Vegan Free Hiker

welcome
Home     Trail Guide     Trail Angels     Donate     Vegan Trail Eating     Trail Journal Updates     Sponsors     Gear List     Photo Gallery     Contact      
ABOUT  JIM      
                                                                               
 
Jim Janolek is currently a residential real estate agent in
St. Petersburg, Florida.

A hard charging Marine Drill Instructor turned Animal Rights Activist through his career path choices, one most instrumental being an investigator for (PETA)  The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. A vegetarian for over 15 yrs with the past 9 years as a vegan, honoring his beliefs that all animals have a purpose on this earth, none of which include being on our plates.
 
Follow Veganfreehiker on Facebook and also catch up on my archived emails; scroll down for the links.
 Visit the Care Package Food Page to see what food item supplies Jim needs.
How I Got Started

In 1993, after my twelve years in the US Marine Corps, I met some folks who were hiking the Appalachian Trail. They told me all about it and I was fascinated and enamored by the idea of walking the trail myself.  I had never imagined taking on such a monumental and life challenging journey and the thought of doing it myself has never left me. Until now, my lifestyle has never afforded me the luxury of time to explore this dream. Thankfully now is the right time to make my dream a reality.

 
The Terrain
 
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a continuously marked footpath in the Appalachian Mountains that spans 14 states in the eastern U.S. Its northern terminus is Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
It's southern terminus is Springer Mtn. (just north of Atlanta) in Georgia. The AT is the most popular hiking trail in the world.
 
This “thru-hike” is an estimated 2175 miles which to do in one continuous trek normally takes a person anywhere from 5-7 months to complete.
 
This little hike through the woods equates to be approximately 5 million footsteps to walk the entire length of the Trail.
 
About 1,500 - 2,000 hikers attempt to hike the AT each year with only 12% (200 - 300) succeeding. Needless to say, I am committed and focused on being on the few (12% )who complete this task.
 
 

How Can You Help? 
I am asking for donations/pledges of $.01 to $1.00 per mile.
 
Donations will go to Florida Voices for Animals (FVA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that promotes animal rights and freedom, educating the masses on how to make compassionate choices for those without voices.
 
 
I will be looking for "Trail Angels" along the route.
 
Being a Vegan and hiking the trail will be a completely different experience than that of most hikers.
 
Feel free to contact me my support team directly with any questions or for other ways to help.

I will recognize on the website everyone making dollar per mile donations as one of my Supporters/ Trail Angels with special designations of donations which exceed $100.

I welcome both Corporate Support in the way of hiking / backpacking equipment, food donations, products and or services from both small and large businesses alike. There are several sponsorship opportunities to choose from and all sponsors and their logos will be recognized on this website.


My Goals

 

Are threefold:

One being to accomplish a longtime dream to hike the Appalachian Trail in its entirety; fulfilling a personal challenge.


Second I wish to raise awareness and show the benefits of eating a plant based diet and supporting a lifestyle free of animal based products.

 

Lastly, I am lending my efforts to support a local Florida non-profit organization who’s work is close to my heart. Please learn more about FVA by visiting their website at www.floridavoicesforanimals.org