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I go forth to make new demands on life. I wish to begin this summer well; to do something in it worthy of it and me; to transcend my daily routine and that of my townsmen...I pray that the life of this spring and summer may ever lie fair in my memory. May I dare as I have never done! May I persevere as I have never done!

Henry David Thoreau

Erik before his hikeErik after his hikeWelcome to the AT thru-hike home page of Erik Eichinger (erikeichinger2@hotmail.com) a.k.a. Thoroughfare Gap. If you like the page and are interested in having the designer build a page for you, visit Robert Harris.

While the main purpose for this page is to chronicle and share my Appalachian Trail thru-hike using the Journal, there is more for you to find as well. You can Link to other pages about backpacking and the AT. You can learn more about the AT and its history. You can see the list of Gear that I am carrying. If you have questions, you can check the FAQ's to see if I have already answered them, or send me an e-mail and Rob will get it to me on the trail (no promises on a quick response!). Lastly, I have written a book about backpacking, Backpacking for Beginners, which is a great resource for both beginners and experienced backpackers. To request a copy, send me an e-mail and we will respond with pricing and delivery information.

With that said, click around and enjoy the site. I am glad to have the opportunity to share my trip with you and hope that I can do both the experience of the trip and the AT justice.

If people in general could be got into the woods, even for once, to hear the trees speak for themselves, all difficulties in the way of forest preservation would vanish.

Sierra Club Bulletin, 1896

Erik finished the 2167 mile Appalachian Trail on 09/06/00.

Appalachian Trail
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