Local Man to Journey the Appalachian Trail

Springer Mountain, Georgia will serve as the starting point for Cumming resident Craig Sweet’s 2175 mile trek along the Appalachian Trail. Craig, 58, has lived with his son here in Cumming for the past 7 months while preparing for this 6 1/2 month long walk. Craig recently retired as a professional with the Boy Scouts of America, which led him to his first real experience hiking in the mountains.

Craig first became aware of the Appalachian Trail in the 1970’s and in the late 1980’s a friend lent Craig his 2 volume set of books titled “Hiking the Appalachian Trail”. The books chronicled the creation of the trail and the experiences of an assortment of the earliest hikers of the trail. It was during this period that Craig developed an interest in the idea of taking on the challenge of hiking the whole trail himself.

Several factors were responsible for Craig’s decision to take on this project. The most important was wanting to take on the challenge. Once Craig determined if he was healthy enough, if he could afford to do so, if he could take the time to do so, if he could store his possessions safely while gone, and if there were any pressing needs that would prohibit him from doing so. One by one, Craig resolved these issues and simply decided to go on with the project. The only real problem was when to go and which way. Most hikers choose south to north (Springer Mt, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine) since they can start earlier in the hiking season and therefore have more time to be successful in completing the hike.

Friends and family have been very supportive and encouraging. Craig’s three children have been especially enthusiastic and say that he needs to take advantage of the opportunity while it exists.

Preparing for this endeavor physically has been difficult. Craig started in the fall working at Ingles as a night stocker, then during the holidays working for UPS, which both jobs required being on his feet and walking a lot. He then worked for Publix Supermarkets, again being on his feet and doing a lot of walking and standing. Craig will pace himself and be very careful not to push too hard for the first few weeks until he gets his “hiking legs”. Mentally preparing for this journey was the easy part for Craig. First, just making the decision to explore the possibilities, then making up a list of things to do and then implementing actions for completing the list. Financial planning is crucial. Craig had just returned from working in Europe, so it was important for him to receive his belongings and arrange for their storage. Peace of mind led Craig to focus on the actual details of planning for the hike and gathering information and equipment. Half a dozen books read and searching out others who had experienced hiking the trail left a list of things he needed to acquire. The top notch support that Craig received from Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi at Neels Gap by Blood mountain on U. S. Rte. 129 is why he says they are the “Only” place to go to for hiking equipment and knowledge.

Craig’s main concern and challenge is the fact that over the years he has gained weight (haven’t we all!) and wants to walk safely and at a reasonable pace along with managing whatever weight lose he may experience effectively. Losing weight will be a side benefit, not a primary goal and he hopes it will have a positive effect on his diabetes and high blood pressure. Craig has organized 8 mail drops for his son to mail medications and other odds and ends to him. He will re-supply primarily by going to stores, hostels and restaurants on or near the trail nearly every week, which will also enable him to have a shower and maybe do laundry.

Craig has taken several steps to ensure a safe atmosphere. Personal safety is front and foremost in making the difference for both successfully completing the trail and enjoying the experience. Good planning and equipment in good repair allows for much safer usage. Using good techniques for food handling is essential. Craig has a “bear bag” which he will hang in the trees at night so wild animals cannot get to his food or attack him in the attempt to get to his food. Cleaning hands is crucial before handling food and food related utensils. Illness from poor sanitary habits is the greatest cause of people quitting a hike on the trail.

Craig will be starting out alone. A friend had planned to go along, but had a physical problem pop up and will join him later. Craig will also take a three week break about two thirds of the way in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia to work as a volunteer for the 2005 National Scout Jamboree and then get back to the trail and try to finish at Mt. Katahdin, Maine by October 15th.

*Craig’s son hopes to have a website with information on how the walk is going up soon.*