I’m Seth Rackley, my dad is Stuart, and together we’re through-hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound. I just got out of college and we are both as young as we’ll ever be, so for the next 6 months we’ll be wandering around the woods somewhere between Maine and Georgia. We will be regularly resupplying in towns along the way and posting pictures, stories, and progress updates to this blog whenever possible. Thanks for checking in.
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Hey guys. You are living a dream I had when I was about your age Seth. I tried it alone, as my Dad was unable to go. I didn’t last long though. So, we hiked Springer mtn to the Va state line on many 3 day weekends. We hiked the Smokies over a 9 day trek. I will follow your progress and wish you good luck and a great adventure. Mike Schrage
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Hi, Seth! I’ll be following your blog as you make your SOBO trek. (I had to look up NOBO.) Thanks for posting. I can send you some REI sock liners if you let me know where your next few resupply stops are. Also, do you need some no-seeum/mosquito netting? A 4′ x 8′ piece weighs about 2.5 ounces. Let me know if there’s anything I can get you! Praying for your feet. Jeni
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Vanilla Thunder? Should I ask?
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Hi Seth. Thanks for posting along your hike. It’s my favorite summer reading! Did you find your sock? Go back and look for it! I’ll be praying for you and your dad, specifically for your body aches!! Will you be posting your schedule for stops along the way? I would like to send you something VERY LIGHT WEIGHT, because I know you need to keep it light! My pack weighs-in around 16 lbs for my now-seemingly, very short, 30-mile hikes… Keep on trekking!!
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16, that’s great! I’d love to be able to get down lower, maybe by switching my tent for a hammock. My pack is pretty big and heavy itself. What pack are you using?
I never found the sock but an angel from heaven sent some new ones that are working fabulously. Glad you’re enjoying the blog and thanks for the prayers! I’ll try to get more of a schedule up in my next big post, possibly later this week.
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Thanks for keeping us updated on your adventure! I love the photos, and check your blog daily. Like John, I’d like to know what your stops will be. It sounds as though you could use some calories! Lightweight, of course. XOXOX
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Hi, my name is Jodi. I just moved from Cumming, GA where I worked in the planning dept.at Forsyth County to Carlisle, PA. The trail runs within walking distance of our new home. We would like to meet the two of you on your travels through. Denice was a great customer of mine in Forsyth County. Our love for dogs connected us in a great way. Please email me at jmalloway16@gmail.com when you have estimated date that you will be in Carlisle. Best of luck in your travels, what great memories you are making.
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There was an article in the AJC today about Scott Jurek the ultra marathoner completing the AT on July 15, in 46 days 8 hours and 7 minutes. Apparently he settled fines yesterday for $500 stemming from having a group of people meet him on top Mount Katahdin at the finish, where he popped a bottle of Champaign for a small celebration. The fine was for public drinking , over hiking with an oversized group and littering!!
Seth when you finish the Federal Park Rangers, TSA, ATF, DEA and others appreciate it if you kept it down, as there is to be no celebration, family or tears…..
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Haha, well, I can’t promise there won’t be a party, even if it’s just me and whoever else happens to be in Amicalola SP when I get there. But honestly I’m not really a fan of Jurek anyway, and the rules at Baxter SP are pretty well known as is the recent trouble they have with AT hikers deliberately breaking them. Whether or not they were trying to send a message through to others by citing him (his defense), the rules are the rules and I’m pretty sure he knew that going up there. But I guess his accomplishment is a little more of a big deal, and maybe worth the $500? I’m not out here to make any statements or set any records, just to to hike, so I’ll try to avoid any unnecessary and potentially costly celebratory measures. It’ll be enough for me just to take off the pack, get a shower, and put on some cotton. And maybe have an ice cream.
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Hi, Seth. It’s so good to hear that you’re not feeling an urgency to get home, but enjoying the journey. I thought I’d post a few things for you to think about on your way.
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you; or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10)
“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all of the trees of the forest will sing for joy; (Psalm 96:11-12)
“In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him.” (Psalm 95:4)
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (Psalm 19:1)
“For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities–His eternal power and divine nature– have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
While you’re in a place where His existence can’t be denied, I pray He speaks to you through His amazing works!
xoxox
Jeni
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