“Let me recommend the best medicine in the world: a long journey, at a mild season, through a pleasant country, in easy stages.” –James Madison

We are excited that our Appalachian Trail journey finally begins April 13th at Springer Mountain, Georgia. The weather forecasts show rain the first five days of our hike, (at least it isn’t snow, right?). A recent correspondence from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy stated the trail length this year is 2,189.2 miles. That is 9.2 miles more than we expected. Oh, well — merely a drop in the bucket at that point and a bit more beauty in nature to enjoy!

Much thanks to Erin at the Shelby Daily Globe for a wonderful article on the Hike for John in last Saturday’s edition. Mark from the Mansfield News Journal and Curt from Richland Source are writing articles for this week. Thanks to both! We will provide these fine reporters with updates and photos during our hike that they can share with their readers. So many folks are following our adventure and praying for us. What a wonderful community of friends! Words cannot express our appreciation and the support shown for the Gurney Family.

Our next post will be from Georgia after we step foot on the AT.
With Great Anticipation,  Chief and Toad