All About Family

After leaving Baltimore on Friday, I drove to Kentucky to spend a few days visiting with my folks and my family before beginning my hike. We had a nice get together on Sunday, a "send-off" as my mother called it, a "wake" as my brother Steve called it. Whatever, it was great to have this group together for the first time in WAY TOO LONG.

My AWESOME family in Kentucky

The adventure begins on Thursday of this week.  Steve, being the great brother he is, has volunteered to drive me five hours to Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia. From there, I will hike eight miles up the approach trail to Springer Mountain, which is where the Appalachian Trail actually begins.  Why they cannot just move the official starting point to the spot where the approach trail begins, I'll never know.

Mom's panic level has been downgraded to Code Orange after reading at least three books written by former Appalachian Trail hikers who for some very odd reason did not die during their hikes. Also, I got her this huge map to hang on the door so she can follow my progress via post cards and snail mail. Dare we tell her about the internet?... hmmm.

I cannot overstate my level of appreciation for how fortunate I am to have the good health required to be able to attempt this feat. I have a cousin in Ohio who would love to do something like this, but due to a multitude of health issues, it's not possible.

Richard Jeanette is awaiting a kidney and pancreas transplant. He has continued to work and has remained positive and upbeat, an inspiration to all who know him. Rich's wide network of friends have been busy organizing fund raising events to assist him financially with his mounting out-of-pocket medical expenses and anticipated lost wages. So I have decided to join in their efforts and hike on behalf of Rich.

For all of you who have said, "Kurt, how can I help you on your adventure?", well, here's how... 

Rich Jeanette

Please take a quick moment to click on my sponsorship page. Just a penny per mile will jack up my level of motivation on those really bad days, and if 100 people help out, we'll have raised over $2,000 to help Rich.

A Kidney for my Cousin

Rich's Dad, Bob Jeanette (right) and my Grandpa Joe Jeanette (left) were brothers from Bettsville, Ohio

The weather on the trail will be pretty chilly for the first few days. I don't expect to have access to wifi for updates until sometime next week. Until then, Happy Trails!