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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

The White's

Lincoln, NH - Mile 1815 - Aug 3rd, 2015

The White's
Mile 1815
Day 126
Lincoln, New Hampshire
The White Mountains are majestic. This is what it is all about. The climbs are steep, descents also, but the views are spectacular.
My friend, Avocado Blister, made it 20 miles in two days. She picked me up off the side of the road at 4am. I had night hiked 10 miles to meet her. She found me asleep under my sleeping bag, fighting off mosquitoes and exhaustion. We slept in the car for a bit, then got some breakfast and dropped her car at the end point. We hitched four separate rides and walked 3 miles to get back to the trailhead. 100 yards into the trail, she had a blister the size of a quarter on her right heel. She pushed through the pain and made it ten miles. We decided to stay at a Hostel at the base of Mt. Moosilauke. She got to meet a bunch of thru-hikers, a shower and to sleep on a bed. We had some popcorn and sat around a massive campfire. It was a good night.
The following morning we made our summit attempt. A mile in, she was hurting a bit. I offered her an out and said if she wasn't feeling it, that now was the time to turn around. That there are no more roads for 9 miles. She said she'd push on a bit further.
I sprinted ahead at my normal pace. I would wait for her about a mile up and see how she was feeling.
Relaxing on a rock, I watched her coming up the mountain. I could see her fighting the pain. I asked how she was doing and she said, "Well, I'm not quitting!"
Exactly what I wanted to hear.
Two hours later, we were nearing the summit. I got some great shots of her nearing the peak. See below.
We made it down the near vertical north side in a couple hours and found trail magic as we completed her 20 mile journey. After cold sodas and cooking us some hot dogs, the nice couple offered to take us back to her car. We accepted and her journey was complete.
We walked over to the local watering hole for a few cold drinks. We talked about the trail. About over-coming obstacles and motivating oneself.
She got a good dose of what this thing is all about.
Before heading back to Virginia, she dropped me off at the very picnic table we received trail magic at. I slept on top of it for a bit, but moved underneath it as a little rain came through. A picnic table is a nearly perfect tent. Except for the spiders and food scraps...
I made it 14 miles yesterday before stopping at the Lonesome Lake Hut. I asked if they had any work-for-stay opportunities. They said sure, they could always use a hand. Four other thru hikers did the same. They put me and Forest to work on relocating a giant stack of firewood from one shed to the other. Flo would stack the wood and the older thru hikers would give an Appalachian Trail Q and A to the guests staying at the hut.
Forest and I thought they got the short end of the stick.
We gave them an hours effort, then waited around for everyone to finish dinner. After the guests, the thru hikers were welcome to any leftovers. It was stuffed-shells night with fresh baked bread. I had four servings. What a day.
This morning we swept the floor and organized some bookshelves. We were fed scrambled eggs, cornbread and bacon. Now I could get used to this sort of thing!
I made it 3 miles this morning, before deciding to hitch back into town. I needed some new shoes. My feet were starting to hurt the last few days. The soles were coming apart, the tread missing and my god did they stink.
I hit up the outfitter and got a pair of trail runners. I resupplied my candy cache and bought 6 new pair of socks from the dollar store. Later, after two slices of pizza, I went to a matinee showing of Mission Impossible. The movie stunk, but it was nice to just sit down. It was 90 degrees today. It may drop down to the low forties at night. I'm about to head back to the trail, but probably won't hike. I'm just relaxing and enjoying the rest of the day.
I'm very content knowing that I'm exactly where I am supposed to be.
I have 8-9 days before my parents drive up to visit. 8-9 days to get to Maine. I told them I had to walk into Maine before they picked me up.
I'm excited to see them and that beautiful black labrador, Jumbie. I predict she may enjoy Maine more than any of us.
New Hampshire is officially the best state yet. It's what the Smokies was supposed to be. Waterfalls, granite faces, cliffs, vistas and so much more. It's tough, yet rewarding.
Two-Dogs had to get off trail with giardia. He said he'll be back on in a month.
Six Strings got Lyme Disease, but is probably 100 miles from Katahdin.
Mammoth got off trail to go tag Rhode Island and then returned to the trail and should be about finished. I imagine he's on his way, by foot, to Alaska, to finish his quest.
Rocky Mountain High is still just a day or two behind.
Special thanks to Avocado Blister for making the long drive, a great effort and good times.
I owe you one.
4 weeks left.
Still going strong.

Jason

Lincoln, NH - Mile 1815 - Aug 3rd, 2015

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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
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$109.45 due

John Wohlfarth
$0.05 per mile
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$109.45 paid!

Lance Gilason
Go big or go home my man
$0.05 per mile
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$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
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$21.89 due

carl barg
$0.05 per mile
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$109.45 due

todd melancon
good luck buddy. Rougarou and Palomino
$0.03 per mile
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$65.66 paid!

Bruce Peckens
Enjoy the views
$0.03 per mile
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$65.67 due

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

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

Jon Sprick
Go, Jason! The Spricks are cheering for you. Enjoy it, man.
$0.05 per mile
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$110.00 paid!

Corey Rader
Enjoy the view and the adventure
$0.25 per mile
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$547.00 paid!

kevin farischon
"Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure"
$0.25 per mile
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$550.00 paid!

Brian Gingrich
Enjoy the journey and be safe.
$0.02 per mile
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$50.00 paid!

Sean Snider
Beaver up, Beaver down
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$21.89 due

Kevin Daniels
always trust it. beaver up.
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$109.44 paid!

Jerry Hoehn
My feet hurt just thinking about hikiing 2,189 miles!
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$57.83 paid!

Anerew Smith
$0.05 per mile
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$109.44 paid!

John Peter
Good Luck Jason looking forward to hearing your progress
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$109.44 paid!

brandon smith
"_____ isn't about the destination, but the journey."
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John Finch
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$109.45 due

Bethany Pope
Keep beavering and inspiring! Grab life! Much love.
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Aimee Connerton
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$109.45 due

Roy Kinna III
Something I always wanted to do. Best of luck!
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$109.44 paid!

mary spencer
We are proud of you no matter what! You're loved
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Tasha Sheehan
We'll be thinking of you every step of the way!
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Scott Nelson
Good luck, remember left, right, left, right ...
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Colter Bell
Always Beaver
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Erica Zamensky
I love your spirit of adventure! May your journey ROCK!
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chris shriver
hokie hokie hokie high
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$218.90 due

Mike and Beth barg
Enjoy the views. Beth will be worried the entire trip,me too
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$547.24 paid!

Katie Griffin
You can do it, Jase! Be safe!
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$109.44 paid!

nancy farischon
Good Luck Jason and be safe!
$0.05 per mile
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$109.48 paid!

Clif Dayton
Great endeavor, go concur it! Will miss you this summer.
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$110.00 paid!

Craig Crockett
Make sure you are rocking your Hokie gear! Good Luck
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$218.90 due

arnie barg
Jason, Bailey wants to go with you !
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$109.45 due

Sean McLean
Kick its Ass SeaBass! I'll get you 4 boilermakers afterward
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$87.56 paid!

alison mclean
Good luck, Bro. This is a very inspiring endeavor. You can!!
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$218.90 paid!

Jason Barg
$0.01 per mile
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$50.00 paid!