WHO 13 NEWS – We have an update on Joedy VanVelzen’s journey on the Appalachian Trail. He and his team of veterans made it out of the Smoky Mountains National Park and into Hot Springs, North Carolina.

In an update on his Facebook page, VanVelzen said cold temps and rain have made for some exhausting hiking conditions. His trail runners are deteriorating so quickly after nearly 300 miles, his wife had to overnight him some new ones.

The non-profit Warrior Expeditions provides extensive support on the trail with lodging, hot showers, laundry, and even a steak dinner one night. The transportation offered to the hostels also allows the hikers to “slack pack” for portions of the trail.

“Slack packing is simply you’re still doing the trail, but you’re doing it with a little bit lighter weight pack,” VanVelzen explained.

They still have nearly 1,900 miles to go until Maine, and September 1 is the goal to get it all done.