May 30, 2004 - In addition to his experience in Damascus, TrailDawg graciously gave two days of his time to join the "Hardcore trail crew" and help relocate a section of the trail. As part of regular trail maintenance, crews often move entire sections of the trail in order to allow over-used and eroding sections to return to their natural state. As you will see, this is no small task. TrailDawg and dozens of other thru-hikers spent 2 days clearing brush, digging up small boulders, and leveling ground to blaze the path. See TrailDawg & crew get the job done in TrailDays Part 3 - Hardcore Trail Maintenance.

May 29, 2004 - Every year, the biggest event of TrailDays is the Hiker Parade. Hundreds of hikers line up and march down Main street in Damascus, because really, they haven't done enough walking already. Actually, as you'll see, the whole thing is just an excuse to fill up water guns and go crazy like only hikers can. Catch all the action in TrailDawg's new album: Hiker Parade

May 28, 2004 - Photo album 6 is up! This is the first of two albums from TrailDawg's experience at TrailDays.

TrailDays is a festival of hikers held in Damascus, VA every year. Hundreds of thru-hikers find a way to make it into town for this event, as well as hiking gear vendors, thru-hiking alumni, and all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts. TD sent back so many pictures it broke the software I use to make these photo albums, so I had to split them up. Check back this weekend, I'll post albums 7 & 8 as soon as possible!

Also, I'm printing out the guestbook to mail to TDawg tomorrow, so if you haven't signed in and said hello, now's a great time to do it.

May 27, 2004 - TrailDawg called today and he is about to depart Damascus VA. This puts him in his fourth state, and 459.5 miles into the trek. On top of that, a few days ago he completed the 40 mile approach to Damascus in one day! He has had to replace his boots, but it sounds like his body is holding up great. As you read this I'm furiously punching through the next photo album, so check back soon!

May 18, 2004 - Photo album 5 is up, along with some more journal entries.

May 17, 2004 - TrailDawg called tonight and he sounded in high spirits. He just spent the weekend at Trail Days in Damascus, and another two days working trail maintenance with some fellow hikers. He says it really gave him a new appreciation for all the work that goes into building/maintaining the trail. I also recieved his next set of photos, so look for the new album tomorrow night. Until then, here's a little preview:

May 10, 2004 - Huge update tonight, too many pictures for one album. We've got two new albums up - over 100 pics from TrailDawg himself, and a second album from special guest photographer Spring Beauty.

May 9, 2004 - TrailDawg just called from Erwin TN. He is feeling great, and eating very healthy while he's in town. He says he has not lost any weight since he started (thru-hikers loose 20 lbs. on average over 6 months)
He is getting ready to head to Trail Days in Damascus VA. Trail Days is a festival for the thru-hikers that the town of Damascus throws every year, with hundreds of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. We're still waiting on the postman to deliver the next photo album, but I should have some other suprises to put up tonight. Check TrailDawg's most recent journal entry for a special message to all of you who have been keeping up on the site. - Snickers

May 8, 2004 - Week three journal entries added. More photos coming soon.

May 7, 2004 - Week two of TrailDawg's journal is complete, with more entries on the way tonight.

May 4, 2004 - Mark called from Hot Springs today, he's made it throught the Smokies and has put over 275 miles behind him. He sounded in high spirits, and ready to continue on. Along with the milestone of reaching Hot Springs, TrailDawg has now been on the AT for an entire month!
He was very excited to hear that so many people are joining in on his journey through the website. He wanted to thank you for all the great notes of encouragement, they're definately keeping him fired up. He dropped another batch of photos in the mail today, so be looking for an album by the end of the week. And oh yes, more journals as soon as I can get them typed up.

Click here to read updates from April