WELCOME TO TRAIL SNAILS! (Georgia to Maine One Step at a Time!)

So...you've seen those signs in random places:  Florida National Scenic Trail, with its orange blazes. Or maybe you've heard of the Appalachian Trail and thought, "That sounds cool.  Maybe I want to get out there and take a hike."  Maybe the idea is just a tiny flame in the back of your mind.  Whatever your reason, let me just say, "Welcome to Trail Snails, the blog designed with the novice hiker in mind!"

We do not claim to be experts on long distance hiking.  We will say that now. In fact, we chose our name, Trail Snails, because we tend to take our hikes nice and slow.  Our typical daily mileage goal rarely exceeds 9 miles, with 7 or so being what we aim for the most often.  I mean, for me, I can't imagine going out to explore the wonders of Mother Nature and running my way through it.  The trail is challenging enough even at our slow pace...there are tripping hazards with every step you take, not to mention the obvious fact that you might actually want to stop and just take a long look at the beauty that surrounds you!  Hence the name:  Trail Snails: Georgia to Maine, One Step at a Time!

 My claim to fame is the fact that whenever we get ready to go on a multi-day hike on the A.T. I am the one who does the planning...where to stop: shelter area vs. campsite; where the forest service roads intersect the trail in case we find ourselves in need of being picked up (which has happened, by the way); arranging our shuttle service to our drop off/pick up points;  all the finer aspects involved in planning such a hike.  I keep track of the weather and average temps (in the event that our hike is a few weeks away and into a different season/time of year) so that we can carry the right sleeping bag and clothing.  My sister, who is also my hiking partner, usually gathers our meals and insures we've got the right amount to cover however many days we're planning to be out.  Our third partner is crime, our brother, is our tech guy...he carries the GPS and the GoPro camera to document our journey.  He's often found making note of a campsite we unexpectedly come across that was not listed in the guide book I use.  Together we can offer a variety of gear reviews and other helpful tips that we believe will make hiking a better experience for the new hiker.  So, if you need a quick gear suggestion or other tip, hopefully you'll be able to drop by and find your answer here.  I'm also more than open to helping you plan your trip if I can.  While our actual mileage on the A.T. only adds up to about 130 miles, I am adept at using the guide book and can help you weed through it all.  You'll find everything from photos taken of the various places we hike or camp to book reviews and more!

Please let us say, "Thanks for stopping by our blog!"  As this is a work in progress, please check back often for new posts.  Also, if there are any of you out there that have something you'd like to contribute, let us know!  We're always open to the ideas of others.  After all, hiking is a unique adventure for each person.  We all figure out what works the best for us.  We hope that what's worked for us will be of use to you!

Happy Hiking everyone!

Scott, Lori and Debbie atop the Albert Mountain Fire Tire in NC.