Where's Batch? - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Back in April when I was doing this year’s section hike I met a thru hiker trailnamed BATCH. He was like 82 years old and was trying to be the oldest hiker ever to thru hike the AT (I think he would be 83 when he finished). I met him near Indian Grave Gap, a few miles north of Erwin Tennessee. He was a slow and steady hiker and hiked from dawn to dusk each day. Many of the hikers I met on the trail this year knew him and all were impressed with his trip. He was making really good time. He signed every shelter register, it seemed, with a short message that said something like “BATCH was here - GA to ME. Always going North.” His entries were always written in green ink. I don’t think he has a journal online, at least not on this site. Does anyone know where he is now and how he is doing. I would love to know how his hike is turning out. Thanks.

CBiscuit

#2

I heard that he got off the trail, I can’t remember where, somewhere between pearisburg and waynesboro I think… I ran into batch alot, we would pass him and get off the trail for a couple days, leap frog, I last saw him in the highlands… What’s up to all who know me, and others still on the trail " Keep It Lit" Lumber

lumber

#3

whats up guys. lumber is right.

milo

#4

Batch ! Wow, that guy is astounding. We hiked with him on our Pct thru hike and he was fearless. I tell ya, I would come to those reckless wild fords… heart in my throat … and there he would be… punching thru that ruff and tumble water. The passes were snowy , steep and dangerous and he never failed to keep moving. We would watch , with our hearts in our throats, a dot high on the icy ridge…steady and always always… happy to be out. I want to be JUST like him when I get to be 80. On top of all that he is also a gracious and generous guy. Hike on Batch !!!.. I miss you…:slight_smile:

yappy

#5

Thanks for the info. I was really hoping that Batch would make it and I’m sad to hear that he has apparently had to leave the trail. Good to hear that you guys are still watching the forums and journals. I am starting to plan for next year’s section, north from Partnership Shelter. No specifics on timing, etc, but nice to dream about. I still have no info on how Flamingo Joe is doing, but I think someone mentioned him in passing in a journal entry at about the 1200 plus mile marker, if I remember right (just mentioned his name as being at a shelter one night}. Hope the two of you are having a great summer.

CBiscuit