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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 Smokies, Week Four 'Mar 22 - Mar 28'
Cosby Knob, NC - Allen Gap, TN - Mile 290 - Mar 30th, 2015
March 22nd - Day 22
Today we hiked our first over 20 miles. 20.8 miles to be exact. This is now our preeminent mileage day, and those last couple miles really dragged on. We stayed at Cosby Knob, NC shelter but camped out in our tents since the shelter was full.
March 23rd - Day 23
Our bodies definitely felt the mileage from yesterday. We hiked 11 miles to Standing Bear Farm, NC. On our way up we overheard many hikers talking about a man named Curtis who passed away. We soon learned that he was the owner of the farm. It was a very rustic place but still had all the essentials. The way the resupply worked was based on the honor system. You took what foods you wanted, wrote it on the paper they provided, and before you left you would find who was in charge to pay for food and your bunk. They don’t really check over your math or see if you wrote all your purchased items down, they trust you to pay it all. I made sure to pay an extra $10 just because I’m sure somewhere they’ve had someone bail out on them in the middle of the night or not put several items down on their list. It was a very cool and welcoming place.
March 24th - Day 24
We hiked only 7.2 miles to Groundhog Creek Shelter, NC. We are trying to time it right for when Mama and Ashlyn come to visit in Hot Springs, NC. It was a welcomed sunny day with not a cloud in the sky.
March 25th - Day 25
It was another clear day as we hiked over Max Patch, NC. The mountain was cleared and used as a massive cow pasture in the 1800s. We hiked 13.1 miles to Walnut Mtn. Shelter, NC. Not too many other hikers stayed here. I imagine they all pushed to Hot Springs, NC for their zero days.
March 26th - Day 26
We arrived in Hot Springs, NC after another 13.1 miles and stayed at the Laughing Heart Lodge and Hostel. We caught up with Chip and signed up for this years Hiker Yearbook and are very excited for it to come out in October.
March 27th - Day 27
This morning I hiked 11 miles to Spring Mountain Shelter, TN. It was very, very cold and everything was soaked because of the freezing rain. About halfway to the shelter, the rain turned into big snowflakes. At first I was happy to see it, but it wasn’t long until I was very miserable and disappeared into my sleeping bag. When I brought out my kindle to watch The Silence of the Lambs not once, but many times, a silhouette of a mouse would run in front of the screen. It was only 10 inches away from my face!
March 28th - Day 28
Sometime in the night prior, the snow had stopped. It was still very cold and all my belongings were frozen. The most difficult part is putting on cold wet socks and trying to slide them in frozen stiff shoes. It was a fast paced 3.8 mile hike to Allen Gap, TN where Mama and Ashlyn were waiting to pick me up at Mom’s Store. We back tracked a little ways to Hot Springs and checked into the Spring Creek Tavern. The king size bed and bath tub were glorious. Below their rooms is the tavern with a laid back atmosphere with great food, live music, and a large selection of beer. There is even a patio over looking the French Broad River. Afterwards, we toured the small town indulging in its history. We walked on the old red bridge by the train tracks that goes over the river and lets you watch the train that comes into town everyday. For dinner we ate at the Iron Horse Station. This is more upscale for the area with excellent food and service. It is a definite repeater. They too have rooms that you can stay in above their restaurant.
http://thespringcreektavern.com/
http://www.theironhorsestation.com/
March 29th - Day 29 
We started the day with breakfast at the Smokey Mountain Diner. They have a breakfast skillet that will keep your hunger at bay til lunch or later! The town also has eclectic stores that sell lots of handmade items from jewelry to home decor. Along with handmade items, the ArtiSUN Gallery, also sells coffee, wine, fresh smoothies, and baked goods. The towns resupply store, Bluff Mountain Outfitter, carries all kinds of gear and food for hikers that most resupply stores do not. There is a large old scale that hikers can use to weigh themselves or their packs. So far I have lost 7 lbs. over the trail. Upstairs there is a topographical map room where the walls are covered with old maps of the south east mountain ranges.
http://www.bluffmountain.com/


*You can also find all the Hot Springs places mentioned on Facebook. 


March 30th- Day 30
Well today did not go as planned. Before leaving to continue the trail we went back to the Smokey Mtn. Diner and resupply store. Then, we left for Allen Gap, TN so I could pick up where I left off. Halfway there I began to feel nauseous and light headed. Once arriving, we waited an hour for the sickness to subside. It did not clear. I was worried if I waited too much longer it would be too late to begin the 6 mile hike uphill to the campsite. We decided to come back to Hot Springs, NC. Although we did not have have a reservation, Spring Creek Tavern gave us our room for another night where I ended up sleeping it off. We’re guessing it was car-sickness due to the curvy mountain roads and not being in a car in almost a month.
Total mileage thus far: 290.3
Shadowfax
Cosby Knob, NC - Allen Gap, TN - Mile 290 - Mar 30th, 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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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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Fletcher Partridge
Get r done
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up to $43.70
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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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