Greetings Trail Enthusiasts!

[Baro]

Hello hikers! I'm from Jasper, AL (#1 place in America to hire a hitman or buy a used car). I have to admit though I've hiked very few trails in my native state. I have hiked the Costa Rican jungle, the Dingle peninsula in Ireland, and the Hadrian's Wall Path in England. In 2006 I even thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and wrote a book about it called Through Hiker's Eyes - A Journey Along the Appalachian Trail which can be found at www.trailpeddler .com (shameless plug; I admit it). I'm hoping to thru-hike the Pinhoti Trail sometime in the future. I'm looking for a team to do that with since I find myself boring after three solo days in the woods. There's no rush on that, but I figured this would be an avenue to explore that possibility.

Enjoy the Journey,
Baro

[Pathfinder]

Welcome to the forums, Baro.  Hope to meet you on the trail soon. 

Bill

[JC785]

Welcome Baro!

[Cuffs]

Can you say spammer??

[jaybird]

Hey Baro!

I met you at the AHTS Conference in Mobile back in the Spring.  I bought a copy of your book at the Writer's Forum, and have thoroughly enjoyed it!  Can't wait to read Part 2 (Harper's Ferry northward).  Since many here probably don't know about your organization ChallengePoint -- will you give us a brief summary and update?

[Big Dumb Admin]

Can you say spammer??

I invited him to come promote his book.

We support local commerce

[DavidR]

Awesome. Its one of my life goals to do a hikethrough of the Appalachian.

[Baro]

Jaybird, I'm glad you enjoyed the first book and I hope I can send you the sequel soon. It arrived this summer and is ready to be read. Also thanks for asking about ChallengePoint. We do teambuilding retreats and adventure treks for church, community, and corporate groups. We had a great summer! Spent most of it up in Tennessee guiding five-day backpacking treks in Big South Fork Wilderness. The fall season is a bit slower, but considering the economy we're doing all right.

The 2006 Appalachian Trail hike was also a fundraiser for ChallengePoint to purchase land for a retreat center. We raised $30,000. In 2011 we're going to do it again hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Most of my Trail tribe from the AT are planning on joining me along with a couple of ChallengePoint volunteers. It should be fun!

Enjoy the Journey,
Baro

[Firedog]

Welcome Baro, to our little section of Gods miracle. I had one of my friends send me the link for Challenge Point the other day. Thanks for doing the Lord's work. It must be very rewarding. Carl W.