Interview Time!

Sorry I haven't been on in a while. I got an interview so I've been busy getting that stuff lined up. I fly out on the first to spend some time relaxing, healing, and interviewing. The past few days have been great. New Jersey is awesome and I definitely suggest hiking here. The only disappointment is that I've yet to see a bear, let alone one fist pumping. I fly back on the eleventh to resume my trek. I also managed to catch the opening ceremonies for the Olympics thanks to who ever hooked us up with Dish at Rutherford Shelter.

One Month!

Today marks one month since I restarted my trek. Lets recap.
States crossed: 2
Miles hiked: 281
Weight lost: 40 lbs
Zeroes taken: 3
Bugs snorted/ inhaled/ swallowed: too many to count
I crossed into New Jersey today and to my surprise there are no fist pumping bears posing for pictures but I was in no way disappointed. One day in NJ is already better than all of PA. Saw Sunfish Pond( pictured below) and some amazing views. There are still rocks but their rocks have a roundness to them. Much better than the knife blades in PA. Coming out on a bald we got to see gliders. NJ has been awesome, PA can go kick rocks.

I can see New Jersey

Tonight I'm camped about 7 miles from the PA/NJ line. I am so ready to leave Rocksylvania behind.  I had the best view from my trip so far climbing out of Lehigh gap. The climb sucked. Not really a fan of rock climbing, let alone with a pack. But I didn't die and the view was amazing.

Ugh

After hitting my top speed today of mach suck and only making it half the distance I wanted to its finally starting to look up. Its raining which means it's cooling down. Between the heat and humidity, the rocks, and all the aches and sores that accumulate over a month of backpacking today was not fun. But on the bright side I've made it 230 miles. That's over 10%. I figure if I only have 10 days like this the whole thing is a success. And it's not like this is the worst day hiking I've had. I didn't lose my lunch, I'm still coherent, and I can still feel my toes. I guess I really don't have all that much to complain about!

Less than 1000 to go.

Passed the 1000 miles to go mark yesterday putting my total distance covered at just under 200 miles. My legs are finally starting to catch up and I'm doing 13 to 15 mile days regularly.

A tenth of the way?!

Taking a zero day at the Doyl hotel in Duncannon PA. Added up the miles and I've done close to 125 since starting in Maryland. That's a tenth of the easy to Katahdin. I knew I was moving pretty good but they really surprised me. Ok off to see how many cheeseburgers and wings i can consume



The Doyle Hotel is one of the original Anheuser-Busch hotels, more than 100 years old.

Heat Wave

It hit 102 today. Made it 14 miles through the Cumberland valley. I know I have more but I'm fried right now.

Long Time No See

So in the past few days I hiked into town and lost my dog legs, took a zero day and hiked past the mid point of the trail. I went through Pine Furnace state park but skipped the half gallon challenge where you eat a half gallon of ice cream to celebrate the half way point. Maybe when I come back. Was reminded why you always watch the trail today when I found some wasps with a nest in the middle of the trail. Did 18 miles today. I think I'll take it easy tomorrow.
P.S. happy fourth of July!

Mason-Dixon

I'm officially in the North now. I just hope this heat wave passes soon.

Day 5

You know that gunk you get on you're hands when you pet a really dirty dog? Yeah i get that when i scratch my legs now. Had to slow down the last two days. I kind of burnt my self out but I still cross over into PA tomorrow. I guess there's a pretty nasty heat wave coming through. Supposed to hit 100 tomorrow. Guess that means an early start.

On a Roll!

I've covered 27.5 miles so far. I definitely prefer Maryland's trail to Georgia's. I'm surprised how impressed the other thru hikers are that I came back on the trail. I guess most people would have given up. Guess we'll just have to see which is the smarter choice.

The Return!

First day back after surgery and man am I out of shape. MD is a wonderful place to hike though and I'll have my trail legs back in no time.

LET IT BEGIN!

This journey started many months ago.  It was a dream.  With many emotions running through me it finally became a reality.  Monday March 26, 2012 I stood at the top of Springer Mt..  My pack resting against the rock that held the plaque of The Appalachian Trail. My Mom and Dad hiked the mile up to the start of the trail with me.  My Dad carried my pack to the starting point. After a few pictures, I donned my life upon my back and headed off for a journey I will surely never forget. We hiked down to the parking lot where the AT runs through.  With a small stop for lunch and a tearful (yes, Mom's eyes were leaking) "Happy Trails To You",  I was truly on my journey.



This was an awesome quote by Harold Allen that was on the sign board in the parking lot.

"Remote for detachment, narrow for chosen company, winding for leisure, lonely for contemplation  
        it beckons not merely north and south but upward to the body, mind and soul of man."