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Jefferson Hill hiked the Appalachian Trail for WWP

Shadowfax

Jefferson Hill

Trail: Appalachian Trail     Goal: 2185 Miles
Dates: Mar 001 2015 - Sep 002 2015
My name is Jeff Hill from York, SC and I've been planning a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail since April 2014. I was still active duty in the United States Marine Corps at this time and decided after my enlistment there would be no better time to ... more
Total
Pledges
Total
per Mile
Total
Pledged
Miles
Hiked
Dollars
Hiked
Total
Donated

32

$1.23

$2687.55

2185

$2687.55

$1489.55

Wounded Warrior Project serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families. On that date, America watched in horror ... more
Journal

One Month In, Week Five 'Mar 31 - Apr 6'

Flint Mtn. Shelter, NC - Hump Mtn., TN - Mile 402 - Apr 6th, 2015

March 31st - Day 31
My pace was slow coming back onto the trail. Part of me was worried about car sickness while the other part was getting back into hiker mode after the zero days. I was able to catch back up to Clockwise after an 18 mile hike to Flint Mountain Shelter, NC. The majority was uphill that involved a lot of climbing because the ridge line was mostly boulders. Fun fact of the day, I met Chef who supposedly, at one time, was Michael Jackson’s personal chef. 


April 1st - Day 32
Today marks 1 month on the AT! After 11 miles in I had to hike under an underpass. Just before the interstate there was a man set up with trail magic who I totally missed. I didn’t find this out until 7.9 miles later when I got to Bald Mountain Shelter, NC. I was then informed that he had to set up his trail magic on one side of the cemetery to be in TN. If he was on the other side he would have been in NC and apparently, NC has a lot of rules and regulations regarding trail magic.
April 2nd - Day 33
Now that its warming up I’m seeing more snakes. I saw my second copperhead within a week on our 16.8 mile hike to Uncle Johnny’s Hostel in Erwin, TN. The hike was 75% downhill. However, the other 25% was an exhausting steep uphill climb. This hostel was similar to Standing Bear. The town of Erin has a river that runs along it and a train that comes through the town everyday. It reminded me of Hot Springs, NC just not as small. We went to a mexican restaurant to eat then, to a small Walmart to resupply. They didn’t have as much “hiker food” as other non-chain stores in other towns. Luckily, I was able to buy insoles for my shoes because the ones that came with the shoes were done-zo. The old soles practically had a footprint through the insole into the bottom!
April 3rd - Day 34
We left early to beat the afternoon rain. The first few miles were steep uphill climb that but eventually evened out. We were told Fresh Ground would be at Indian Grave Gap, TN so we did a brisk hike to meet him. However, he was gone by the time we arrived and another fellow had taken his place and we gladly accepted his sweets. As soon as we left there, the rain arrived. Luckily it was only a small shower. After the 12.3 miles we arrived at a campsite where we met Oyster and his dog Nate. During a later thunderstorm I was unable to sleep so I opened an AT Conservancy magazine I picked up earlier. On the first page was an article about a thru-hiker from Rock Hill, SC. It blew my mind to think the first article I read was about a girl from where I grew up.
April 4th - Day 35
It was a short day, 13.9 miles to Clyde Smith Shelter, TN. Journaling is slow, however, I’m hoping to make future posts longer and more detailed for those of you following at home. 

April 5th - Day 36

Today’s climb to Roan Mountain, TN was not steep but long. It took several hours just to hike it. We met a father and his daughter who were hiking the mountain. The eleven year old girl had a pack on the size of a normal thru-hiker. There was more ice than I expected during the decent down the mountain. I broke off icicles to enjoy on the way down. At the bottom I stopped at Carver’s Gap, TN to eat lunch. From there we went up Jane Bald, TN where there was a huge rock slab you could layout and relax on. I would highly recommend Carver’s Gap, TN for a satisfying day hike. Coming down Jane Bald, TN to Overmountain Shelter, TN was extremely muddy. We liked that Overmountain Shelter was 2 stories and blocked out the wind. We slept upstairs after the 15.5 miles.

April 6th - Day 37

In the morning, I was shocked to find no evidence of mice in the barn unlike the other shelters. I was the first out on the trail this morning and was able to see 8 deer during the hike. It was a 4-5 mile hike to Little Hump Mountain, TN then Hump Mountain,TN with lots of false summits. 3/10 of a mile off the AT was Jones Falls, TN. It was a high drop waterfall that was gorgeous. I finished the day hiking 13-14 miles to Mountaineer Shelter, TN. 

Total mileage thus far: 402.7

Shadowfax

Flint Mtn. Shelter, NC - Hump Mtn., TN - Mile 402 - Apr 6th, 2015

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Jeff, Sorry it has taken so long for me to get online and pay my pledge. I went in and paid mine to Wounded Warriors website. I am so proud of you for what you did... you are a remarkable man!

Kaye Smith

Mar 003 2016 06:07AM

Jeff, congratulations on completion of your goal and for supporting Woundsd Warriors. I've paid my pledge, although I'm listed as both Mike and William, we are one in the same.

William Hemlepp

Nov 15 2015 07:50AM

Happy you are safe and proud to have made good on my pledge--$100 to WWP today.

Dana Kay

Aug 14 2015 08:36AM

Thinking of you a lot and hoping the weather is getting better so you'll have no more frozen socks & boots. Praying for safety for you, Jon, and the many other hikers on the trail. Know that when you're tired and worn down, we've got your back. We're all pulling for you in reaching your goal! HUGS

Martha Simpson

Apr 20 2015 05:21AM

Thought of you, Jeff...as I read the following verse. The reference to the "tent" brought your face to my mind... got me thinking that as you hike and see God's creation each day...what a marvelous time in your life. I pray you relish, absorb it and give God the glory for All that He has done in your life and at this time of your life as you take each step in your journey---I pray that you recognize HIs voice as you personally witness the wind through the trees, the birds sing their praises to the One who created them and provides for them each day. I pray you see God through His works on the trails and mountains you will climb today, tomorrow and the next day---for that is why we are all here, to give honor, praise and glory to the Alpha/Omega, the beginning/the end, the all knowing, all seeing, ever present God who craves our attention and our relationship with Him....so much so that He came as a man. xoxoxox--Aunt Missy

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (‭Psalm‬ ‭19‬:‭1-14‬ ESV)

Melissa Porter

Apr 10 2015 04:11AM

Keeping up with your progress on here and with Ashlyn. Keep charging forward. We are enjoying the updated photos and journal entries.

Ray Barnwell

Apr 002 2015 02:57AM

Loving the updates. You're a month in today and we all are behind you in spirit! :)

Martha Simpson

Apr 001 2015 07:03AM

Keep em comin!

Fletcher Partridge

Apr 001 2015 05:01AM

Wow! Such an impressive goal, and raising awareness for others to boot! Proud of you. Ashlyn keeps us updated and you are missed and always on our minds and in our hearts.

Martha Simpson

Mar 31 2015 05:31AM

Praying and Thinking of you!! If you through KY, I can bring you socks!!! ;0)

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭3-11‬ ESV)

Melissa Porter

Mar 21 2015 1:23PM

Thinking of you while you are on the trail and love getting your updates... Praying for safe journey, new friends, plenty of provisions, your health, and an experience of a lifetime. You and Jon watch out for each other and we shall see you soon. Proud of you! Love Mom

Holly Hill

Mar 15 2015 5:18PM

Thinking of you while you are on the trail and love getting your updates... Praying for safe journey, new friends, plenty of provisions, your health, and an experience of a lifetime. You and Jon watch out for each other and we shall see you soon. Proud of you! Love Mom

Holly Hill

Mar 009 2015 02:17AM

Jeff, wishing you the very best of luck on your upcoming journey. As much as this trip is an adventure that will test your strength and personal will, I have to say I'm impressed with your selfless desire to help others in the process. Congrats to you for making this a reality as I know you've worked hard for a long time and have been patient in the process. You've earned this opportunity to explore our lands and reflect on this great nation you helped protect. Remember, wave to the cars when walking over I-70 in MAryland and call upon me at anytime!

Fletcher Partridge

Feb 27 2015 05:54AM

Sponsor this hike

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Sponsors

William Hemlepp
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 paid!

Tim Malone
Fantastic job, Jeff! Honored to join the WWP!
$0.10 per mile
up to $218.50

$218.50 paid!

Patty Daugherty
Bless you for doing this for our Wounded Warriors.
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$109.25 paid!

sydney waring
Good luck. Glad you r supporting WW. TY for yr service
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$109.25 paid!

Barnwell Farms
I am proud of you and what you are doing.
$0.07 per mile
up to $152.95

$152.95 due

Tina McCully Davis
Stay strong and safe... Thank you for your service!
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$109.25 due

Martha Simpson
Prayers for Safety, Provisions, and Good Weather! MS
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$109.25 due

Pella DQ
Semper Fi Marines! Proud of you!
$0.01 per mile
up to $21.85

$50.00 paid!

Paul Tate
Semper Fi
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 due

James and Marjory Blankenship
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$50.00 paid!

Kaye Smith
OOHRAH!!!! Enjoy but be safe!
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 due

Dana Kay
God is my strong refuge he makes my pathway safe.
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$100.00 paid!

Beth Martinez
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 paid!

Harry Miller
This is awesome man, have fun!
$0.01 per mile
up to $21.85

$21.85 due

Anonymous
If you ain't TAP!
$0.10 per mile
up to $218.50

$218.50 due

Tim Harris
Good luck Jeff and Jon
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 due

Anonymous
$0.10 per mile
up to $218.50

$218.50 paid!

Emma Hill
I am so incredibly proud of you!
$0.04 per mile
up to $87.40

$87.40 due

Laura dostert
Good luck Jeff!
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$109.25 due

John Wentling
Awesome adventure Jeff, we will keep you in our prayers.
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$50.00 paid!

Mike Hemlepp
Proud of you Jeff. Saddle up.
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 due

Jim Wheeler
Bless you Jeff
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$100.00 paid!

Jan Oliver
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 due

Tommy Ayers
Semper Fi
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 due

Wayne Broach
Semper Fi! Glad to help.
$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70

$43.70 due

Greg Linn
"Not all who wander are lost..." - J.R.R. Tolkien
$0.02 per mile
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$43.70 due

Colleen Linn
Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but
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$43.70 due

Fletcher Partridge
Get r done
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$43.70 due

sandy alford
Good luck!
$0.04 per mile
up to $87.40

$87.40 paid!

Anonymous
Great cause! Best of luck on the hike.
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$150.00 paid!

Anonymous
So proud of you for doing this!!
$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25

$109.25 paid!

Melissa Porter
What an adventure!!! Many blessings to you!!!
$0.03 per mile
up to $65.55

$50.00 paid!