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Jason Barg hiked the Appalachian Trail for TNC and StJUDE

Jason

Jason Barg

Trail: Appalachian Trail     Goal: 2189 Miles
Dates: Mar 31 2015 - Sep 30 2015
Outdoor enthusiast. Hiking for the challenge, the thrill, the adventure. Looking to figure it all out. This is really just a personal journey, but thought some people would want to get involved and this is a good way to give back. I figured ... more
Total
Pledges		 Total
per Mile		 Total
Pledged		 Miles
Hiked		 Dollars
Hiked		 Total
Donated

43

$3.03

$6632.67

2189

$6632.67

$4775.58

$3316.33 $2387.79 (50%)


$3316.33 $2387.79 (50%)

Journal
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Day 69

- Mile 953 - Jun 7th, 2015

Day 69
Been tough days. The terrain is relatively easy, but miles just take a lot of time. A lot of effort. The first seven or so hours are always the hardest. That gets me about 15 miles in. Sometimes I can catch a second wind and ride it out, but each day seems longer than the last.
Out of Waynesboro, It rained for 48 consecutive hours. I had days of 13 and 15 miles. I struggled to stay motivated. My tent leaks in heavy rains and I don't really carry any spare clothes, so everything was wet. The temps at night have been abnormally low. Lower forties at night. For June that is crazy cold. I had to boil water at night and pour it into my nalgene bottle for warmth. It provides warmth for nearly 2 hours. The following day the sun came out and I was able to dry everything in the sun and clean and dry my socks.
I started at noon and started thinking again of night hiking. I started breaking periodically to save some strength. At 9pm I had to get the headlamp on. I did 10 miles in 3.5 hours in pitch dark. 27 miles on the day. The night came with a dense fog that made visibility minimal. I missed a turn within the first mile, but caught it quick and scolded my self for being too nonchalant. I clapped, whistled and sang aloud to keep the bears away. There have been many recent bear sightings. It was a fun and exciting way to make great miles and to add some intensity to otherwise monotonous days.
Day 68 brought me to two campgrounds/lodges on skyline drive. I had 4 beers, a burger and fries at the first. Hiked ten miles further and stopped in for a burger and fries and ice cream at the next lodge. It had me in a good place this morning. Food is all that I care about. It makes everything alright.
I pushed hard today to get 18 miles to Elkwallow grill. Been lounging here a bit and will try night hiking again tonight. Want to try and get maybe 7 more miles in before stopping for the day. My ankle has been ok. It is in a bit of pain and is a concern, but I got a good feeling everything is going to be alright.
I should be in Front Royal tomorrow and Harpers Ferry by late Thursday night. If anyone is interested, I'l hang with family and friends Friday in Charles Town/Harpers Ferry and then have two buddies join me on the trail over the weekend. I should be in Pennsylvania by Monday.
Then my final push north. Fewer breaks. Bigger miles.
Nearing 1000 miles and more importantly, the halfway point.
The scales are tipping in my favor.
These harder days will only make me stronger. They make the good times sweeter. The highs a bit higher. I can't wait to push through the wall. My goal is to be done by August 31. I want to be able to coast the last month in Vermont and Maine. Should be perfect that time of year. One of the reasons for this trip was to get to Maine. I've never been north of New York City. I want to see the wilderness. The last few hundred miles in Virginia has a bit too many people and cars for my liking. Not to say I didn't like it. I love VA with all my heart. The trail is just a bit too close to comfort here. I need to get back to the basics.
The tough need to get going...
Pain is weakness leaving the body.
If there's a will, there's a way.
The best is yet to come.

Jason

- Mile 953 - Jun 7th, 2015

Guestbook
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83.00 paid, *see what I did there!?

Matt ODriscoll

Mar 009 2016 6:55PM

Jason,

Love your post. You are almost there!

John

John Peter

Jul 28 2015 08:19AM

I am amazed by your journey! Your writing logs make for great reading...I see wonderful fodder for an article in OUTSIDE. I just read a stat: Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four make it all the way. I totally believe, heart and soul, that you will make it...and write about it later. Enjoy your adventure! Erica and the Zoo

Erica Zamensky

Jun 30 2015 9:45PM

Maybe 2-4 days so we can sneak a bloody Sunday in there eh?

Sean Snider

May 22 2015 8:47PM

Were gonna get you some food here mate "gotta eat...and chug a dr. pepper"

Sean Snider

May 22 2015 8:44PM

How about the trail name of Coolhook.

Aimee Connerton

Apr 22 2015 6:00PM

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Sponsors

Brandon Smith
 $0.03 per mile
up to $65.67

$65.67 due
Brandon Barg
Way to go Jason! 		$0.50 per mile
up to $1094.50

$1094.50 paid!
Matt ODriscoll
Jay Bird Soars! 		$0.03 per mile
up to $65.67

$83.00 paid!
Chayne Caulfield
Epic experience that will last a lifetime! 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
Jim Lyons
Almost home Jason - keep hiking on! 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
John Wohlfarth
 $0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 paid!
Lance Gilason
Go big or go home my man 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
Elizabeth Krousel
Good luck! So proud of you and your journey! 		$0.03 per mile
up to $65.67

$65.67 due
Jen Ogden
 $0.01 per mile
up to $21.89

$21.89 due
carl barg
 $0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
todd melancon
good luck buddy. Rougarou and Palomino 		$0.03 per mile
up to $65.67

$65.66 paid!
Bruce Peckens
Enjoy the views 		$0.03 per mile
up to $65.67

$65.67 due
Alexandra Miller
See you out there soon! 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
Paul Mitchell
Go, Jason! The Spricks are cheering for you. Enjoy it, man. 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
Jon Sprick
Go, Jason! The Spricks are cheering for you. Enjoy it, man. 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$110.00 paid!
Corey Rader
Enjoy the view and the adventure 		$0.25 per mile
up to $547.25

$547.00 paid!
kevin farischon
"Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure" 		$0.25 per mile
up to $547.25

$550.00 paid!
Brian Gingrich
Enjoy the journey and be safe. 		$0.02 per mile
up to $43.78

$50.00 paid!
Sean Snider
Beaver up, Beaver down 		$0.01 per mile
up to $21.89

$21.89 due
Kevin Daniels
always trust it. beaver up. 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
Jerry Hoehn
My feet hurt just thinking about hikiing 2,189 miles! 		$0.03 per mile
up to $65.67

$57.83 paid!
Anerew Smith
 $0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
John Peter
Good Luck Jason looking forward to hearing your progress 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
brandon smith
"_____ isn't about the destination, but the journey." 		$0.03 per mile
up to $65.67

$65.67 due
John Finch
 $0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
Bethany Pope
Keep beavering and inspiring! Grab life! Much love. 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
Aimee Connerton
 $0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
Roy Kinna III
Something I always wanted to do. Best of luck! 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
mary spencer
We are proud of you no matter what! You're loved 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
Tasha Sheehan
We'll be thinking of you every step of the way! 		$0.03 per mile
up to $65.67

$65.67 due
Scott Nelson
Good luck, remember left, right, left, right ... 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
Colter Bell
Always Beaver 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
Erica Zamensky
I love your spirit of adventure! May your journey ROCK! 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
chris shriver
hokie hokie hokie high 		$0.10 per mile
up to $218.90

$218.90 due
Mike and Beth barg
Enjoy the views. Beth will be worried the entire trip,me too 		$0.25 per mile
up to $547.25

$547.24 paid!
Katie Griffin
You can do it, Jase! Be safe! 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.44 paid!
nancy farischon
Good Luck Jason and be safe! 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.48 paid!
Clif Dayton
Great endeavor, go concur it! Will miss you this summer. 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$110.00 paid!
Craig Crockett
Make sure you are rocking your Hokie gear! Good Luck 		$0.10 per mile
up to $218.90

$218.90 due
arnie barg
Jason, Bailey wants to go with you ! 		$0.05 per mile
up to $109.45

$109.45 due
Sean McLean
Kick its Ass SeaBass! I'll get you 4 boilermakers afterward 		$0.04 per mile
up to $87.56

$87.56 paid!
alison mclean
Good luck, Bro. This is a very inspiring endeavor. You can!! 		$0.10 per mile
up to $218.90

$218.90 paid!
Jason Barg
 $0.01 per mile
up to $21.89

$50.00 paid!