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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
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 achieve this personal goal of mine since I won't be enrolled in college at this time, committed to a career, no children to take care of, and many other reasons. Although not all hikers make it to Katahdin, whether because of injury, lack of funds, or just loss of interest/perseverance please understand it would take more than this to keep me from completing the thru-hike. Now... although the act of hiking is individualistic and often solitary, I figure why not harness the awesome power of family/friends and give back to the community in the process? Hiking for a cause. I'm very certain everyone is familiar with the Wounded Warriors Project and who they help, our military. If you're not, it would take no time to see and understand the ones they're helping. What would take even less time is donating to them through my miles. Everyone is eager to avoid scams, and very cautious to not let that dollar go to waste but, to give back to the ones who have given up more sacrifices than most humans will ever be able to understand is a very noble and extraordinary feeling for the giver. Rather seeing it as flushing the money down the drain, I highly suggest you watch a WWP video (http://youtu.be/oeg389PN3_U) showing exactly who your money will help and reconsider. Feel the overwhelming pride in yourself and know secretly that the next time you thank a member of the military, you've gone above and beyond the usual handshake, smile and "Thank you for your service". less
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Total
Pledges |
Total
per Mile |
Total
Pledged |
Miles
Hiked |
Dollars
Hiked |
Total
Donated |
32 |
$1.23 |
$2687.55 |
2185 |
$2687.55 |
$1489.55 |
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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
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 as approximately 3,000 people died including hundreds of firefighters and rescue workers. Many warriors note a sense of duty to volunteer for the military following these tragic events. less
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The Birth of Shadowfax, Week One 'Mar 1 - Mar 7'
Springer Mtn, GA - Deep Gap Shelter, GA - Mile 66 - Mar 7th, 2015
March 1st - Day 1
It was a 6.5 mile hike up the service road to the beginning of the trail at Springer Mountain, GA. Ice still covered the dirt roads so driving to the top was not an option. We didn’t expect to use our crampons so early but, we were thankful to have them. Walking up Springer Mountain was definitely not easy. Once at the top we had to have our trail names chosen. I chose Shadowfax (Gandolf’s horse) and Jon’s name is Clockwise (Marine story). When we finally reached the top of Springer, we met a new friend named Mello who decided to hike with us. We finished another 2.8 miles at Stover Creek Shelter, GA where we stayed the night to begin the trail the next day! (Although the mileage was put on our legs hiking the service road, I am not counting them in the total mileage because they are not considered actual miles on the AT.)

March 2nd - Day 2
The first night wasn’t as cold as I expected and my gear held up allowing for a good hard sleep. We hiked 13 miles and 2 big hills to Gooch Mtn. Shelter, GA. The ice was bad during the morning but started melting, turning into mushy mud. Muscle aches, wet socks, and wet shoes have set in. Idaho instant potatoes and Cinnamon Quaker Oats are by far the best eating. Future forecast isn’t looking so good, calling for cold and rain the next few days.

March 3rd - Day 3 

It was a wet night and day. We hiked 8.5 miles to Lance Creek Campsite. Injury free and full of food but sweating and sopping wet even with rain gear. If the gear is actually waterproof, then it seems like a common problem that the material doesn’t breathe correctly. Whether I’m getting rained on or I’m trapping all sweat inside, I’m soaked either way by the end of the day.
March 4th - Day 4
I awoke from another hard nights sleep just to put on cold wet socks and shoes. After the 7.4 mile hike to Neels Gap, GA we decided to stay in a cabin due to crappy weather. Cabins along the trail are not for the faint of heart. Remember, hiker after dirty hiker stays in them just to move on and have more come through. Along today’s hike we passed a tree today covered with the shoes of quitters. I’ve decided my pair will stay on my feet.
March 5th - Day 5
Most miserable day by far. It was a freezing 11.5 mile hike to a Low Gap Shelter, GA to find it was full. Hiked another 2 miles just to set the tent up with the cover tarp in strong winds and rain. It is supposed to get below 20 tonight with sleet. Will forever hold a record in my top 10 most miserable days of my life, not kidding. The only good thing that came from it was the trail magic. Thru-hikers from the past set up tents with “magic†waiting inside or leave “sprinkles†on the trail. We’ve hit it three times over the journey so far. One guy had a tent setup with banana pancakes, fruit and coffee. I found a Dr. Pepper on a sign post which was heaven. Then, this morning, another tent was setup with bacon, fruit, snickers, and beer. The extra calories make the next day feel easier. Later on, I woke up to find my shoes were solid ice and a layer of sleet covering my tarp. Throughout the evening we heard branches falling around us and prayed none landed on the tents. 

March 6th - Day 6
We stopped after 7.7 miles from our campsite at Unicoi Gap, GA to get shuttled to a hostel in Hiawassee because the same weather was predicted for tonight as last night. It took 2 hours just to break camp and 45 minutes of walking before my shoes formed back to my feet. Around 2:00pm we arrived at Top of Georgia hostel with a foreigner we met, we named, Herman the German. The others are having knee troubles but I’m holding up. We rewarded ourselves with an all you can eat buffet for $7 where I consumed four plates of food and big salad. While at Top of Georgia we also picked up enough food to last us the 4-5 day hike to Franklin, NC. We are aiming to cross into NC by Monday!
March 7th - Day 7
The night was terrible due to a cold front that came in. However, on today’s hike we finally had our first view other than fog at the top of Tray Mountain, GA! We hiked 13.1 miles and stayed at Deep Gap Shelter, GA. I decided to sleep away from the shelter to avoid other hikers snoring and the unwanted mice infestation.
Total mileage thus far: 66
Shadowfax
Springer Mtn, GA - Deep Gap Shelter, GA - Mile 66 - Mar 7th, 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
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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
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Happy you are safe and proud to have made good on my pledge--$100 to WWP today.
Dana Kay
Aug 14 2015 08:36AM
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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
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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. (â€Psalm‬ â€19‬:â€1-14‬ ESV)
Melissa Porter
Apr 10 2015 04:11AM
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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
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Loving the updates. You're a month in today and we all are behind you in spirit! :)
Martha Simpson
Apr 001 2015 07:03AM
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Keep em comin!
Fletcher Partridge
Apr 001 2015 05:01AM
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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
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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. (â€Isaiah‬ â€40‬:â€3-11‬ ESV)
Melissa Porter
Mar 21 2015 1:23PM
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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
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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
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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
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William Hemlepp
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 paid!
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Tim Malone
Fantastic job, Jeff! Honored to join the WWP!
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$0.10 per mile
up to $218.50
$218.50 paid!
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Patty Daugherty
Bless you for doing this for our Wounded Warriors.
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$109.25 paid!
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sydney waring
Good luck. Glad you r supporting WW. TY for yr service
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$109.25 paid!
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Barnwell Farms
I am proud of you and what you are doing.
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$0.07 per mile
up to $152.95
$152.95 due
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Tina McCully Davis
Stay strong and safe... Thank you for your service!
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$109.25 due
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Martha Simpson
Prayers for Safety, Provisions, and Good Weather! MS
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$109.25 due
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Pella DQ
Semper Fi Marines! Proud of you!
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$0.01 per mile
up to $21.85
$50.00 paid!
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Paul Tate
Semper Fi
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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James and Marjory Blankenship
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$50.00 paid!
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Kaye Smith
OOHRAH!!!! Enjoy but be safe!
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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Dana Kay
God is my strong refuge he makes my pathway safe.
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$100.00 paid!
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Beth Martinez
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 paid!
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Harry Miller
This is awesome man, have fun!
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$0.01 per mile
up to $21.85
$21.85 due
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Anonymous
If you ain't TAP!
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$0.10 per mile
up to $218.50
$218.50 due
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Tim Harris
Good luck Jeff and Jon
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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Anonymous
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$0.10 per mile
up to $218.50
$218.50 paid!
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Emma Hill
I am so incredibly proud of you!
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$0.04 per mile
up to $87.40
$87.40 due
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Laura dostert
Good luck Jeff!
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$109.25 due
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John Wentling
Awesome adventure Jeff, we will keep you in our prayers.
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$50.00 paid!
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Mike Hemlepp
Proud of you Jeff. Saddle up.
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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Jim Wheeler
Bless you Jeff
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$100.00 paid!
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Jan Oliver
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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Tommy Ayers
Semper Fi
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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Wayne Broach
Semper Fi! Glad to help.
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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Greg Linn
"Not all who wander are lost..." - J.R.R. Tolkien
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$0.02 per mile
up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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Colleen Linn
Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but
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up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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Fletcher Partridge
Get r done
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up to $43.70
$43.70 due
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sandy alford
Good luck!
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$0.04 per mile
up to $87.40
$87.40 paid!
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Anonymous
Great cause! Best of luck on the hike.
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$150.00 paid!
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Anonymous
So proud of you for doing this!!
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$0.05 per mile
up to $109.25
$109.25 paid!
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Melissa Porter
What an adventure!!! Many blessings to you!!!
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$0.03 per mile
up to $65.55
$50.00 paid!
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