of course north Georgia. Rain or shine, snow or heat, I will hike. Figuring that I may miss a day or two due to illness or injury, I will double up on other days until I have accomplished my goal. My only criteria is that 1. the mountain must have an official name and 2. I must hike up to the top of the peak. No driving to a parking lot at the top and walking the last few feet. I can't say for sure exactly where or when I hatched this idea but it was probably on a hike somewhere, daydreaming with my ipod on. Why do this you ask? I have several reasons. First is the simple reason that I love hiking. Nothing makes me feel better or helps me to figure out life's complexities quite like an hour or two in the woods. I'm always calmer, happier, and more content after a day on a mountain. Those of you who spend time in the outdoors know exactly what I'm talking about. Second is that I'm now in my mid 30's. Admittedly I have not exactly been an ironman the past 15 or so years (those who know me are laughing right now) and this is as good a time as any to challenge myself a bit and try to ward off Father Time as long as possible. The third (and most important) reason is simple - cancer. We all have been touched by this disease at some point or another. The medical community has made amazing strides in diagnosis and treatment of cancer but there is still much work to be done. Somewhere out there is a cure waiting to be discovered. More dollars equals more research. So this brings me to my main point. I am hiking up a mountain 365 times in the year 2013 to raise money for the American Cancer Society, a fantastic organization that works to find a cure for the disease and helps those that are currently fighting it. I have struggled back and forth with a goal amount to set and have decided on $500. Of course I'd love to raise much more but if I can raise $500 over the course of the year, I'm happy. I will be blogging here periodically when something moves me to do so. You can track my progress daily at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/RyanEtter">http://twitter.com/RyanEtter</a>. So if you have a few extra dollars lying around and want to donate to a great (and tax deductible) cause, please visit my donation page listed at the top right side of the page. Thanks so much!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06257002208832822223noreply@blogger.com5