This is for any interested '06 NOBO. In 2004, LWOP started the reading of “The Hobbit” in the Shenandoah National Park.
In '05 I continued with the 2nd annual reading of “The Hobbit” in the Shenandoahs.
Now, we need an '06 Hiker to keep it going. The reading is just what it says, except it is read out loud each night.
Basically, you shelter hop the Shennies, except for the one that makes an 8 mile day, which you can stop at if you want. Each evening your group takes turns reading pages from the Hobbit and, if you plan it right, you will finish it at the last shelter in the Shenandoahs.
This year the core group consisted of around 10 people. These 10 were at every reading. We had over 20 one night. Everyone that does read out of the book gets to sign it. It really is a blast but it does require a commitment.
It is very easy to do big miles in the Shennies. Because of the reading most days for us were only 13 miles. We would get to the waysides and take 3 to 4 hour lunches, just hanging out and having fun and then head to the planned shelter for the night. So, you have to not want to blow through the Shennies.
It also requires you talk it up as you move up the trail. You do want to have people join you, those that will stick with it throughout.
This may require you to hold up in Waynesboro for a day or two to wait for those that said wanted to participate, those that you knew were serious. In my case I got to Waynesboro on Tuesday and left Saturday … not complaining mind you :)… because I had gotten way ahead of Touk and Gypsy and I knew they really wanted to do the reading so I waited.
Just throwing this out there for any '06 NOBO that is interested. Drop a line if you are and I can give you some other “details” 
Cuppa
Cuppa Joe