9.32am
MOM AND DAD!
 Im in the town Damascus, VA, (Mile 464) with NO coverage zone AGAIN!!! The first impression of this town wasnt so great. People who work at several of hostels gave me really bad attitude when i showed them the dog service id. What can i do? blame the law not me! haha. Of course im enjoying my stay here because of other hikers! Great day to take zero mile after doing 40 miles in 24 hours! 51 miles in 2 days (I could do more miles, but hey whats in hurry?). I will explain more about the 40 miles challenge later. The package is great! I got to buy bigger bag for food! ha. but they arent that heavy as before. Either because I became more stronger and able to tolerate the weight or the food are way lighter! Or BOTH! Yolo is doing great as usuallll!!! Everyone really loves Yolo! They are more excited to see Yolo more than me. haha. 

Jonathan and Yolo make it to Virginia after an all night full moon hike!!
5.17am
I'm only 2 miles to Damascus, VA(Mile 464)!!! We hiked 40 miles in 24 hours!!!! My feet are about to fall apart!

Food package did not arrive on time at Hampton, TN!!!
9am
Oh boy!!!!!! Hope the package is here or I got to buy food and start hike today! I already took zero mile yesterday! Can't stay and wait longer
9.20am
Yeah- that's why I told mom to send all packages at once. At greasy creek hostel, I was lucky enough to have the package on time. They told me it just arrived the same day I arrived. Same thing with roan mt hostel. They were all because I took my time. I could have done more miles and shorten the days. So when I ask to mail them all once, do it. We will never know how much miles and how fast I go on each day.
11am
Already bought food- total is $15 including yolo's food
5.07pm
I'm at the (Watauga)lake shelter(Mile 424). Will do 22 miles tomorrow and 10ish miles during full moon then the rest to damascus in the morning! Should be at Damascus by thursday (Mile 464).


Pictures from the beginning of the hike at Springer Mt. are now also on Picasa. Let me know if you need the link.

Yesterday we posted Jonathan's pictures from March and part of April on Picasa (sample above!)
email me if you want the link - kesselm@mail.nih.gov
Here are some comments from Family and Friends
He lost weight and looks very good. -  Osnat
Great photos!!!! What an adventure - Uncle Gary
Fabulous stuff!!  Looks as though he's not alone :-) Best fro us all!!  - Ross Smith

GREAT PICTURES --WOW WHAT AN EXPERIENCE -- Uncle Terry (ISRAEL)
We are very proud of Jonathan and his adventurous trip along the Appalachian Trail. He has grown so much from those first years we met him and your family at KDES, then MSSD. GU was less frequent, but time has a way of passing by quickly. STEVE DOLEAC, MSSD

Jonathan and Yolo reach 400 miles!!


2.10PM
Yeahh!!! I think I'm too addict to hiking- I don't understand why I cried a lot when I was little kid!!! Shame on me! From now on, when you go out for hike, invite me!  
1.40PM
Trail is becoming very easy now- either because I'm in top shape now or no more high peaks ha
 1:25PM
Almost at Hampton, TN (Mile 415)
8:53 AM
I finally left mountaineer shelter (Mile 397)after one day zero yesterday. It was raining like crazy. Now we r heading to hostel (15 miles) to pick up package.

Hey little bro,
Your plog is quit amazing and totally fascinating!!! I’m sure it could become a best seller… or even better – when you finish the remaining 1,900M jusr start again with a camcorder and make a movie J
We are all very proud of you, you know in a way Amit also started his own AT… I am sure one day you will hike together,
Look after yourselves, we are following you closely, a big hug from all the Israel clan and we love you too J

Your big brother
Eran 

4/22
My battery is about to die- I already pick up the package at greasy creek hostel (Mile 364). Will pick another one up tmw at Roan Mt hostel (Mile 388)

Jonathan and Yolo at Bald Mt. TN (Mile 323)
8.20pm
More friends arrived today so I decided to stay (at Erwin TN) for another night! I'm going camp out under the bridge along with others tonight!


NEW PLOG FROM JONATHAN AT ERWIN, TENNESSEE (MILE 340)

Sorry for major delay!! I was almost ate by a huge bear! Ha, kidding. I was on a very long trail with no coverage. Look at bright side, here they are!!  Plus I'm having so much fun and just not to worry abt doing plog to please  y'all! :)
   Do you ever wonder how do I know the way on AT? Its really easy! Just stay on AT! :) AT's marker color is white so when u hike on trail and u happen to see a white marker on the tree/rock/poles, then you r on AT! Blue marker is symbolize for water/shelter/privy (bathroom). The rest of colors, ignore them as they are for other trails or hunters. And cool about the trail is that it has grass on both sides on the path. Just like Cinderella's story stuff. I also use two books to help me to figure out where will I stay and how many miles a day. The two books are: Thur-Hikers' Companion 2010 and 2010 Northbound The A.T. Guide by David "Awol" Miller. I think u can find AT Guide on internet and get idea what its like. The books are my best friend! Meet them! :)
  What a jeez situation for me-When I was in Franklin, NC and stayed there for a night. I was room mating with Ace and Turtle to save some money for room. They stayed in for a day to have their body all recovered. While I go off and hike more on the morning. I missed the first shuttle service. I guess I needed more sleep. Anyway I caught the second shuttle. When I arrived the trail, I realized I forgot my trek poles at motel room!!! BUT I was lucky enough to have great friends like Ace and Turtle to mail them to Hot Springs (the town I will arrive next week or so)! Many thanks to them!!! However I use wood sticks for now.
   Of course, to make ur trip on AT a great experience comes with preparation. I plan my trip bi-weekly. I decided to push myself to 15 miles a day instead of 10. One thing I learned from this trip- you can't really plan everything! It is so easy to stay on your comfort zone- I tend to be with same people at shelter (we hiked same miles but at different pace). Like I said I missed first shuttle, I tried to catch up with the first group but day is becoming to night so I pulled over to other shelter. Fate, man! I met new more people at the shelter! They r even fun people to be with! I told myself-meet every humans u see on trail! You will never know what that might lead you to! For example: Rocky!
   I met one damn cool dude named Rocky. We first met at top of Blood Mountain in Georgia (on my 3rd day). Then bumped at him again for like three times on trail. We became good friend. I met him again yesterday afternoon and we agreed to hike together for like 10 miles. By the time we arrived at a shelter, we were talking and exciting about hiking thur the Smoky Mountains (one of peaks is highest point on AT, abt 6,600s elevation). Some how a conversation led to a discussion and we agreed to pair up and hike together to Hot Springs (about 150 miles). From there the fun begins! But unfortunately he likes to chill/hike slow while I like to hike fast. So our pace didn't work out. I end up hiked with other buddies- Pyro and Megladon
   True or False: AT is all about camping at outdoor? Answer: FALSE! Like I said Rocky is the man! He has friends who work at micro brewing. They let us stay for a night in brewing factory!!! We actually camped out inside the factory! How did this happen? No idea man! Ha. This brewing company is Nantahala Brewing Company. Very new company. They haven't release their beer products yet. They said maybe in May. But I get to taste their beers last night!! People there are very nice and friendly. They actually paid for my dinner! I was so damn full! Beers (Nantahala's brewing) were free all night for me and Rocky! We got our asses drunk, alright! I'm really glad to get to experience this. Especially talking with one of Co-Owners about how to start bar. Myself have been dreaming to own a bar in DC. He actually gave me some advices. Even suggested me to meet one of his networks in DC! Pretty exciting moment for me. I will definitely come back here when its all open for public and to see how big changes they have! Who's in? :)
  Rocky, Pebbles and I went on night hiking during the Full Moon! It was very amazing experience! It wasnt that cold- a perfect weather. We started hike at 2am and end at 12pm!!! We hiked 21 miles with plenty of pit stops. I did not even need flashlight to find the way, the moon did the work! I sure highly recommend you to some day to try full moon hiking!
   By the time I start the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the weather start to increase to 75 degree!! I went with Pebbles. It was so hot that we barely had water left. We Lucky enough to find several springs. Yolo actually threw up twice because of heat. I had to carry his bag and pour all water I have on him. It took us 11 miles to next shelter (we left at 1pm, big mistake!) at 730pm! My big advice is, hike early morning and take break during afternoon and hike again later evening during the heat wave season! I can't say how much I really enjoy myself at Smoky Mts. The views were amazing! I couldn't ask for more! There are still snow up there. Pretty fun to hike on the snow! I even tried to "snowboarding" with tree barks but it didn't work well ha. Smoky National park have this rule where u can't just camp out at somewhere- only at designed area or shelters. Result of that, we had almost 25 people at shelter every night! It was fun! Because u can just talk with anybody and anytime! I will miss Smoky mts for sure! If u guys want to do thur hike someday, be sure to let me know and I might join u at smoky mts! :)
  By the time I'm done w smoky mts. I could just start notice ferns, flowers, grass, n other plants growing- Spring is cominggg!!! Its pretty cool to see the environment changing while u hike! At beginning it was dead cold brown trees and now they r starting to turn into living warm green trees! :) I can't wait to see their complete and at their peak's growth! :D
     I saw a doe! Yolo was ready to chase it but luckly I held him back. The doe wasn't running away, instead it came closer! Just mindin her own business eating the grass. I'm pretty much surprised to see her to behave this way. I would expect her to run away as she see me and yolo. I guess she's used to humans. Also there were a lot bears warnings, I wasn't worried at all bec I have yolo to protect me! :) good enuff I never saw one.
     Just right before I arrive Gatlinsburg, TN, I had my first fall of AT trip!!!!! Damnit! Just over 200 miles of hiking with no fall! I just happen did not see the roots hanging up and my shoe got suck in it and I fell! Literally a forward fall! Just minor cuts on my knees and elbow, and bruise in my ass! ha.
    I took a night at Gatlinsburg with other thur hikers to watch NCAA finals. It was great night, everyone got their asses drunk just like a group of irish men! Several of them did not remember the night!! It was hilarious! Gatlinsburg could been a great town to visit but I did not like their attitude- they got southern conference flags at everywhere! I'm kinda surprised that there are several black families visiting there. Lots of us, thur hikers, were disappointed about this town. I'm like status quo people, just damn move on!!! Yeah, I'm sad that Butler lost! Duke fans, lucky bastards!
    After Smoky Mts, we hiked 18 miles on pouring rain day! We stopped at Standing Bear Farm Hostel because it is famous pit stop for Thur Hikers. Good enough, I can understand why its so famous! It s great place to rest and sleep there.  They r dogs friendly! Yolo felt so welcoming! There r lots of dogs. One of them was 15 weeks old puppy who loves to play with Yolo and even to sleep with him! So cute. I wish I took a picture of him!!! Damnit. They have cafe room- a picture book of all thur hikers who stayed at Standing Bear Farm, basically who made it to maine and took a picture of themselves. However I looked up year 2006 and saw Everett Carpenter's picture!!!!! He was thur hiker in 06- his trail name is hiker-cyclist. By soon my picture will be there too! :)
     Pyro, Megladon and I hiked together 50 miles to hot springs in 3 days!! The last 3 miles to Hot Springs only took me 35 mins!!! Of course, I ran. :) I stayed three nights at Sunnybank Inn. My back was killing me so I had take a longer break. I can't really complain because they served breakfast and dinner with only vegetarian food!!! Whee! My, they were so delicioussss!!! I miss their food already. Oh, they even offered me a job to work for them! Shucks its time for me to move on with my journey!
   I joined other people! They r Nesta and Beaver Chief! They r from New York. Its really fun knowing them. Their pace r same as mine! Fast and non stop! That's my style! We hiked 7 miles today to Rich Mountain's Fire Tower! We decided to sleep there along with several other hikers. I can say its very beautiful up here. Views r amazing! Sunset is about to set! Can't wait til sunrise by tomorrow morning! Then we will hike 12 miles to another tower!!!
     Unfortunatley the next fire tower was locked. So we camped out somewhere near it. I can't believe how great the trail was especially with great weather for last 5 days!!! Amazing! Later we hiked 20 miles uphill to Big Bald Mt. Jeez my legs were abt to fall apart! Then today I hiked 18 miles downhill! My legs just won't stop walking! I love hiking! Seriously! If one of you want to hike with me for few days or more this upcoming summer, you must! I will show you the AT's world! So cool and fun!!!
   I'm currently at Erwin, TN for a night. Yup I just passed the 300 miles marker on Yolo's 11 month birthday!!!!!!! 1, 900 miles to go!!!!! Wheee!!! Bring it on mountains!!!
    So hard to cover everything what I have experienced! Wow.
    More Plogs upcoming later!

-Life is simple. Wake. Eat. Hike. Eat. Camp.

I'm at Erwin (Mile 340)! I hiked 20 miles yesterday to Big Bald mt. And hiked 17 miles today! I love hiking!! I just don't know how to stop! 

At top of bluff mt. Great lunch!


I'm at fire tower on rich mountain. Staying here for the night!!!! Can't wait till sunset and sunrise!!!

Friends I'm with are Nesta and Bic


Cooking dinner at Rich Mt. fire tower and ready to watch sunset! And then bed! (Mile 280)

9.50am

I just had two hours of hot tub yesterday!!!!! so exhausted!!! and feels so much better now. Im leaving today to hike 10-15 miles depending on how i feel. The weather is perfect! Cant wait!

Love you

Jono and Yolo

Jonathan still on break at Hot Springs, NC

I havent asked about (bathing in) hot springs yet- but the owner of sunnybank inn said he will take me to hot tub for FREE!!!! will do that today! I will start hike again tomorrow after breakfast- about at 10am.

I will mail the package today. you will get the memory card!!

I cant wait till lunch because the restaurant (Rock Bottom) have fabulous oysters!! Not too expensive tho.
2.12pm
Yeah it is good to chill and relax here!!! very hot outside! i might hold hot springs till later evening. Seem like i will go by myself. unless i bump with someone else and hike with them. who knows! Pretty easy to find people to hike with anyway.

About the food- can you try find breakfast bars, i notice i get pretty hungry fast in the morning? also cold lunch that only requires water to add, something like that? Hummus, couscous mix with something?

Im going to hike 20 miles tomorrow!! Who knows i might go more. Lets see what happens.

Jonathan taking a few days break in Hot Springs, NC Mile 272!!!

HEYY!! Im in Hot Springs! NO COVERAGE AT ALL!!!!! I got the package, alright!

Next Shipping (please ship them all at once and leave one week notice for each)-
Erwin, TN- Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel and Outfitters (2 days worth of food)
Greasy Creek Gap- Greasy Creek Friendly hostel (2 days of food)
Roan Mtn, TN- Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel (3 days of food)
Hampton, TN- Braemar Castle Hostel (4 days of food)
Damascus, VA- Mt. Rogers Outfitters (6 days of food)
Marion, VA- I will do the food shopping there, they dont have any place for mail drops except for PO.

Thats all for now. I will update you when im in good coverage after Hot Springs.

Let you know im staying 3 nights at Sunnybank Inn and will eat their breakfast/dinner too. will cost me $110 i think.

4.40pm
As weather is getting warm and warmer, im not sure if i should send "winter" clothes back or wait for one more month???? because last two days ago was really cold. and soon we will hike one more 6,000 footer mt (Roan Mt.) as they said its most coldest place in AT. I think i will send them when im in VA.

12.30pm
Now we r at bluff mt (Mile 261) for a long lunch break. Will hit hot springs by 4 or 5pm.

 1:49 PM

Hey yeah no coverage for two days!!! I just finished with smokie! Now heading to roaring fork shelter by tonight (Mile 254)and to hot springs tomorrow! (Mile 272) In three days I will hike total 50 miles!!! Yesterday 18, today 15, tomorrow 17!!!!

2.07pm

Yolo's greattt as usuall!! Yesterday I hiked 18 miles on rain day!!!! Today's great day- sunny and cool

On Tuesday night we stayed at first shelter after Gatlinburg. (Icewater Spring Shelter, Mile 207)
Wednesday (April 7) will do 14 miles to next 3 shelter (Tricorner Knob Shelter, Mile 220)


April 7 10.27am
Great weather!

1.20pm
I'm at gatlinburg for a night so I can watch ncaa (college basketball) finals!!
(Gatlinburg, TN is 15 miles off the trail at Mile 204)
1.45pm
Oh, also can you tell mom that the jacket for yolo is bit too small. I can't strap on the bottom belt.


From: Dad
To: 'jonk1@tmo.blackberry.net'
Subject: Re:
Sent: Apr 5, 2010 13:12

We thought the jacket would be too big!!! Yolo is growing too fast for us!!
Lucky the weather is not really cold!


Yeahhh he did not need it so far! I thought he might when we r up smoky mountains but hell the weather was sooooo warmmmmm!!! Feels like its summer already

4.12pm
We r at top of Clingmans Dome!!!(Mile 196.8) Enjoying up here for an hour!

Here we are on the top of AT!!!! Clingmans Dome!!! 6,643 elevation! (Highest elevation on the whole length of the AT!!!)

Yesterday was great day! We had like 25 to 30 hikers at shelter last night!!!(Fontana Hilton) It was a quite party! Tonight we will stay at mollie ridge(sp?) shelter


9.04am
Yolo is all better yesterday after he bathe himself in stream! I took two
food bags out of his backpack to lighten his weight. Today's very windy and
possible rain very hard later on. So its perfect condition for yolo!


At Fontana Dam before heading up to Smokies


Visitor center is closed til may but I dropped off the permit in the mailbox. Now heading to SMOKY MOUNTAINS!!!! WHHEEE!!

Friday April 2nd
I'm at  shelter!(Mollies Ridge Shelter Mile 175, 4570ft.) Very hot afternoon!!!!!!


Yolo actually vomited twice because of heat wave. Lucky I have enough water to pour all over on him to cool down. Also I had to carry his bag. Verrrryyyy heavvvvvvyyyyyyyy backpack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But I manage to arrive at shelter after 11 miles of hot air!!!!! And very steep uphill too

Today is a rest day for Caribou and Yolo (Termite) before they begin the Smoky Mt. National Park in Tennessee tomorrow.


8.56am
The plan with rocky has changed. He's going to hike with his friend at other trail for the weekend then start hiking on smokies this monday. I'm going to hike to smokies tomorrow. I'm sure ill bump up with other friends and end up hiking together. That's what AT is like! :)


2.08pm
YOLO LOVE THE NEW COAT!!!! YOLO says THANK YOU NANA and PAPA!! WOOOF!

Got the package! I'm going to stay at shelter to save $60!!!!! Very warm weather here and I'm loving every mins of it!


2.20pm
You have no idea how thrilled I am right now! THANKS for salmon!!!! Send moree!!! :) go ahead and pack tuna/salmon the same amount of days with noodles/pasta! Thanks for food!!



5.24pm
Hot tub! One more time u mention it, I aint talking with you! :)

Just swam on fontana lake! Felt so good!

Yolo's paws are super good. Didn't have to use the stuff mom send me
------Original Message------
From: Dad
To: Jonk
Sent: Apr 1, 2010 16:22

Weather in NH is beautiful - still snow on the mountain tops but at the house in the 60's. Just done a 10 mile bike ride followed by a hot tub!
Great!