Just found out about your quest today. Keep living your dreams, while you are young, and don't bother listening to the negative out there. I am also a Michigan Tech Grad, love the UP, and have been visiting regularly since graduating in the 80's. I deer hunted near your hometown. Good luck on your next attempt. Ill be cheering you on.

Sam, I'm incredibly impressed with this undertaking. You have the support of all of Missoula. Here's wishing you the best of luck. -Adam

Wow, that is some fine woodworking. Love seeing things like this because I work at a woodworking business..

hey! I think this is great!! good for you!! at least you are gettin' out there and doin' something. tv is not everything, you would not believe!! way to go!! I'm jealous and good luck!!!

Sam- You are the coolest guy I know, and I don't even know you. I have always loved the outdoors and hiked countless trail segments (mostly the AT) but the incredible challenge of hiking the USA's four longest trails is insurmountable. Thank you for the inspiration to go further, hike longer, and experience more of our nature's fleeting beauty. All I can say is thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

So..dude...here's the deal...the only failure is to never try for yer dreams...like in the military...ya gotta adapt to the situ...get well, crazy guy..nothin's crazy if its done with a pure vision.."look up !!'

Good Luck...not sure where yer at on this..will get more info..but...."Don't forget to look up !!"

This is an incredible journey. Congratulations

StumbleUpon brought me here and boy am I glad. Very impressive. Get well soon. I can't wait until next year for your next (and hopefully successful) attempt!

So, how you doing? I hope you are healing well, Keep the faith & give a "shout" when back on the trail & in S Ohio.

This is the coolest thing. You can thanks Stumbleupon for this. I'm going to show everyone I know thats intrested in this shit. & I wish you the best of luck.

Wow this is really amazing! Best of luck on your epic journey!!

I'm sure it's frustrating with the pain, but I believe you can do it. I look forward to hearing more about your journey.

This is amazing!congrats and keep it up!

I can not wait to read what happens next. I got wrapped up in the journey.

This is an awesome adventure! Keep it up and take lots of pictures, what a trip of a life time.

Wow-I wish you the best on your journey now that you fixed your problem. I will try to follow you on here-my family is really into hiking-we crossed the black forest when I was about 10 yrs old.I hope I can give this love of the outsides to my 5 months old son =) happy trails to you...

I wish I were still young enough to try that. I have seen much of the area along your route but I know I missed a lot of natures beauty by no hiking it. I do hope you don't end up going through southern New Mexico in July or August. It is miserably hot ad dry down there. Good Luck

Greetings from Pittsburgh. I just want you to know, that I, a complete stranger, believe in you. May the wind be at your back.

Amazing job Samuel, hope you are treking well or are home safe!!

Go get em man. I support you all the way. In a small way i will be living vicariously through you. Thank you for the continued inspiration and ultimate realization of life.

Just stumbled in here and saw the map of your journey, must say your ambitious. Good luck.

Truly just to attempt to make this journey is impressive! I hope to read about your next attempt (and completion) as well! Lots of luck to ya!

Just read through your journal. I hope your next attempt works out better I really hope to see you accomplish this.

Hi Sam! I admire your positive attitude and look forward to continuing to follow you through this journey. Good luck with your recovery and planning for the next phase!

Hello Samuel, I am sure you took the right decision to be healed in good conditions there in Houghton. Hope to see you in the Chippewa National Forest here next spring if that happens. Bye..Darrel worker on the NCST here in northern MN.

I'm sure you're bummed as you said but as you said it's best not to dwell on that. I only can estimate the type of person you are from your journal entries but no doubt you want to live a life less ordinary and I relate. But you don't need to live it under a microscope do you? All the media and attention can be a double edged sword. Hang in there and keep doing what you need to do, but a comment...there is nothing lost in living your life for you and not for the public's viewing pleasure. The all in hike would be just as cool without the web attetion. I sincerely wish you the best of luck whether you wanna hike or not.

Been reading you since early Feb, sorry to hear you've had to take a hiatus, but it's probably best in the long run. We're gearing up to do some trips like this with our children in the near future, and reading about your trip has really motivated us. Hope your feeling better and back on the trail before too long.

Good to hear you are home and getting on the mend. Good food, rest, some consistent medication and of course the saunas are all great ways to heal. I will continue to check in to see how you are doing. Much love and many prayers.

Hi, I've been following you since nearly day one. I think you made the right decision for you right now. You can rest up, heal up and get your stuff together for another go at it (who knows maybe get some reinforced snowshoes or something). I look forward to your journal entries and checking out the map sometimes to see where you're at. Looking forward to you coming through this area when you get back going again.

First of all glad to hear you made it home. Being a mother of 2 boys you just worry a little bit. Get healthy take your time we will all be waiting. Enjoyed your writing checked it every day waiting to see how you were and where you were. Take Care

Keep at it Sam. First get yourself well. The trail will still be there and waiting. Enjoy reading about your experiences. Enjoy the saunas. Lloyd

Ah! Back in the Copper Country, feasting on Pannukakku at the Suomi, sweating out the soarness in a good Finnish sauna, and embraced by home. You'll for sure be fit and back on the trail soon! "Sisu", brother!

Sam, I have been following you from day 1 and I really acknowledge you for making the right choice. Here's a little inspiration from Fred Jung: "Sometimes you're flush and sometimes you're bust, and when you're up, it's never as good as it seems, and when you're down, you never think you'll be up again, but life goes on." Life goes on, and so will your expedition Sam. I look forward to seeing you get your health back and to continue on your journey. Remember to keep us updated, my thoughts are with your recovery!

Hey there..just came across your quest while I was on Stumbleupon.com Sorry to hear you about your wee set back. Take your time and get well!! Look forward to hearing about the rest of the journey!

Hey Sam, get rested and healed up, then come join the 2011 class of Northbounders on the Appalachian Trail! It's springtime in Georgia, and you'll have much companionship and support from your fellow hikers. Then you can finish up your trek to North Dakota once all that snow melts! All the best, Gardner Foss. PS. cool name :)

Sam, you have made the right decision. This is your life's adventure, not a trial to be endured. I wish you a speedy recovery and the best of luck. Stride on brother..

Sam, Definitely the right choice! Just a little setback that will be a chapter in the overall book when all is done. Keep the big picture in mind. You are the MAN!

Praying to the LORD for your recovery Keep your head up and get healthy God bless

Sam you are making the right decision. There is no sense in continuing when you could end up hurting something else or even doing further damage to your hip. I am sure that everyone that has been following your adventure will be pulling for you to heal so you can get back on the trail. Hopefully we will still be able to meet up in the ANF as you pass through.

Sad to hear you are getting off the trail! BUT, it is likely a good choice & will allow you to hike stronger when you get back. Prolly you are bummed out right now, don't be, as is often quoted in the long distance hiking crowd "It's only hiking!" :) Also, if this pain hasn't gotten better &, as it seems to be getting worse, you are likely to do more damage by "Toughing it out". FWIW: if it turns out to be arthritis, Yep even at your age, give Glucosamine & Chondroitin a try. It will take a few weeks to "kick in" but it's supposed to help lubricate your joints, so,,,,,,,, Have a good hike!

Sam Greetings from the Buckeye Trail Association. Wish you a speedy recovery, you did the best thing. The trail will be here for you when you get back.

Hey Sam. Hang in there bud. Take the time off and let your hip heal. Your health is the most important thing. This is quite a journey you are on and I promise I will keep track of your trek updates via Twitter every day. Keep going! You rock!

Sorry to read that you had to take a break from your quest. Keep the faith in knowing that you have already accomplished what so many wish they had the opportunity to even attempt. Feel better, heal quickly and the sun will come out tomorrow.

Arghh, we thought for sure we would get the chance to show you the sights in the Portageville area and had hoped to meet you along the trail there. I often wondered how that hip would heal out on the trail having some inside info on that type of ailment. You undoubtedly made the only choice that you could of. I'm sure you'll be back and we'll keep watching the site to see how you are progressing. Good Luck.

Sam, We here in Southeastern Ohio are looking forward to meeting you when you pass through on your trek.You made the right decesion to go home and heal.I'll keep watching your journal entries and we will be prepared for you when you are walking again.Take care and enjoy HOME!

Very cool trip. I'll keep u up to date on all the big news i.e. current episodes of South Park or Tosh.O.

Samuel, hang in there with that hip of yours!

I love what you're doing, stay strong!

Sam: My husband and I have been following your journey since day one. Just read your day 63 post. You sound frustrated. Keep your head in the game. Hopefully the rest will do your body good. We'll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Each day I look forward to your journal entries. Your a great inspiration. Last summer I hiked part of NCT in the Beaver Creek, OH area. Beautiful!! This year I plan to hike part of the NCT in Allegheny National Forest, PA. Can't wait until you get there so I can see what you think of that area. Hope you find relief with the hip. Must be frustrating to be so motivated to keep going and have your body slow you down. Listen to your body....better to hike slow than not at all. Thanks for bringing much needed attention to the North Country Trail!!

We continue to monitor your progress from our home in Western NY as it was our hope to join you on the trail for at least a short part of the hike. After reading your latest log regarding the self imposed bed rest in the Portageville area we hope to link up with you there and offer any assistance you may need. Perhaps a tour of nearby Letchworth State Park with some local experts can be arranged.

Thanks for letting us follow along with your adventure! Good luck and have fun!

Yo Sam! How's it growing? The beard that is...

I just learned about your quest. Incredible!!! Good luck. I'll be checking your progress.

I just discovered your awesome journey. Completing the North Country Trail has been a dream of mine also. Having spent the last five weeks on snowshoes tapping maple trees in northeast Minnesota - getting ready for the Spring sap run - I can relate to the difficulty of your trek. Hang in there! :) Thanks for taking time to post your journal.

You are a big thinker young man, this will be fun to follow. Good Luck and Be Safe!

Thank you for taking a little time to talk to everyone at the University of Scouting. The class on the Finger Lakes trail was the highlight of my day. I have been through your site and I was humbled by your passion for the outdoors and your commitment to your hike. I am very sad to hear about your friend and I’ m sure he always knew you were a friend he could count on and he will be checking in on you from time to time. Good luck and it was a true pleasure to have met you.

There are many who are envious of your adventure, but few brave enough to attempt it. From those of us in Bath who like to think that we're helpful, be careful - with the rain and melting snow, the waters are rising...but I'm sure you already knew that. Safe travels.

hey saw you in bath today at macdonalds well best of luck and ill keep tabs on you see how everything is going.

Been following your journey for a few weeks now. Would enjoy meeting and assisting you in any way when you pass through the lower Michigan NCT. We also have a place in the U.P. outside of Trout Lake and can also assist you as needed there. Your journal keeps me walking the trail with you. Best wishes for safety and renewed health as your walk the trail.

Hope to meet you on the trail from Swain to Portageville. Hunt is my hometown.

You might find a hammock system is a better rest for your hip. Not an easy switch to make mid-trail, but it might be something to consider. Maybe you could be a sponsor for that, or a loaner system to try?

Sam, it was great to hear your story at the University of Scouting yesterday. I did not realize the full adventure you are setting out on until visiting your website. I'm sure your many years in scouting on your "trail to Eagle" will be a great resource to draw on, and show other scouts what following a dream can accomplish. Good hiking. I'll be following your trip.

Sam it was a blast listening to you talk and show your gear today at the University of Scouting. I am glad Pat asked you to join us. I will be watching your updates and telling all my friends about you.

You are not quite the little deer in the headlights blond I remember from Camp Hiawatha. Ah the years fly by. Glad to see you are chasing a dream. I am good friend's with Bill Alwin from the Houghton troop. I am forwarding the site address on to him. I know we are proud to see your accomplishments. Good luck to you! Oh I also sent link to my son Chris Smith if you remember him.

stumbled onto your journey and look forward to following you on your journey.it would be helpful to say what state your in so to look up where your at, at the time. Good luck, it sounds like fun!

Sam, glad to hear that you got to see a doctor. Hopefully the shot and some easy or restful days will do wonders. The food at Sorges certainly is good, we have eaten there several times while passing through Corning.

Sam, I have followed your journals and listened to your issues with your hip. This will not be an instant fix, and I am not sure how much it will help. I would encourage you to change your diet to eat no meat or as little as possible. Definitely cut out all pork products. What meat you do eat make it beef, chicken, turkey, fish with fins and scales - no shrimp, lobster, clam. Hey what do you have to lose - other than a sore hip. What you fuel your body with does have an impact on how it performs.

Just happened on your trek. At 63 I don't know if I'll do much hiking but it's inspirational to follow your adventure. Good luck and be safe on your journey!

Got your card from your Mom a while back-- just got to your site today... What a great adventure you are on! Take care

Sam- it stinks that your hip thing is SILL persisting. As I have recently suffered from various injuries, some info. may interest you. Definately rest, ICE and stretch!!! Ice is nature's best anti-inflammatory! I love ibuprofen also. I wound up at the chiropractors (who was a life-saver.) Maybe all you need is an adjustment with those muscles pulling things around...Get well soon. Hope you can get a "care plan" so you can finally recover!

Awesome! I'm laid up with a massive foot surgery, so I am the most jealous follower you have. One step at a time Sam. Good Luck!

Sam: I missed a day here somewhere but have generally been keeping up with your journal. Photos have been interesting. Have you thought of getting some of the surplus snowshoes from Sportsmen't Guide? They are made out of Magnesium so they are fairly light.

Glad to note you took a "zero" day. Your young, fit and will heal if you stay smart. It's a journey, not a race.Lots of us along the trail ahead look forward to briefly sharing the joy of your adventure with you as you pass by. You need not hurry. We'll be there.

I've really enjoyed reading your journal. Good luck with that hip! Hope to read many more entries.

I recently found a link to your journal on a forum for the Buckeye Trail. I'm guessing your trek will take you through Ohio in about a month or so. I'm located in Columbus and about 2-2.5 hours from most of the buckeye trail that you'll be following for most of your time in Ohio. If you need a pickup or a supply delivery I'd love to help you out. I have chosen a lifestyle that is mutually exclusive of this type of adventure but rest assured I long for this type of thing. The closest I can come is to help out someone with the fortune to have chosen to do so. Let me know if I can be of any help when you're in OH. I'll be following along with your trek! Get & Keep healthy, I am sure there are others who are counting on your journal for inspiration.

I was born and raised in Ontonagon. I saw your story in the Houghton paper while visiting my family. I thought my idea of walking across the U.P. was something - your journey is off the charts!! Go Sam!!!

You are amazing!

Have fun in Washington State, you may not like the ups and downs, but I am sure you are going to like the vistas!

Wow. How amazing! I am so happy I stumbled upon your online journal. What an admirable and courageous journey, I wish you success and health and growth. If there is anything you need as your passing through southern Oregon I'd love to pool our local resources and help you in any way we can.

Keep up the great work love your journal thanks for keeping it so up to date read every day cant wait for the next day i myself hike lots of day hikes on the NCT in lower Mich maybe i'll see you out there when your passing through till then good luck.

Glad to see that you made it through the last two windy days. It could not have been an easy feeling to be out in the woods with 50 mph wind gusts. I hope that your hip gets better soon. I have really been enjoying following your trek, it is an awesome adventure. Weather for Sunday night till 10 AM Monday shows a wintry mix with 3 to 6 inches of sleet and snow with some freezing rain. I hope you can find a good sheltered area Sunday night. The next 10 days looks fairly good with about half the days being sunny. Thursday through Sunday shows a mix of rain/snow on Thursday and Friday with snow showers on the weekend.

Sam, Wow what an amazing idea/adventure! I just spent the last hour reading you journal entries to date. I hope to follow your progress all the way. when you get to NM i hope to give you some support if i can. ¡Suerte!

Happy Trails to you Sam

Good luck sam! it was really nice to meet you at the Dando's house, hopefully you patch stays on. p.s. we won the hockey game Tim Szczesny

Your story is inspiring and I hope that you succeed within your time range. Keep on trekking!!

Stumbled across your page. Just wanted to say that what you are doing is fairly amazing. Regardless of any records you may set, this would be the journey of a million lifetimes and I wish you the best of luck. Enjoy yourself.

What a great adventure! My firends and I just want to cheer you on. It is so great to see guys like yourself push beyond the boundaries of the normal and do the extra not so oridinay challenges. We will be looking forward to your tour through the state of Michigan.

Just came across your site on stumble, WOW!! I have read all your post from my office and have done zero work. But hey, I am the boss haha. I am fifty and have dreamed of such an adventure as yours all my life. I am planning a hike on the pacific crest next year maybe we will meet. if not when you get into oregon give me a shout. I would love to have ya over. God Bless you will be in my prayers.

Wow. What awesome pictures of the gorge there! You are really seeing picture-perfect places. Carry on...:)

Carquest of Houghton wishes you the best of luck, big thumbs up on this adventure, see ya when you get back

Sam, This is an amazing adventure, wow I am so stoked that you are going to kill this super trail. I hiked the PCT 2010 and live in SoCal. I plan to get some more PCT miles this season but would love to trail magic the shit out of you! Let me know. Be safe and always enjoy everything you do. Peace

From my little village located in the south of france I want you to know that I share your love for nature, sport and "spiritual search". I will follow your route every day, I am so impressed by your courage and I envy you to dare this adventure. Don't forget that you are a lucky guy to be able to walk in our Nature. Enjoy it for us all. (sorry for my bad english..) your french HUGE fan :-) TAKE CARE

Hey Sam! Great Pics! I can only imagine the sense of freedom you are feeling! I'm living "the life" through your eyes! Go!

Inspiring stuff, Samuel. Be safe, stay healthy, walk on...

Sam, Life is a journey for us all. For everyone, like this part of your journey. It is one step, hill, mountain, valley, camp at a time. Some wish or have opportunity to have a journey like yours. For some their journey is a career or responsibilities at home. We all can learn or remember that our journeys all have good days and bad days. And along the way there are others to share the good and bad, also to give us a boost. Keep walking one step at a time.

yo dude. looks like an awesome trip. found you through stumbling I'll be interested to see how it all ends up. I've backpacked the Virginia portion of the AT and plan to do the whole thing after college. enjoy the wilderness.

Hello again! I passed along your website on to a couple of relatives that I saw this past weekend in PA. I told John and Angie from Traverse City, Michigan that you would be passing their way. Angie is a member of the club that maintains the trail in that area. I told Stan, who we call Pux Phil because he is our family weatherman, to watch your website so he can alert you to any storms that might be in your path! Take care!

Just wanted to let you know that even in Europe someone is following your progress! I wish you all the best on your journey. I'm in training myself for the Nijmeegse 4-daagse; 160km in four days next July.

Hello to you Samuel, hope your trip continues fine up to Minnesota. I gave you my cell phone, so can help you when you reach the Chippewa National Forest near Walker MN, my home town...bye..Darrel, worker on the North Country Trail, ITM chapter (Itasca Moraine Chapter) Ciao..and BEST WISHES from where you are to Minnesota.

Discovered your outstanding site this week (thru Adk Almanac) when you were traveling just southwest of us. Really enjoying your journals-hope your travels continue to be blessed and safe! Thanks for sharing them with all of us.

What an awesome undertaking! Learned about it on the CNY Hiking Facebook site. You are truly "living while you're alive"! Best of luck to you, Samuel!!

I just found this through stumbleupon and it sounds like such an exciting adventure.I have always wanted to go on a hike like that, but would need a friend to accompany me. Stay safe and good luck!

All I have to say is wow. This is probably a dream come true and I am completely envious. I wish you good luck on your adventures.

Saw a link to your website on Backpacker.com. God bless you on your adventure and hope you stay healthy and safe. I look forward to keeping up with your progress.

Hey Sam, I've spent a good chuck of my morning reading your blog the whole way through and I really think what you're doing is so cool. I wish I had known about it earlier. My boyfriend's dad lives right off the NCT just north of Cazenovia, but it sounds like you were well taken care of anyway! In 2008 we took 3 months off and backpacked in New Zealand. It changed my life and have since decided to leave the business world to become a National Park Ranger so I can make the outdoors my living. I admire you for taking this on and look forward to following you throughout the year. We're in MN and will gladly come meet with you/help you restock on the NCT when you hit Minnesota. We did the section around Itasca last year and loved it. You get to cross the Mississippi River, after all! Wanted to tell you, too, if you're looking for more funding you might want to look into kickstarter.com as a fundraising option. Good luck!! All the best, Emily (& Sean)

Absolutely BRILLIANT! I was just made aware of your trek today, and you really are amazing. I wish you the best of success! May the sun always (well, not so much so that it burns) be on your face and the wind (certainly not crazy gusts when you are in precarious situations) be at your back!

Rock Steady and remember, "Its not about the destination its about the journey"

Sam, just popping in to let you know I follow you a couple of times per week and let Larry know what is happening. It is a fun adventure just hearing about your trail angels and the nice people you are meeting along the way. God Bless you.

Hey man, It really is amazing what you are doing! I can't wait to see how it goes =)

Best of luck.

i would love to do something like this. an experience of a lifetime. i hope it is all you need it to be... thank you for sharing

Sam, I wish you luck on your trek. It is epic so far. It puts my experience backpacking at Philmont and as an Eagle to shame. I know it is a long ways away but I live 10 miles from the southern portion of the Appalachian Trail and I have hiked from the MD border all the way up to Ft. Indiantown Gap. Let me know if you need anything.

nice .....way to go for it...this isnt a dress rehersal..God speed

I found this on stumbleupon.com and i think what you are doing is extremely incredible and i hope you good luck and fortune in your travels. I'm 19 year old single father and i think what your doing is absolutely amazing my son and i are routing for you. :)

Is it possible to meet up with you when you pass through Moraine State Park in PA? This is near the town of Portersville (for reference). Would enjoy cheering you on and giving some snacks. lol.

Samuel - Learned of your trek on the Adirondack Almanak. Best wishes for a fun and safe trip.

Hey proud of you for doing this. But today is the 13th of Feb. Your journal entrey is for the 14th or you a day ahead or just confused. Keep up the walk, maybe i will see you down the road.

What you're doing is awesome. I wish I could get away for a year and do the same.

Sam: Your Dad was here for dinner yesterday and gave us your card and some info about your progress. I have been reading the site since and enjoying the photos. Quite a journey you're on.

Good Luck on your amazing journey hope to cross paths when you make it to Minnesota

My wife and I were out on the NCT today taking a friend up to the NY/PA border and wondered how your progress was going. Glad to hear that your hip is doing better. The warm weather this week will really reduce the snow pack. What you are doing is really amazing! If time permits, my wife and I may try to meet up with you on your trek through the ANF.

You are an amazing person. What u r doing proves to the world that nothing is impossible. Thank you so much for sharing ur experience with us!

Picked up your adventure/site from the Goat's blog (backcounrty.com). Best wishes and stay warm! My family and I look forward to following your progress.

sam, I love reading your entries on a daily basis. I wish you were coming a little closer I would love to help you out! I hope you stay safe and please don't forget about us loyal fans that love to keep up with the journal!

I think what you're doing is amazing. Keep it up. I'll definitely be keeping up to date with your page.

Sam, you are a really amazing person! Stay positive and I'm sure you'll continue to be a source of inspiration for people. As a fellow solo hiker, I can only imagine the amount of heart it would take to embark on a journey like this. Hopefully I can make some trail magic for you when you get to so cal.

I always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian trail both ways back to back. so when i stumbled upon your great endeavor i found it very interesting. Your journal and web site will keep me interested all year long. Gods speed man.

I love what you are doing. I stumbled upon your page (literally, using stumbleupon.com) and your page is my best find yet. I am excited to follow your progress. Thank you for awakening my spirit of adventure :)

Best wishes, Samuel, for your hike -- this is a very gutsy thing to attempt.

Have lots of fun reading this. Since I am only about 30-45 mins from the NCT in Butler PA, I would like to know when you get closer, to help you out. I love what you are doing, and plan on doing a couple of week long trips on the NCT in PA this summer. Good luck, and God Bless.

Good for you Sam! I wish I was along your path to leave you a little treat, Ill keep track of your progress and it seems as I'm not the only one! There are lots of people out here wishing you the best... I grew up in Upstate NY so I know how brutal winters can be. Stay Strong!

Good Luck dude. I hope all goes well! Looking forward to seeing what happens!

I have been using a new site called, "Stumble Upon" and I have stumbled upon your site "The Initiative". I am very impressed. Most people only dream of a feat such as yours, you are making yours a reality. Hence, "The Initiative", we should all take the initiative in our lives for adventure, knowledge, dreams, goals, etc. I have bookmarked your site as a favorite and I will continue to follow your journey. Good luck and best wishes for a safe adventure. Karla

You F-ing rule! Much respect to you for keeping at this goal when you can only do 8-10 miles a day in those conditions. Keep on truckin' dude!

enjoyed the paces and i will follow up on your adventure.also love to do this myself someday[bucket list]may the power and God be with you on the journey..

Ed from Michigan says good luck on a great trip. Hopr to help when you get here.

Samuel, you are truly an inspiration to all of us. You possess so many wonderful qualities; one of which is gratitude to the many people who have supported/helped you in your journey. I applaud the people of Ithaca, NY and surrounding towns for being so helpful, kind and gracious to you. I love your determination and adventurous spirit. May your trek be safe, fun and fulfilling.

Sam, you are doing something that I hope to do with my life every day- taking control! Good for you, man! I will be tracking your progress and hoping that you cruise through Tacoma, Washington or Thetford, Vermont when I am there so I can bring you some trail magic! I've added your journal to my bookmarks bar so I can read it every day!

I just stumbled on to this project from a Twitter post and read all the entries in record time. Its great that you are tromping around my old New York right now! I would love to help out especially when you hit the PCT in Cali!

I am very excited to follow you on this amazing quest. I wish you all the luck and look forward to many future adventures for you.

Major kudos on following your heart and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Your journey is an inspiration. Good Luck!

WOW! This is off the wall! Talk about a hikers dream! Samuel you got my vote!

Can't tell you how jealous I am. I'll be praying for a safe journey and wonderful adventure!

Any chance you were a Boy Scout? I'll share your site with our troop. Just an amazing project. Let us know when you come down the AT near Front Royal!

Just saw a blog about your trip on Backpacker. I'm looking forward to following along with you on your adventure this year.

Learned about your trek from a co-worker. We are looking forward to your trek through our area. I will be watching your progress. Good luck -- and stay warm on these cold, cold nights.

I continue to enjoy following your adventure. I've always heard that you shoot for the stars and even if you fall a bit short you are able to soar. Savor every moment, every view and every challenge. Beats the heck out of life behind a desk.

I love where you've been and find delight in wondering where you'll go. Thanks for the inspiration.

This may be one of the coolest things i have ever heard. I wouldn't be able to brace this winter, I have seen the temperatures throughout the country, more credit I give you! Keep on treking and stay safe and smart!!! Good luck. Cant wait to read more!

Samuel, you are and inspiration to us all. Good luck on your trek. I will be looking for you on the trails of the lower peninsula when you get here.

This is so cool, definitely following your journal

I am enjoying following your journal. Thank you for making the effort to keep it current. Good luck. You seem to have a good game plan to make the long haul successful. HYOH

youre the man!

Samuel, good luck. When you are on the PC trail near Lake Tahoe vicinity, I'll walk along looking for you! I'm so glad I stumbled upon your journey. Looking forward to going back to day 1 and catching up. Keep safe.

Good Luck and I can't wait until you make it to Minnesota! I will definitely be following your journal.

i love you. you are incredibly awesome. come pick me up.

I came across this site through stumbleupon.com Fantastic. I'm looking forward to checking in and seeing Samuel's progress. I'd love to support, I'll send some your way. Best of luck! - Hope

I just found you blog a few days ago. I have really enjoyed reading it. I wish you the best of luck on your trek.

Inspiring! I wish you good health, safety, and a wonderfully life-changing experience!

just happen to stumble upon this site and i must say that i am now loving and living thru your journey. simply amazing! snowshoeing is actually something i have just started to do this winter... i can relate (somewhat, but not to your level) to hip pain!!! continued success. stay motivated and stay warm!!

Dear Samuel, through sheer chance did I literally and figuratively stumble upon your website. I must say, "wow." I also would like to offer my congratulations for having such a strong sense of aspiration and determinism that is a rarity within our society today. I reside extremely close to the Appalachian trail and look forward to seeing your time there within the year. Feel free to contact me while you're there, because I'm always looking for people to hike with! Best of luck and warm wishes for the remainder of winter! Thank you for sharing!

So inspiring! Keep it up!

You are doing exactly what I have dreamt of, but for financial reason I have not been able too. I wish you luck and just enjoy it!!

Amazing story so far! Found you on Stumble.com Got caught up on your journal and am looking forward to more posts. Safe walking!

REALLY loving your journal entires. I am familar with all of your FLT contacts to date. Hope you will come back and finish the FLT some time. (I am end to ender #178 out of 302.) Could you add the map locations some times?

I learned how to build a shelter today and harvest plants along the trail. I thought of you and you're journey (despite the fact that we've never met). Keep trucking out there. We're following you and cheering you on.

You are a great inspiration to myself as well as others Samuel. I wish you loads of luck and safety. I'll stay tuned :)

I came upon your page thanks to StumbleUpon, and I must say I am intrigued! I definitely will be checking in on your travels regularly. Travel safe! e.

Some really great photos, I really you have a blast throughout your journey!

Sam - What a wonderful writer you are. Your adventure is really inspiring and fun to read! You know we are rooting for you and so thrilled to watch your adventure as it unfolds. Lots of love to you.

How inspiring! Wonderful and comforting to follow along on your quest of peace and self-discovery. Thanks for sharing your insight on emotional and technical aspects of such an undertaking. You have dropped a pebble in the water....the ripples have an effect on many of us!

Met you yesterday at Taughannock Falls in Ithaca, New York. Was excited to hear about your remarkable journey. I have done a lot of mountain climbing in the White Mountains of NH and have climbed Mt Katadhin in Maine. BUT I've always been with others. I admire you your solitary path. I hope it brings you the enlightenment you were meant to find.

Good Luck! You are easily the luckiest man in the world to have this opportunity!

you're the coolest, I wish I was you right now.

Samuel I stumbled upon your journal through a site called stumbleupon.com. First of all good luck on this endeavor, and secondly yes everyone calls me Turtle. Again good luck and keep on trekking.

I found out about you from Craigslist under the outdoors discussion forum. It was titled "have you seen this guy?". I thought it was pretty interesting so I carried it over to www.bushcraftusa.com to see what they thought about it. In that past 3 days you've gotten 736 views and 24 comments. Some are supportive some are haters, can't win them all. Haters invalidate themselves because they're comments make them sound lazy or inslaved. Supporters sound very genuine. I'll be doing a through hike on the AT this spring, south to north. Hope to cross paths with you and get our feed on. Keep up the hard work and the slow pace, lol. Here's the link to the web site, http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28883 I don't know if you have to be a member to view it, but you have some meal offers and warm beds available.

Very inspiring. I hope the worst is over..winter conditions wise.

Wow, totally cool! I was reading through your journal and thinking that it was really sweet that you are doing this; and then I read your bio and could hardly believe it! I grew up in Alston, just down the road from where you grew up. I also worked with Ron Granroth at Shooting Sports Camp a number of years and almost joined the pistol team. Didn't know you were on the championship teams! Wishing you the best of luck. If you are coming through the area when I am at home maybe we will get a chance to meet. Keith

Just subcribed to your RSS feed and read all 34 entries. Looking forward to the entries as you pass through western PA and OH and hope it is at a time where I can provide a bit of trail magic myself. I wish you the best on your journey.

Hi Sam, I am Pauls partner. Truly looking forward to meeting you today and having you as a guest at our home. We shared your Trek with many and all are completely enthused and wish you the best of luck in your journey!

You sure picked one hell of a winter to do this trek. I hope you do all right in this big winter storm. We have started a Sam Gardner Thread on Backpacker.com. So far it's been pretty positive and I'd like to keep it that way. Keep trekking and be safe.

Just found your site tonight. Read all your entries. It's great to see people who can live their dreams. Push on and enjoy.

Keep it up Sam! Your journal entries are inspiring me to get off my lazy butt. Maybe I'll meet up with you when you're in SE Ohio! Good luck!

GoodLuck on your trip, a lot of us following you daily

WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Stay safe, and warm......ENDURE!

Looks like a few days off from teaching as we are getting hammered by 2 snow storms. Cant believe you are out walking in all this snow and sleet. Keep the journey going. Roy

I just started reading the journals... I hope to be caught up soon. Thanks for writing and the photography, very intriguing and inspiring.

Sam, I always hike solo and can give you plenty of "tricks" to deal with solitude. It might help if you could be a big guy and turn your comments back on. That made some people wonder how serious you were about "sharing" your hike and creating "community." It wouldn't hurt, since you have Google-Latitude, to stop zooming out to a scale where it doesn't show any movement. You are making some progress, so show it off!

You are truly on an amazing journey. I am honestly jealous. Would love to meet you someday. I know you will have a great journey. keep up the good work and stay safe.

Beautiful photos. You're lookin' good, as Grandpa Maynard would say. :) It's hard work but look how far you have come!

keep a log of different types of trees you see!

Hi Sam- I am truly enjoying your journey by reading your journal! You have a way of expressing your true feelings; the good and the bad, which makes it that much more fun to follow along! Also- I admire your strength and ambition to keep taking that next step toward your dream! I wish you the best!

Sam, This is a tough journey you are on but also a tremendous opportunity of discovery. Go into towns when you can and talk to people. Hopefully when you are at a low point of loneliness the trail will bring you what you need to continue on....the trail always does!

Best of luck. You should have a dog with you on this trek. Perhaps you could pick one up along the way. Will keep tabs on you.

my last entry might be aliile weird. Just meaning to tease. Change if you wish.

Hi Sam--Your Dad gave me your card last Fall. I'm finally checking in on you and hope to keep up along the way from here on out. Thanks for making the adventure accessible!

I wish you both good health for your journey, and hope you find whatever it is you're looking for out there on the trail. It looks like quite the adventure.

Just one thought... everything is dirty and you need to be washed... no sauna. Do you take turns washing in the bathroom while the clothes spin? Good thing you brought Jake and can take turns. Bad Press release if you don't.

Good Luck Sam. I'm sure you will find people all along the way who will be happy to help and share in your journey.

Sam - Good luck on your journey, I am following closely. Have you considered doing some sort of podcast for your daily journal, and then having someone transcribe it for you? It may save you time and battery on your cell phone since speaking is quicker. You'd be able to get more information into your journal entries as well. Just a thought. Good luck!

One step at a time and soon you'll be looking back on this as the time of your life. Keep on keeping on.

It was great to meet you guys! All the best to you! May your hands stay warm! ;-) This is a great journey- I posted your link on Facebook, as I know it will inspire.

It was great talking with you last night Sam! I am lovin’ your journey. You are awesome. Talk to you soon! Oh and the pics are bigger now ; )

It was great talking with you last night Sam! I am lovin’ your journey. You are awesome. Talk to you soon! Oh and the pics are bigger now ; )

Heard about this a few days ago, I've been checking back to read your journal almost every day. I think it sounds amazing and I wish I could do something like this as well. Good luck and stay warm and safe!

Good luck to you! It's the hardships and difficulties that make any journey an adventure. Best to take it one day at a time and look to your next meal instead of your next trail for inspiration.

Amazed by the beauty of your daily travel. Charmed by the wonderful people who have given you a smile. Up lifted by a word of encouragement. Strengthened by a hot meal. How can you not think that God has a hand in your well being. May it all continue with His blessings!

Sam & Jake We wish you the best in your adventure of a lifetime! Stay safe and be in good health to finish your journey.

Isn't trail magic amazing?? This journey will allow personal growth and blessings for the two of you and for those you come in contact with along the way. I hope it continues to be a positive experience. Keep moving guys!!

Sounds like a great expedition. Good luck!

Keep on rolling--Go Soumallienen Boikas!

We are grandparents to A.Turner who put a blog in your journal about working the Antrim County Snowmobile Trail. We would be delighted to host your overnight, should it fit your schedule. When you are heading into this area, give us a shout by email! We would provide a scrumptious homemade, hot meal, as well as warm beds! Welcome.

wow wow wow two men i will tell tales of till the end of time

I am planning on thru hikin he PCT in the next few years. I cant even imagine doing every major thu hike in the US! You are an inspiration. I wish you lots of good luck and good health. I will be happy to buy you a big burger and hike along with you when you get to Oregon. The PCT runs near my town (Ashland) Hats off to you and your brave company! Never giveup-never surrender!

A trip of a lifetime. You are very inspiring. Best wishes!

Samuel, You never know who you ll meet in the New Woodstock gas station. Thank you for making my day much more interesting than the usual 8-5 daily grind. While I have set foot on my own day hikes of the NCT I have alway imagined what it would be like to complete the trail on an epic one hike journey. Enjoy the hike as we enjoy the blog!

You go man. This is absolutely insanely awesome of you, I hope you succeed in this journey

So enjoying your journal I check it everyday. Wish you both the best of luck and good health on you journey.

Do it!

Wow, what an amazing quest. I will be watching your progress as you pass through Western NY and North western PA and hopefully will have the opportunity to spot you out on the trail. If there is any support I or other local hikers can provide I am sure we would be happy to assist you.

Best of luck to you Sam....may your feet always stay warm and dry!!

I randomly stumbled upon this site this evening, and am completely enthralled. It is my dream to hike the Appalachian Trail (which will probably have to happen after college) and I completely eat up everything chronicling thru-hikes. I will definitely return and read about your adventures! I hope it all turns out well and you have good luck. I'm living vicariously through you :)

I am located near the NY and PA border section of the NCT. The 100 mile section from the PA border south is fairly well marked with rolling hills. I just completed parts of the section that runs thru the Allegany State Park, starting from the stateline north into the Park, which has a couple of areas where downed trees have made the trail difficult to keep track of. The section in the Park has some excellent lean-to's. Call if you need help - 716-969-1483. Best wishes and maybe I will see you on the trail. You will need your snowshoes for this is Snow Country compliments of Lake Erie.

What you are doing sounds amazing! at some point i would love to complete any one of the trails. good luck on your journey - hopefully someday i will follow

Wow! Best of luck to both of you on your journey! I am both jealous of you and think you're crazy. But what you are doing is amazing. Congratulations on following your dream, and experiencing a once in a lifetime adventure. Keep up the good work; I'll be reading everyday. Maybe we when you get to Springer, I'll join you for a spell. :)

Hello Sam and Jake! Found your page through Stumbleupon.com Your stories so far are truly inspiring. I'm working more and more every day to try to do adventurous things. Currently working on learning to rock climb. Planning on going on a hike through the Smokey's sometime this year because I've never done anything like that! Keep at it you guys!

I might see you on the trail. I'm working snowmobile patrol in a Northern Lower Peninsula County this winter. Part of the North Country Trail in our county is utilized for snowmobile use in the winter. Safe travels and I wish I could do that voyage as well.

Randomly came upon this site using stumleupon.com. I will definately be following your progress and look forward to read all the amazing experiences. Have a blast, savour every moment good and bad. cheers. bridge

This is amazing. Having only really gotten into hiking last year, I can't say I'm on any sort of level to attempt such an extensive trek as what you shall be facing, but it's stories like this that inspire me to get to this level at some point. I wish you good luck on your trip and hope to keep up with it as you carry on your travels.

In reference to Sam's difficulty finding his way around today. His gear list includes a Garmin eTrex GPS. Does he know how to operate it? Garmin has really helpful tech support. I bet if Sam gives them a call he'll be really stoked about what a great resource they are! haha

I wish you great fortune on your journey...Sounds amazing

please give a fair amount of time to this web site. Scroll down, look at video clips. The stretches, compression, medications for swelling and soreness are all important to both fellows. They will understand the importance of treating their sore limbs!!!! MOM SAID SO!!! http://kneesoreness.com/

As an AT hiker I understand the journey and the reason! I wish you peace, joy, and strength to complete the journey.

Hope you have lots and lots more heartwarming experiences as you go along. Those will be the moments you remember 50 years from now! Enjoy!!!

Wow, I was just alerted to your journey and am in awe. Soon you will passing through our "backyard" via our favorite trails through Western NY and Northwestern PA. Hopefully you will find the sections of the trail through Allegany State Park in NY and the Allegany National Forest in PA as enjoyable as we have. Of course we will be tracking your progress along the route for the duration of the journey. Good Luck

What an awesome adventure. Hope you enjoy our little piece of the map here in CNY. Looking forward to following your trip on the site. Best of luck on your journey and thanks for sharing! :) Stephe

Sam, Just wanted to let you know that I check your site at least weekly or more if time allows. We are behind you all the way. Could you put time frames on how long it will be until you get to upper UP as the time approaches? We would like to see you there! God Bless You and Your Hiking Partner!

I am truly fascinated by your incredible journey and your aspirations. I am very happy your friend joined you; it'll make this trek easier and more enjoyable when you have someone to share the experience and keep you company. May God Bless.

Good Luck Sam, this is an outstanding opportunity, I wish you the best of luck. Stay healthy and warm.

I am so glad to see you in good spirits and moving along. In 2012 I hope to do about 4,000 miles of various trails. You inspire me! I am cheering for you! I wish you fair weather, clear water, flat trail and a peaceful heart!

Sam! I have no idea who you are but I am so pleased that God gave you this opportunity and the resources to get it done. I believe I understand why you are doing this but it is the how that still amazes me. You are one lucky son of a gun my friend. I wish you all the very best. Have a wonderful trek and enjoy the views.

Stopping by to wish you all the best as you start your big journey! I'm a friend of your sister and hiked the AT in 2007. You're an inspiration to get back out there!

I thank you for living the life you want, not what is expected of you. Stick with it and thank you. Glad to hear you have a friend on the trail with you, a good friend equals happier miles.

Your Aunt Sarah and I and our hiking group hiked in snow today in NC! It's a novel experience around Charlotte, NC, as we don't get much snow here. Sarah was telling the group about your experience and read a few of your latest journal entries. Good luck - stay warm!

Just wanted to let you know once the NCT starts to coincide with the FLT, the blazes turn from blue to white. The two trails coincide for 380 miles until you leave New York State and enter the Allegheny National Forest in PA... Then they turn back to blue...

Once you reach the Finger Lakes Trail, the blazes turn from Blue to White until you leave New York State... The NCT coincides with FLT for about 380 miles...

Hi Sam- I work with Uri and he was telling us all about your adventure at lunch today. Sounds amazing and is so inspiring. Keep taking photos of all the beauty you see along the way. And I pass along my inspirational movie quote "keep on swimming, keep on swimming" said by Dori in the movie Finding Nemo.

Hey Sam, I'm a teacher here @ Baraga HS and heard about your great adventure from the L'Anse Sentinel. Wow....what an undertaking!! My son (24) has a love for hiking also and has done sections of the NCT right around here. My students and I will be following you as you trek across this beautimous country....good luck and God speed! GO, YOU YOOPER BOY, GO!!