Almost retired, at the age of 64, I intend to pursue my dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail.  This blog will be my record book listing preparation, thoughts, concerns and whatever else comes to mind.  On July 31, 2013 I will officially retire and join the ranks of the unemployed.  I will begin to exercise with the intention of getting in shape to run a 1/2 marathon with my son and son-in-law, in January.  This conditioning will also help me get into shape for the AT.  Of the 2000 people who begin hiking the AT annually, only 1 in 10 completes it as a Thru-Hike.  I intend to be a thru-hiker.