6/15 Day 30:

Hiked 12.5 miles today. Got another late start- about 9:30. Took almost a two hour break at the High Point Visitor Center and considered only going 2 miles to the High Point Shelter (a beach day was tempting) But after my break I had more energy and went 6 miles to the Murray Property "secret shelter". It's a cabin with a nice front porch, a solar shower and electrical outlets! Just washed my hair and rinsed out my clothes. Now gazing over the open fields and doing some bird watching while enjoying the sunset and cooking dinner.

Day 31:
Plan was to hike 13.5 miles today, but it turned out I am closer to Uncle Rick than I thought, so I got plucked from the road crossing a bit early. Taking a zero tomorrow which will be nice. With two zeros in two weeks and the lower mileages hopefully my feet will feel better. Saw a skunk leaving the shelter this morning. Light drizzle through lunch time, but actually refreshing to walk in. Peaceful and good terrain.

Day 33:
Took a zero with Rick and Marie. Walked 12 miles to Wildcat Shelter- very dirty! The privy was overflowing. Saw my first black bear on the trail. It was conditioned, came right into the campsites during dinner time. Lots of ups and downs. Pretty much any rock you saw, you had to go over. Tiring...

Day 34:
Very hot today! 93 and humid. Many of the listed water sources are going dry, but the trail angels have been amazing! Ran into the Yellow Deli folks and got peach matcha tea and cookies. There were water jugs at every road crossing as well as multiple coolers of sodas, fresh bagels and cream cheese, hotdogs and mini calzones. Much of it was due to "Patio" who hiked in 2000 and drove to multiple road crossings. Don't know what we would have done for water otherwise. Patio told us about a campsite 2 miles south of the shelter by Island Pond in Harriman State Park, so that's where most of us ended up. I took my first hiker bath (swimming) and it was so lovely! Hung my hammock and slept very well, only waking briefly to the full moon. Bigfoot the Good, Toad & Yellow, GetWeird, Champa, Grizz, Savage and Romani were among the people I knew. Good end to a long, hot day.

Day 35:
Hot again, but not as bad as yesterday. 12 miles again to the shelter. The heat definitely saps energy, but I made okay time. Got out of camp about 7:30 and even with a nearly two hour siesta for into camp about 5:30. 12 miles on the docket tomorrow to get to Aunt Susie's. Climbing Bear Mountain tomorrow and popping by the Trailside Museum where HV Corps has an intern or two. Listening to the Bloody Jack series on audiobook which is actually really engaging. I was able to borrow it via the Overdrive program through the library. Now about 8:30 and heading to bed. The shelter has views of the NY Skyline, but since tomorrow is the solstice it will still be a while before dark. I'll grab a picture at some point during the night.

Day 37: Climbed Bear Mountain which was the first real mountain that we had to both climb and descend. The trail was actually pretty nice- well maintained trail, but a lot of steps. I'm sure overall it was easier on the knees. The trail went right through the Trailside Zoo, so I took a break there and checked out the exhibits during lunch. After, it was a good bit of roadwalking to cross the bridge and about 6 miles to Sue. Good to see everyone and catch up. I'm really tempted to take a second zero tomorrow as there is a good chance of rain, but I don't want to impose or get too comfy. I may try for my first 20 mile day- fresh legs and just happens to be the distance to the next shelter.

Day 38 (34th of actual hiking):
I resisted the lure of a second zero! The weather was originally supposed to be rainy, but ended up all south of us, so it turned out to be no rain but a nice break from the humid weather. I got on the trail at 8 and plugged away- 20 miles!!! Got to the shelter by 6 and ordered pizza since it's close to a road crossing. My feet are definitely tired, but the terrain was pretty kind. I also passed the 400 mile mark today at Clarence Fanehstock State Park. Found a 24oz PBR sitting on the trail and carried it out as a treat. Good day overall. About 8 now and time for bed.

 Later- Ended up being visited by a skunk looking for pizza crusts. Thought it was a hiker coming in late and making noise and almost yelled at it... :P

The Kindness of Strangers

Day 22: Bert's Steakhouse Garage "Hostel" 7ish miles.

Shorter day today. The terrain wasn't bad, but I ran into two thunderstorms. One I managed to wait out, in a shelter, but the other soaked me. The George Outerbridge Shelter where I was going to stay was infested with caterpillars (dropping on my head!) and the logbook mentioned issues with porcupines. After last night's poor sleep and knowing there is a sizable climb tomorrow I decided to splurge and stay in town. Since the Jailhouse Hostel was shut down last year, the woman who runs this restaurant lets people stay in her garage for $10. She was nice enough to pick us up at the trail head too, saving a 1.5 mile walk into town along a busy road. I'm texting with TW now to get the scoop on tomorrow's terrain since she was up there today. More T-storms in the forecast with overall 80% chance of rain... Hopefully won't slow me down too much!
The hiker box here is awesome! Fresh fruit, Oreo's and PBR. I think I may carry out a PBR to celebrate making it to the shelter tomorrow. We'll see with all the water I have to lug- no water sources for the first 10 miles. Guidebook says what there is is contaminated because of previous smelting/mining operations, so not safe to drink even when filtered.

Day 24: Kirkridge Shelter, 17 miles.

Surprisingly energetic feeling tonight. It was a longer day than originally planned because of bad weather yesterday (cut the day short by about 3.5 miles). The sun was shining though and somehow I stayed a lot more positive throughout the day. I even considered continuing to Delaware Water Gap which was another 7 miles, but it would have put me in town about 11pm, and probably wouldn't have been too good on the feet either.

Yesterday by comparison, I was on the verge of tears and decided to stay at the Stempa Hostel (much nicer garage than in town!) A hot shower and a half-pound burger did wonders as well as sleeping soundly through the night. Got down into the 40's, so good to be inside! I was there with Recon (a female, Polish speaking, tall pastry chef) and Juice- both good people. With the short distance to DWG tomorrow I'll be in town by morning and I'll make it a zero day.

P.S. Joined the Triple Crown club- using a flush toliet, cathole and privy in one day. Oatmeal.

The "Trail" :P

Day 25: DWG 7 miles.

Pretty easy trek into town today. Met the ridgerunner for the Northern PA shelters leaving this morning from Kirkridge. Got to the Church of the Mountain Hiker Hostel- pretty nice place. The shower was clean and they provided towels. Perfect after a chilly morning. Met up with Pops at Kirkridge and sharing a laundry load now at a creepy motel down the road since the hostel doesn't have a washer. Had the hotdog special at the Village Bakery ($2.95 for a hotdog and slice of apple pie) Currently enjoying beautiful weather and wafting scents at the picnic table outside. When laundry is done we're going to the pizza place for lunch. I also bought a whole loaf of garlic herb bread and have been snacking on it.

Day 26: ZERO DAY!!!!!

Lots of food eating today! Went to Hot Dog Johnny's in Buttzville, NJ- a place we always visited as kids after a day of hiking. Different prices, but same fare and atmosphere! It was lovely. One of the hikers staying at the hostel is a section hiker and was willing to drive, so it was really easy to get there, even though it was 20 minutes away. Went to the local outfitters and got better insoles and some Dirty Girl gaiters. Got to Walmart and resupplied as well as getting a tennis ball to roll out my foot. Stopped by the Village Bakery again- they had a special BBQ stand and we got lots of free samples. I also got some meat to put on my leftover bread. Met B-hiker, Romani, Pine Cone Sitter, Subman and Subs at the Hostel.

Day 28: Brink Rd. Shelter 14.5 miles.

Last night I stayed at a stealth site alone. I was pushing towards the Mohican Outdoor Center which was about 10 miles from the hostel. I didn't want to be alone, but I passed the backpacker campsite at 5 miles and didn't realize it until I was a few miles past. I was low on water, but asked some day hikers and they had an unopened bottle, sot that allowed me to stop early. Since the MOC charges even to camp, by stealthing I got a nice view and saved some money. I had some trouble hanging a bear bag, but it worked and I had no issues with any animals. My feet were really bothering me yesterday, but felt a bit better today. Mom and Dad have been really encouraging and supportive- even when I call them up complaining. I was worried I would be cold in the hammock w/ 49 as the forecast and a stiff breeze, but I slept amazingly well (I was wearing all my layers..) I even had dreams for the first time since being on trail.
Took lots of breaks today to take it easier on my feet- I think the frustration and pain yesterday was mostly due to the roadwalking to get out of town as well as 10 miles of rocky terrain. I went to church in the morning and didn't get started until after 1pm. The terrain was a bit easier today. I met up with Kinder, the same section hiker that drove to Hot Dog Johnny's about 2 miles from the shelter which was a pick me up.
It's a very nice shelter tonight with a balcony style porch, but a real low water source. The guidebook said it was close to the road, which typically means the shelter attracts locals and is not well maintained, but the road is a forest access road, so there is not traffic at all! Plan to do 15 miles tomorrow. I'll be passing the 300 mile mark. GPS and Rugby started their hike in CT today- hopefully with plugging along I'll be seeing them soon!

Day 29: Mishpacong Shelter, 12.5 miles.

Writing now as I wait for dinner to finish cooking. Trying my hand at my first Knorr pasta side. I had hoped to pack out a sandwhich or sub from the AT Deli in Branchville, but discovered they have close their doors. Pretty much the whole town was for rent or closed, but I did find myself a diet coke (overpriced!) Discovered this morning that my phone was down to 18% with no reserve charge- must have gotten unplugged in the hostel. Was able to charge it at the pub in town, but didn't want to pause too long. Met up with Romani and hiked together for 3 miles. Purposely filled my water bottles at Gren Anderson Shelter in case I didn't make it to Rutherford because the spring here is over half a mile away. I'm the only one staying in the shelter, so I'm being "that person" and put my hammock up in the shelter. Hopefully being inside will help me keep a little warmer, but give some more comfort than the wooden floor. Smooshed zebra cakes and hot chocolate for dessert!

Drawing by kids of the Church of the Mountain

Hike more, worry less

"Hike more, worry less."

Day 16: 501 Shelter, 17 miles. 

Did another 17 miles today- impressed myself! The first 13 weren't bad, but the last 4 were very rocky and winding. Made it though! I turned on some tunes to help. I'm actually 4 miles ahead of TW and BC currently because they zeroed in Licksdale, but they will probably pass me tomorrow since I won't be going 16 to the next shelter. My feet really hurt when I came in, but now feel a bit better- I had to take Vitamin I for the first time. The shelter is fully enclosed with octagonal skylight and 8 bunk beds. It's owned by the local trail club and has an onsite caretaker. Pretty cushy. We ordered in food from a local pizza shop- I got a 12" sub and a huge order of fries and devoured it. I think I burned some calories today, haha. I took a cold water shower real quick, so feeling a little cleaner after a sweaty day and my clothes are rinsed and hanging on the line outside. To bed soon. 

Day 17: Hertline Campsite 6 miles. 

Took off today with the intention to go about 15 miles to Eagle's Nest shelter, but I came upon this campsite by a stream about 1:30 and decided to eat lunch and soak my feet. That turned into an hour break and I called Mom for the first time since Dunncannon. While I was talking Tumbleweed and BC showed up!! (also Pops) They decided to stay here as well, so now we are having a campfire and reunion! Probably doing 10 miles to Eagle's Nest tomorrow then into town for mail. 

Day 19: Windsor Furnace Shelter 

Camped a second night at a random campsite the night of 6/2 then continued 4 miles into town. The steep descent we had been hearing about wasn't too bad in grade, but the terrain was all eroded dirt and loose rocks which made it hard to get good footing- slipped out a few times, but no falls! Tumbleweed's cousin Jiffy had joined her for the past 4 days. She really liked to talk- had an interesting conversation about Peace Corps since she just got back from service. 

The plan was to spend the full day in town today as my first zero day, but we got into by 11 am yesterday, and after spending the night I had all my errands done and decided to hike out 5.5 miles to the shelter outside town.  

The folks in Port Clinton were really nice, and there was a free pavilion at the edge of town to stay in, but the people there were smoking and making a lot of noise. The Barbershop had cookies, coffee and charging for phones, the Port Clinton hotel had showers and laundry for purchase even if you weren't staying. I got an easy ride to Walmart from Shuttle Steve and visited the world's largest Cabela's. My pack is FULL of food and I sent a box ahead to myself for Delaware Water Gap in about a week. 

TW and BC stayed the night as well as Linley. We had dinner and some drinks at the Hotel then went to the Firehouse Pub for $1.25 lagers and to play pool. Today there was a hiker feed BBQ at the pavilion with chicken, desserts and other picnic fare. Less than half a mile from the shelter there was a group of Chinese folks supporting their friend Old Fox who also had trail magic in the form of noodles and beef, almond cookies and Guiness beer. Trail magic with chopsticks!! Happiest people ever. I didn't have to make dinner after, so I still have all my food plus chicken breast I packed out. 

Met Festus and son Skidmark (section hikers), Wonderland, PB and Jester at shelter. Also reunion with Pops! 

Day 20 Eckville Shelter 10 miles

Pulled into the shelter today about 1 pm, but decided to stay put rather than continue 7 miles to the next. Partly because of my feet, but mostly because it had drizzled all morning and thunderstorms were due. About 4:30 now and they are here! The sky is very dark and the wind has really kicked up! Also good to have staked out a spot. Not as big or nice as the 501 shelter, although it does have a flush toilet and enclose shower. I passed the 200 mile mark today!!!! I'm at 209 officially, so less than 2000 to go! Quiet group tonight so far. People are napping or reading. Took a short snooze, but don't want to ruin my sleep tonight. Maybe it's the rainy day. 

Day 21 Bake Oven Knob Shelter 17 miles

Long day today from Eckville. Luckily I got an early start because someone was out the door at 5:30 and everyone started stirring. I was out by 7:30, but the first 7 miles to Allentown Shelter were tough! I almost considered spending the night because it was a nice shelter, but continued on. The remaining 10 were not bad, but the last 4 were a bit rocky. We had the Knife's Edge which was not as bad as I expected, but still required hands and the mighty butt slide. The last mile to the shelter itself seemed to go on forever- very steep and rocky! I'm thinking of treating myself to a stay in Palmerton. 

Morning after: Visited by a large porcupine who came to chew on the shelter about a foot from everyone's heads. Skidmark scared it off by bopping it on the head with a trekking pole. 

Going the Long Way

"You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going." -George Lucas

Day 8: 4 miles Pine Grove Furnace State Park 

Stopped in Pine Grove Furnace State Park for lunch. Arrived about 11:30 and popped into the hostel to pickup my maildrop- only one of the packages was there, this one I mailed myself from Waynesboro. The mail wasn't due until 2 or 3pm, so I sat with TW and BC at the General Store and had some no-trail food. The General Store is home of the ice cream half-gallon challenge to commemorate the halfway point of the A.T. I didn't try it, but did get a good sized burger and fries. Delicious! Sunshine and Matt showed up around 1pm. Sunshine's foot was really bothering her. They had lunch while she iced it. I decided to stay at the Ironmaster's Mansion hostel for the night. With mail kinda late and greasy food, 7 miles to the next shelter is "meh". Yay for Nearo's!! 

Day 9: 7 miles James Fry Shelter

Another short day of mileage. Stayed at the hostel. Built in the 1820's. The Innkeeper and his wife were friendly. Did laundry, unpacked maildrops, showered. Quiet evening. Only girl, so I got the 18 bed dorm room to myself. Yesterday afternoon checked out the A.T. Museum- pretty cool exhibits. The curator showed me the progress in the children's area, looks like it will be a lot of fun once finished! Very tempted to buy a halfway patch- maybe if they have them for sale in Boiling Springs at the ATC office. Ended up calling in an order for larger shoes to L.L. Bean. Chose boots for hopefully some protection against the PA rocks. 

Hostel closed at 9 am this morning- realized at 9:30 that I had left my ipod behind charging. Knocked on the door and called the phone number, but no luck- hopefully can arrange to have it mailed. Sucks cause there is an 18 mile day coming after tomorrow (no camping allowed in the Cumberland Valley). Should be flat terrain though. Caught up with Matt about noon- at the shelter now together. Sunshine left the trail to get her foot checked out. We arrived about 2 pm. Now lounging in my hammock and reading. Dinner and another quiet night. 

Day 10: 8.5 miles Alec Kennedy Shelter

Didn't wake up until 8:30 today and didn't get on the trail until almost 12. We did 8 miles today, which started out deceptively easy. Absolutely flat ground paralleling railroad tracks for nearly 3 miles, but then some slight elevation. Not bad. The difficult section came after lunch with two rock mazes, scrambling in between, over, around and under boulders the size of fridges and small cars. A fun switch from walking straight, but tiring. Good practice for Mahoosuc Notch, I guess. After the rock mazes, the elevation got a bit crazy with a steep climb and then an immediate descent. My arch had been feeling much better to that point bit started getting sore quickly. I've been trying to stretch it out in the A.M. and P.M. and practicing not favoring my steps, but stepping fully. I think I had switched my gait because of a blisters on my toes. Planning to get out of camp by 7:30 tomorrow, visit the ATC office in Boiling Springs as I walk through town, get a Diet Coke and hike all day to the Darlington Shelter. Megamind rolled into the shelter about 7 last night along with TopKnot, Mambo and Woods. Ended up having a campfire and some good convo. 

Day 11: 18 miles Darlington Shelter

Loooooong day!!! I think it will be quite a while before I attempt a 20 mile day. The terrain was very flat, which was nice, but also made it hard to tell how far you'd gone. One hour I went 4 miles, the last few of the day I was struggling to do 2 mph. New blisters on all my toes and one on the bottom of my foot. I think because it was so flat the same friction point was getting rubbed all day. I pulled into the shelter about 8 pm, so just about a 12 hr day. I hiked an Italian sub and diet dr. pepper out of town and celebrated while I soaked my feet in the stream during lunch break. 

Day 12: 11 miles Duncannon, PA

Today was hard to get up and going. I was very grumpy by 4 miles in and wasn't sure if I would make it to town. I just kept plugging along though and reached the shelter 4 miles out of town at 2 pm. I had a nice long lunch break, called Mom for encouragement and updated my foot care with some Compeeds blister patches a thru hiker gave me during the morning. Just after lunch I met up with Screaming Steven and together we limped into town. (some crazy rock steps descending into the valley!) Now we have split a double room at a sketchy place called the Doyle Hotel, I have eaten a calzone bigger than my head and we did laundry. Tomorrow new boots arrive!

Day 13: 4 miles out of town

Town day was short, but it was okay because the Doyle was creepy AF! The shower was scummy, and I didn't even want to use the toilet. Got breakfast at Goodies Diner across the street then caught the Memorial Day parade from the balcony of the Hotel and headed out of town. Picked up my new boots and mailed ahead my trail runners. Almost 2 miles down Main Street and crossing the Susquehanna River. Lots of pavement, but not too bad- just hot.

Day 14: 6 miles Peter's Mountain Shelter

Short day today. Stopped at the shelter during the heat of the day to rest feet, with the intention of moving on another 5 miles. 3 hours later, I'm still here. People started coming in, and no one seemed to have much energy to move on. It is the largest shelter I've seen yet- perfect place if it was a rainy day. 16 people recommended, but you could probably fit 25 easily. I picked up my new boots in Duncannon- they worked well yesterday, but today are rubbing new places sore. I'm trying out wearing them without the insoles and laced loosely until Port Clinton in 70 miles.
The shelter is filling up- about 8 thru hikers just rolled in. S.S. is still with me, but I'm hoping to lose him. I wasn't too impressed on first meeting him, but we happened to walk into town at the same time. Normally, I would welcome the company, but he is constantly commenting about my pack weight, mileage average, amount of food I'm carrying, etc... He's been helpful at times, but I don't want to hike for weeks with him and he's already talking about NH. It's not the kind of company I need, especially when I'm in pain. Next shelter is 17.9 miles away- we'll see if I make it that far.

Day 15: 17.9 miles!!!! Rausch Gap Shelter

Arrived at the shelter about 30 minutes before the rain rolled in. I surprised myself with hiking so far so soon after the Boiling Springs debacle, but felt it was way easier than last time. Also, it took about 10 hours instead of 12. Left Steve behind about 2 miles in and didn't make an effort to meet up again throughout the day. The shelter is VERY nice- built in 2012, spacious with a nice overhang, stone foundation, cooking prep table, fire pit and a spring literally right out the door. I'm here with Pops and another flipflopper Linley, thru hikers Nova and River (from Canada) and Big Fudge. River plays the guitar, so there is live entertainment this rainy evening. Got some Memorial Day trail magic at the PA 325 road crossing from trail legend Bag O Tricks. He emptied out his coolers- sandwiches, popcorn, cold gatorade, and carrot cake. He also sent us off with a self written poem about catholes. :P

"A friend may be Nature's most magnificent creation."- Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I prepare to return to the trail in just under a month to finish the southern 600 miles, I thought a good way to get back in the mindset of hiking would be to finally (!) write up my adventures. Sorry to any and all who did not get their promised blog updates while I was on the trail. Zero days were too precious to spend typing.

From the beginning. (Luckily I did keep a pretty steady trail journal!)

Week 1:

Day 1 Crampton Shelter, North from Harper's Ferry 11 miles.

I'm officially hiking the A.T!!! Started this morning not knowing which way to access the trail from the Teahorse Hostel where I stayed last night. Johnny Walker took a look over my pack and had a few suggestions, but nothing drastic- I'm weighing in at 34lbs with 5 days of food and 2L of water.
At the hostel I met Burning Leaf, Pigeontoe, Shaggy and Mama Skillet. Mama Skillet and Shaggy walked with me to the trail in the morning. Mama Skillet took a picture of my first step on the trail. Shaggy and I walked together all day-he is a section hiker from MA in his 4th year of hiking. He kept the perfect pace for me as he had done 20 miles yesterday and was looking to go a little slower today.
At the shelter I met Wonka- a girl soloing from GA, Tumbleweed (another first day female flipflopper!) and Nick a recent college grad. All of my gear worked well today except my spork, which broke in half when I mixed my concrete-thick mac and cheese.
Beautiful weather- cloudless sky, light breeze. High 30's in the morning warming to 70's. Tomorrow chance of rain. Plan to go 7 miles to Dahlgren campsite- they have warm showers- a treat if I get soaked.
P.S. Found a handle of Kentucky Bourbon in the shelter hiker box- passed it around in celebration of our first day completed!

Day 2 Pine Knob Shelter 13 miles.

Walked in the rain drizzle for about 5 hours today. Luckily not too heavy- the hardest part was taking off and putting on my rain jacket constantly. The hills warmed me up a good bit, but it was still chilly, about 55. I did discover that my rain jacket has zippers up the sides so that made it easier. Stopped for lunch at Dahlgren backpack camp, but continued on afterwards 6 miles because it was only noon. Tomorrow the plan is to chill for a late start and do 8 miles to the next shelter, but based on the terrain profile in the guidebook we may go further. Hiked all day with Tumbleweed, which was great. We plan to stay together until Waynesboro at least. Toes a little sore. Saw the Washington monument. The shelter is full of guys- thru hikers Captain America, Shaggy, Pops, Wet Beard and Obi Trail Kenobi. Weather cleared for dinner prep and campfire. Lots of good advice, jokes and laughs around the dinner table.

Day 3 Ensign Cowall Shelter 8 miles.

Received my trail name last night! "Ranger". Almost ended up as "Fresh Fish" thanks to Obi Trail Kenobi, but I nipped that in the bud. Took a shorter day which I believe was a good plan. 13 yesterday didn't feel too bad this morning, but the choice between an 8 mile and 13 mile day today was the deciding factor. Hiked with TW again- good pace! Got to the shelter about 4 pm and found out that pizza could be delivered to the road crossing so we ordered two large pies with pepperoni and sausage and ham. Was also provided with new spork- titanium! Perfect close to a rainy, grey day! Met three other flipfloppers and a south bounder in the course of the day. BC was the only other flipflopper at the shelter besides TW and me. So many laughs. Good food. Another campfire and hot chocolate with instant coffee, ginger and cinnamon. Town tomorrow, a day earlier than planned! Just joined by Slug and Hawkeye. Hawkeye is regularly doing 30 mile days. Recommended Superfeet insoles for the PA rocks.

Day 4 10 miles in Waynesboro, PA

Hiked into Waynesboro, PA. Had planned to make it in time to pick up a maildrop and bounce back out to a nearby campsite. Crossed the Mason-Dixon line today. The terrain was a 500 foot climb and descent on large rocks- very hard on the feet! By the time we got to town I was not in a good mood and a lot of pain. The bike shorts I was wearing under my hiking skirt were riding up and my legs were chaffing badly along with aching feet and arches on the verge of being pulled. Thought I would have to walk two extra miles to Walmart since there was no luck in getting picked up hitching. But as we walked down the street a lady doing yard work offered us first water, then a ride to and from Walmart, then family dinner, cell phone charging, showers and laundry. We missed the post office hours, so she offered us a stay in her heated and electrified garden shed (10x better than the backcountry shelters!). She was SO generous!! Tumbleweed, BC and I plus another hiker named Megamind ended up staying up till midnight. We named our trail angel Mama Speedbump (because of her driving style and the fact that she was a speed bump in our trail). In the morning Mama Speedbump drove us to the Post Office and McDonald's for breakfast. Couldn't ask for better trail magic!

Day 5 Tumbling Run Shelter 10 miles.

BC and TW headed on to the campsite 1 1/2 miles North, but my feet were hurting and I mailed my shelter ahead to cut weight. It's a bit lonely- much different atmosphere than the previous nights, but kinda nice to take a quiet evening. I got insoles at Walmart for my feet which helps a bit, but I'm also going to slow the mileage down after tomorrow. Because I'm ahead of schedule my mail drop wasn't really needed- I should have bounced it ahead, but I wasn't thinking. Now I'm carrying 7 days of food with another mail drop in 3 days (with a coat in the box that I need) Rain expected tomorrow, so if I don't go as far as planned I won't be bothered.

Day 6 12 miles.

Hiked all day in the rain, not too much fun. If it was a bit warmer, I wouldn't have minded getting wet, but it was low 50's and breezy. Stopped for lunch quickly to give my feet a rest, but started getting chilled so I moved on quickly. Now at Quarry Gap Shelter for the evening and in dry clothes. Looking forward to my sleeping bag!! I had a really tasty dinner- 4 cheese rice-a-roni pasta side and 2 cups of hot chocolate and tea. KNowing I'd have a shelter roof made all the difference finishing mileage today- the terrain was pretty level, but the rocks are kicking in and my feet are feeling it. Caught up with Tumbleweed, so I'm not an orphan tonite! Last night was weird with only day hikers and (I think) a homeless person talking about issues I didn't wan to hear. I ended up going to bed about 8 pm and slept until 7:30 which felt so good! Planning 13 miles tomorrow with level ground then picking up mail at least @ Pine Grove State Park. I may stay overnight if my feet are painful.

Day 7

Another rainy day. Drizzle for majority or the day, but much less windy than yesterday. The trail was pretty level, but my knees and arches still ached by lunch time. Broke out the ipod for motivation. Luckily the shelter was not full even though it's only a 4 person. Not as nice as the shelter last night at Quarry Gap which had a covered cooking area, but it's just our trio (BC joined last night as well) and almost bed time, so we have spread out and are cooking in the shelter. Yoda, a section hiker from the local area hiked in a 12 pack of beer which we shared with some others who were camping. Directly in front of the shelter there is a group of weekenders tenting so we people watched while eating dinner and drinking beer. So far they have a hammock slung with a trap draped over for rain cover and have dragged some large, damp logs from the woods and are chopping them with machetes for a fire.
Raining quite a bit currently, so I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow we hit Pine Grove SP and I'll decide whether or not to stay. Met a thru hiker named Sunshine and her buddy Matt. They will nearo at Pine Grove, so I may be able to fall in with them if I leave TW and BC. I'd like not to be orphaned. Knowing there are friends nearby (even if they are ahead) has been so helpful with keeping spirits up in this rainy weather.

Better Late Than Never!

So, I have now been out on the Appalachian Trail for almost 2 months. Time flies when you're having fun right? I will be reaching the 600 mile mark within the next day of hiking, which means I am officially over 1/4 of the way through the trail. 

While each day holds surprises and opportunities for learning, I feel like I have adapted to life outdoors well. 

Here goes! 15 things I have learned on the A.T.

1. Appreciate the little things. 

Running water, electricity outlets, etc.. these are luxuries on the trail. 

2. Every step counts. 

Whether it is a day when you feel like you are flying down the trail, barely touching the ground, or a struggle fest, every step is an accomplishment. Look how they have added up already! 

3. Other hikers are amazing! 

The friends I have made on the trail are all unique and wonderful people. Even though I was the newbie, they were incredibly welcoming and willing to help me as I found my feet the first few weeks. Thank you! 

4. Peanut Butter is a miracle food. 

Enough said. 

5. That noise is not a bear... 

... but it may be a skunk or a porcupine. 

6. If you cannot find the next blaze, look up. 

Most likely, it is on top of the rock ledge you are standing beneath. 

7. Early to bed, early to rise.

It is not uncommon to go to bed before the sun is down. Hiker midnight is 9pm. Maybe by the end of this trip I will be healthy, wealthy and wise? 

8. It is okay to take candy from strangers. 

Trail magic has changed the entire attitude of my day multiple times! Always unexpected, always appreciated. A cold soda, a candy bar or other food, all provided by strangers (better known as Trail Angels). 

9.Not everyday is sunshine and summits. 

There have been days (and will probably be more) when I have been sore, tired and not in the mood to hike. It is a challenging journey, but working for the miles makes them that much more rewarding. 

10. Pizza motivates. 

Knowing there is hot food at the end of a long day is an amazing thing. 

11. Embrace the stink. 

Hiking hygiene is not usually pretty picture. It is not pleasant to wear the same smelly, likely still damp clothes day after day. But the stink means you worked hard! So, "You stink!" is actually  a great compliment... 

12. Hiking is not simple. 

Although hiking simplifies a lot of aspects, resupplying food, maintaining gear and getting to camp each night can be stressful. 

13. It's okay to butt slide. 

One of the first things I learned on trail is risk management. There are many things in the woods that make me uncomfortable. Steep descents are one, and I learned there is no shame in sitting on the trail and scooting if it gets me to Katadhin unbroken. 

14. My body is amazing. 

 When I started, the idea of 10 miles of hiking was daunting. Now that is an easy day. I am continually amazed at the abilities of my body as it becomes stronger and takes me to new places. 

15. I can do this! 

I started the trip doubting whether I would be able to finish this goal, but every day I realize more and more that is it possible. My confidence has grown immensely, and will only continue to do so as I learn and practice new skills.