Thru-Hikers John and Becky Williams Speaking

According to a note in the Lafayette, LA 'Daily Advertiser' newspaper, on 12 February 2008 titled "Ultralight Backpacking clinic offered"

"John and Becky Williams will offer tips and tricks that can help to reduce the weight of your pack to a light and comfortable level. This seminar sprang from the Williams’ efforts to bring their overall pack weights down from the 35-42 pound range to under 25 pounds for their Appalachian Trail Thru-hike."

That's there in Lafayette on 12 February 2008 at the Pack & Paddle store.

Using GPS to Stay Connected to Home

Douglas Gantenbein, "the Gear Guy," answers gear questions for Outdoor Magazine. The Tacoma, WA News-Tribune carries his column. In its 10 May 2007 issue, under the headline "Three options offer some hope of tracking Appalachian Trail hiker" he answers this question:

"When I turn 40, I’m going to hike the Appalachian Trail. I would like to take a GPS unit, and my wife would like a way to keep track of my progress. Is there anything out there that can meet the need? – Glenn, New York"

Well, good ... until the battery dies, or you drop the unit down the side of a mountain, or leave it at a shelter, or whatever. Then you'd better hotfoot it to a phone to inform your home folks that you're still alive and still moving.