"Appalachian Al" would like you to help
by contributing to the project

Any financial contribution is greatly appreciated and is tax deductible. Our fundraising campaign is currently underway, and below you can see our progress (updated every few days). Please donate and help us reach our goal of $100,000 before the grand opening (and move "Appalachian Al" farther along on his virtual "thru-hike" to make the grand opening possible. Every $50 helps him progress about one mile closer to "Maine", and our grand opening). Although it would be nice if everyone gave at least $50, we accept donations of any amount. (If you wish to send in your donation by regular postal mail, click here for pdf donation form) Corporate Sponsorship is available in three levels with varying benefits - click here for details.

YOUR donation will move us along this virtual A.T., closer to Katahdin, and success for the A.T. Museum. So please "Join our Journey."
Thank you. (If you experience any problems with donating online, please let us know by e-mailing us at info@atmuseum.org)

We currently have over $15,382 in donations! Appalachian Al has begun, and has successfully passed through the state of Georgia! Passing through the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, he reported that he was definitely ready for that hot shower at the Fontana Dam. He looked foreward to seeing a bear in the Smokies, and hoped that he has enough warm clothing. Click on the image of Appalachian Al (below) in the Nantahalas & from Clingman's Dome for a larger view of this spectacular scenery!

During a recent surge, Appalachian Al left the Smokies, made a short stop in Hot Springs, Tennessee. He spent some time with a fellow hiker on Big Bald who was going southbound and picked up some needed tips about the upcoming trail conditions. See Below for more details...

Al did not see any Elephants strung up as he went by Erwin, Tennesse, but met a couple of college professors while on Roan Mountain who cheered him up with their donations to the A.T. Museum fund drive. A short refreshing dip in Watuga lake prepared him for descending into the State of Virginia, where he thought he might might attend the "Trail Days" festivities. He met a couple of hikers from Illinois staying at "The Place" who congratulated him on his efforts and inspired him to keep faith in the Museum ideals. Appalachian Al reports he is doing well, sends his thanks, but says he will definitely need a lot of support for the upcoming long journey through Virginia.

At Comer's Creek, Al balanced on a fallen log after gazing at the falls and contemplating taking a skinny dip in the cool waters (which he did afterwards, but we cannot show pictures of that).

Farther along, he thought about ordering pizza, but due to his promise of donating any extra money to the A.T.Museum cause, he opted to eat his Ramen noodles instead. He thinks that if everyone would just eat one meal of Ramen noodles and foreward the remaining difference (at least $10) between the price of Pizza and Smack Ramen, he would be able to get through Virginia pretty quickly.

If you are not currently a member and would like to become one, Click on the button below to become a member and pay with PayPal. Be prepared to enter a donation amount of $20 or more for your one year dues.

If you do not wish to use the online donation, click one of the following for a printable membership form to become a member: PDF file (if you have a pdf viewer) or image file (any computer). Contributions or memberships to the Appalachian Trail Museum Society should be sent to Rich Evans to the address below. Checks should be made payable to A.T. Museum Society. We will send you a formal acknowledgment of your contribution for your records.

The grand opening for the Museum will be on National Trails Day, June 5, 2010. For more detailed info on this event, click here.

Walkin' Jim Stoltz