One of the great new hiking opportunities in the world is the recently developed Peaks of the Balkans Trail in the countries of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The group I traveled with was a seasoned bunch of hikers — mostly members of the Georgia ATC. Two PCT thru-hikers and two AT thru-hikers were on board as well as Marianne Skeen who has hiked McKinley twice. It was a guest house trip meaning our gear was carried by livestock or jeep. We stayed in places ranging from high-class hotels to shepherd huts. The hospitality of the people in all the countries was amazing. The mountains were phenomenally beautiful. I have hiked all over the world, and few places can rival this area. It was quite rugged, and we were delighted to carry only day packs. Our guide, Besa, was a bright, cheerful young woman who was indispensable for a group who knew nothing of the area. I doubt I could have found my way left to my own map reading and orienteering skills. More about this trip later. (Photo by Jay Dement, all rights reserved).
Thanks, Rebecca. It was fun talking to those nice people. I will try to keep some of my speaking engagements on my Facebook http://www.THRUstory.com if you want to attend. I will also be speaking frequently after dinner at the Len Foote Hike Inn.
THRU: An Appalachian Trail Love Story 
I just finished Thru and it was wonderful. thank you very much. I am only sorry I missed you when you spoke at Northwest UU Congregation.
Thanks, Rebecca. It was fun talking to those nice people. I will try to keep some of my speaking engagements on my Facebook http://www.THRUstory.com if you want to attend. I will also be speaking frequently after dinner at the Len Foote Hike Inn.