Andrew & Jessica Gage aka "The Honeymooners"

2008-11-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

2008-11-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

It is quite a task to summarize our experience for the last five months of our lives. It was definently the hardest thing we have ever done physically and emotionally: from bouldering over slippery rocks in Maine, to a record wettest July in Vermont, to drought through PA, NY and VA, to an unexpected snow in NC. These plus grimy living conditions were only a few of the obstacles we faced. The trail definitely gave us more than we bargained for, and we quickly learned along our trip to seperate our A.T. "experience" from hiking. This trip was also one of the most rewarding undertakings of our lives. To climb to the top of a mountain for a breathtaking view using our own physical strength was more than rewarding. Eat your heart out Bill Bryson, you lazy bum. We won't soon take modern conveniences for granted. We were also very fortunate to keep good health along the entitrety of the trip. We are walking away from this experience with a better understanding of each other and memories that only Andrew and I can understand. So many people helped us along the way, especially our family and friends. There are simply too many people to thank over this blog. Thank you to all of you who found a way to encourage us along the trip. The trail community/environment introduced us to some of the most generous and hospitable people either one of us has ever met.
Our next endevour is to find a place to live and jobs in our fair city of Chattanooga.

2008-11-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

Family and friends paraded up Springer Mountain behind us for our last mile.

2008-11-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

We checked the log book to see when fellow hikers finished and to leave our final thoughts of the trail.

2008-11-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

On November 1, 2008 at 11:30 A.M. we completed the roughly 2,178 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

2008-11-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hooray, we finished the trail!!

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This is the last shelter we stayed at on Halloween night.

2008-10-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

We are planning to summit Springer Mtn. and complete this adventure on Saturday, Nov. 1st!! We are very excited to be completing this trip; and we are a little nervous about re-entering the "real" world. We have definitely been living in a different world than anything we are used to, and I don't think it will be too difficult to leave that uncomfortable, stinky, dirty world. On the other hand, adjusting back to normalcy will likely be weird. At this point, we know of several SOBOs that have already finished and headed either back home, or for the nearest bridge to live out an "almost homeless" existence (to quote a fellow '08 SOBO thru hiker, Smoothie.) much like the one we live on the trail. Congrats to those who have finished before us and good luck to those behind us- Carat, 2 liter, Somethin' Else, Silver Potato, Cracker, and many more. Our days now are often flooded with memory after memory of this nineteen week journey, as I am sure will be the case for a long time!

2008-10-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Standing Indian Mtn.

2008-10-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

Tonight we are warm!!!! We are staying with a relative of Chris Pike, a good friend of ours. We did not expect weather this cold before November, but our schedule now pretty much allows us to avoid cold sleepless, shivering nights until the eve of completion ( the 31st). On to Helen, Ga tomorrow and Neels Gap on Thursday.

2008-10-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

This is a cold Jessica at the Georgia state line.

2008-10-28T17:16:00.000-07:00

This is a cold "Sock Hands" Andrew. Darn Tough socks work better than lost mittens.

2008-10-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

We woke up to snow on October 27th.

2008-10-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

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In the Smoky Mountains.

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This is near "Good Ol' Rocky Top" (Rocky Top Tenneessee).

2008-10-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Sunrise on Clingman's Dome. This picture is nothing compared to what we saw.

2008-10-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Shelley dropped us off at the trail in the Smoky Mountains after a great stay with her last week. Thanks for everything!

2008-10-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

Only 204.6 more miles to go! We can hardly believe that we have walked all this way. Everyday gets more exciting as we get closer to the finish. The Tennessee and North Carolina section has been our favorite besides the White Mountains in New Hampshire. We could be a little bias being from Tennessee but it really is beautiful.
It has been encouraging to see our parents, Brandt, and Shelley resently. We have had great health throughout our trip besides sore muscles and upset stomachs and we are thankful for God's daily provision It's been an amazing adventure but we are ready to get home to see family and friends and start normal lives together. Hopefully, if we don't get eaten by a bear we should be done November 1st.

2008-10-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

2008-10-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's been cold but we've been thankful for the clear weather in the Smoky Mountains.

2008-10-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

Path leading up to Max Patch which is usually one of the most beautiful spots on the trail. Unfortunately, we had ten feet of visibility that day on the bald.

2008-10-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

Currently Jessica and I are taking a one-day break near Greenville, TN with some family friends. We were able to visit with my parents for the first time since we left. On to Hot Springs tomorrow and to Gatlinburg in about four days to see Shelley!
Only 286.4 miles left!

2008-10-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

Who knew!?! Entertaining graffiti on the ceiling of Little Laurel Shelter made us think of Carat.

(G.O.R.P.= Good Old Raisins and Peanuts)

2008-10-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Fall color nearly in full effect near Big Firescald Knob on the TN/N.C. border

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Near Big Bald on the TN, N.C. border; Oct. 13. Temperature in the high eighties.

2008-10-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Nolichucky River just south of Erwin, TN.

2008-10-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

This is Woody- the ultimate "trail angel." We met Woody in Vermont while he was section hiking and he graciously offered to put us up for a night when we got to North Carolina. Thanks for everything Woody!!

2008-10-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

The view of Watauga Lake from Vandeventer Shelter in Va. Notice the really low water line.

2008-10-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

We finally got an FM/shortwave radio. Wouldn't you know that on the first day we had the radio, we turned it on to hear Jessica by the Alman Brothers while sitting on this beautiful bench in spectacular Tennessee!!!

2008-10-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah!!! Back to Tennessee!! Jessica at the TN/VA state line. We didn't know if we were happier to be in Tennessee or to be done with Virginia.

2008-10-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, new kicks.

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A random swing at a campsite.

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Us with Karl Meltzer who was attempting an AT thru hike speed record- 47 days. He was traveling with a crew who gave us some cold drinks. (Right outside the Shenandoahs)

2008-10-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

A picture-perfect shroom.

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View from McAfee Knob- supposedly the best view in Va. on the AT, but we had a rather hazey day.

2008-10-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

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The trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway many times in Virginia offering amazing views into towns and valleys below

2008-10-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

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One more from the highlands.

2008-10-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

The notoriously beautiful Greyson Highlands on a cold overcast day. Go ahead and plan your next backpacking/hiking trip here!! Pictures could never do it justice.

2008-10-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

A cold Jessica infront of an exceptional water source. Water sources like this were next to none throughout Virginia.

2008-10-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

Finally into Damascus Va.!!- the "friendliest town on the trail." Just about three miles or so from Tennessee, but that will come after a zero day tomorrow and a half-day off today. Mom Lee and Brandt are due to visit us in a few hours and we cannot wait to see them. We are extremely excited to be done (practically) with Virginia- the longest state at app. 550 miles. With ONLY 460 miles until Springer Mnt., Georgia, we are about 23 hiking days from home.

We hit some low temps yesterday as we traveled over Mt. Rogers and through the Grayson Highlands- a very chilly 43 degrees at noon, and windy. Damascus, however is where we are picking up some "cold weather" gear- warmer sleeping bag, jackets, etc.

We are still trying our hardest to upload more pictures, but keep running into time restraints at public libraries. Bare with us and more pictures will come!!

2008-09-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

The ceremonial "ripping out the latest section finished" from our guide book. The book basically outelines mile-markers and gives us info on towns and such- we hate it but we have to have it.

2008-09-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

A rather fuzzy picture of "The guillotine."

2008-09-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

We ate well through the Shenandoah National Park because of all the waysides and campstores.

Thanks SNP.

2008-09-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Andrew trying to read the mile marker posts in the Shenandoah National Park.

2008-09-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

At this point rain must make a very important decision.

2008-09-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Is he going crazy?

2008-09-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Got to see the family last month in PA.

Good times.

2008-09-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Jessica hangin' out with some cows.

2008-09-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Pearisburg, VA yesterday and are taking today off. The town has cheap food and a free hostel. Life can't get much better than that. The people in this town are very nice as well.

we have seen...
2 moose
2 porcupines
about 16 bears
a couple snakes
and 100+ deer

2008-09-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

Making a MUCH needed stop in Daleville/Troutville near Roanoke, Va. We came through the amazingly hiker-friendly town of Waynesboro last week and we are heading directly to Pearisburg, Va. The water situation is very bad because of drought leaving us with little to horrible tasting water. However, the weather is incredible- nice and cool, and we have met some very helpful people! (Thanks for getting us into town Del!) We apologize for no new pic. posts, but we will unload alot of pictures at the hostel in Pearisburg. Thanks for all the comments, prayers and thoughts. We are getting anxious to get home. We can start to see the finish line. Less than 800 miles now!

2008-09-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Currently, we feel comfortable covering about twenty miles-a-day with less zero days (a term used to describe a complete day off) than we afforded in the beginning. The terrain through PA, MD and northern VA has been very rocky, but also very gradual in elevation change. Better terrain lies ahead in VA along with beautiful views.

2008-09-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

Jessica and I are finally across the Mason-Dixon line- a big milestone in this long trail. We walked through Harper's Ferry, W.V. yesterday and will move on towards the Shanendoah National Park tomorrow. Tonight we are staying at Bear's Den Hostel about 35 miles from Shanendoah. 991 miles left, approximately 550 of them in Virgina. Tennessee will be our next border-crossing!!! We have been blessed with good health and fairly good weather. V.A. is considerably hotter and drier than any other state we have encountered, but that hot, dry weather also means a possible drought and water shortage along the A.T. Hopefully some of the residual rain from these past hurricanes will fill the streams and keep the springs running further south of here.

2008-08-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

Standing above a "white blaze"- what we follow for the entirety of the A.T.-in P.A.'s super-fund site.

2008-08-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

The town of Delaware Water Gap. The trail walked through this part of town, and offered great pizza!

2008-08-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Crossing the Delaware River into P.A. The trail followed I-80 for at leat one mile on a sidewalk behind Jessica.

2008-08-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

The afore mentioned "Best privy."

2008-08-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

A fairly typical "shelter" one would find along the trail. This particular one is found in N.Y. and had THE best on-trail privy (or outhouse) we have seen. Not a big deal unless your alternative is going in the woods.

2008-08-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

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The A.T.'s longest continual boardwalk- one mile of dry feet in N.J.

2008-08-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

I love nectarines!!! A rare farm fruit stand in N.J. offers trail-side refreshment.

2008-08-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

"Trail Magic!!!!" Trail magic, for those of you at home, is just a geeky way to describe the generosity of locals leaving goodies on the trail. Sometimes it will be pop, sometimes its fruit, cookies, candy or even beer. This time it is a delicious, yet slightly warm Root Beer.

2008-08-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Construction?!?! Send those guys to Maine!

2008-08-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

The "Lemon Squeezer."

2008-08-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Visiting Alicia in N.Y.C. We are at the Chelsea Mkt. in Manhattan. Thank you Alicia for everything that you did for us while we were with you. It was a very relaxing time to stay with you, and it is always good to see you.

2008-08-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

Unusual species for this area of New York?!?!

2008-08-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

The "Dover Oak"- the largest oak tree on the A.T.- Pawling, N.Y.

2008-08-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Bull's Bridge in Kent, Ct. Not on the trail but a small detour via this 150-year old bridge led us to icecream and decent swimming.

2008-08-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

An old steel suspension bridge in CT. The nearby hydroelectric plant offered hikers free showers and some nice grass to camp on.

2008-08-23T18:38:00.002-07:00

Ducky, Somethin Else (formely known as Brother Jukebox), Andrew and Smoothie looking very dissapointed at the nation's oldest public library in Salisbury, CT. It's closed on Mondays!!!
Sorry about having to strain you neck to look at this.

2008-08-23T18:38:00.001-07:00

2008-08-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

Swimming at Upper Goose Pond shelter- an AMC-run shelter that offered bunks and served blueberry pancakes... for free!!

2008-08-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Smoothie in Dalton, Mass. Stayed one night at the "birdcage"- a free hostel run by a local.

2008-08-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

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washing our clothes in Manchester, VT (I think)

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rocks in the trees

2008-08-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks Charles!

2008-08-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

somewhere in Vermont

Is the sun actually out?

2008-08-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

Yummy... drop box goodies

2008-08-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

Orange salamander in Vermont

2008-08-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

We are taking a break in New York City at our friend Alicia's place. Unfortunately, we are unable to download more pictures on her computer. We will try at the next possible place. To up date everyone... It rained almost everyday in Vermont. We stayed at the 12 tribes hostel and they tried to convert us but our will was greater than theirs, and they had good food. Mass. had rolling hills and a couple free hostels. Conn. was ridiculously expensive but the hiking was easy. New York has been the same so far. We passed most of the North bounders so the trail is quiet again. We are looking forward to getting below the Mason Dixie line in a few weeks!!!

2008-07-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

Longest two span covered bridge in the world.
Windsor, VT

2008-07-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

July 19, 2008 We are at Andrew's cousins house in Windsor, VT for a break. Pictured is Jessica holding Justice. Tiffany holding Mercy. Ruby is in the baby chair. Silas is sitting on the floor in front. They live about 25 minutes from the trail . We are very thankful for all their hospitality!! Nothing beats real food, a real bed, and a shower. (We smell so bad on the trail I could almost faint sometimes.)

2008-07-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

July 11, 2oo8
A beautiful morning in the White Mountains.

We left Maine and arrived in New Hampshire after a 22 mile day on the Forth of July. The fireworks show in Gorham, NH was well worth it! We completed the Whites on July 14th. From what we have heard these mountains are the hardest part of the trail. Hooray, they are over. We have met lots of great people and some true characters. Sometimes people are the most interesting and encouraging part of our journey. Thanks to everyone for the comments and prayers. It's fun to read them all.

Bluegrass at Tim's General Store, Monson, ME

2008-06-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

2008-06-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

We summited Katahdin on the eleventh, ran through the "100-mile wilderness" ( to get away from the verocious bugs and horrible weather), and ended up in Stratton for the day- Mmmmm showers and food. Alot of incredible stories and scenery along the way, but not enough time to tell about it all. Hostels have been incredible (all but one), people have been helpful, especially our new raft guide friends on the Kennebec, from Crabapple- Thanks for the whitewater trip guys!!!!-and New Hampshire is 100 miles away. We are hoping to get to Gorham N.H. for the fourth of July and hopefully some sort of firework show. This next week holds claim to the alleged "hardest mile of the AT", but we can lick it!!! We are most excited about getting out of Maine as neither one of us like it on account of its horribly maintained trails , said bugs, and foul weather. We'll keep truckin' and talk more in N.H.

Just the beginning.

2008-06-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

N.Y.C.

2008-06-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Just arrived at Alicia's place in the city. We plan on leaving tomorrow for the second leg to Maine early in the morning. Thanks Alicia!!!!!

2008-06-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Our mail drops are complete and ready to be sent. Our packs are packed, and at just about the weight that we set out to achieve. We have ten days of food in the packs for the 100-mile wilderness, and a site reservation in Baxter state park. Our driving plans to Maine are pretty well set and they take us through N.Y.C. to stay over at our friend Alicia's place on Monday night. We expect to begin our ascent of Katahdin on the eleventh. All the plannning is coming to an end, and we are both excited about that. Now the adventure can begin.

Ready to leave

2008-06-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

2008-06-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Still preparing food

2008-06-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Jessica and I are still transferring all of our food into freezer bags and adding dehydrated veggies for added deliciousness. My sister Laura is graciously helping us now as my other two sisters have done throughout certain phases of food preperation. To use a poor pun- "We're so close, we can taste it."