Category: Appalachian Trail

I entered New Hampshire today. Just two states left. It’s very unreal.

New Hampshire contains the Whites which is the most difficult terrain on the trail. These next 450ish miles won’t be easy.

These last few days have been great. Some pretty steep ups and long days (26.2 miles on Saturday).

Yesterday we were walking to a little stand for food and we got stopped by a guy offering coffee. The guys name is Dan Quinn and he operates a secret hostel on the trail. After several cups of coffee, he took us to a breakfast joint. He tried to keep us from moving forward but we needed to do some miles.

I got some Vermont maple syrup which was delicious. Also… Basil cream cheese spread on strawberry pancakes. So. Good.

We made it to a house yesterday that allows us to camp. We also jumped off a bridge into the White River. I froze last night trying to do it but this morning I jumped!

We climbed over Mount Killington which is apparently the second highest mountain in Vermont.

Today I made it to New Hampshire and we’re staying in Hanover which is where Dartmouth is. Super nice looking college.

Andddd I think that’s been the past few days!

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It hasn’t felt so long since my last update. Time on the trail is weird.

We’re in Vermont right now like 60 miles away from New Hampshire. I hiked through Massachusetts in the past week as well.

Massachusetts was okay. It was very hot for the weather. We stopped in a town called Great Barrington and spent time at a brewery. Easy hitch in. Easy hitch out.

Dalton was a nice little town that the trail goes through. There is a trail angel that let’s hikers camp in his backyard but I opted to split a cheap hotel room with two other hikers.

The next day was hot. Really hot. I walked through a town called Cheshire and crossing the road, I saw a dollar general. I decided to get myself a soda and Gatorade. As soon as I stepped in, it started raining! I was stuck there for an hour or so waiting out the rain. Finally, I left and made it into Vermont as well as the 1600 mile mark.

Mount Greylock, in Massachusetts, is usually a really nice picture but it was super foggy that day for me… Boo!

We also did some cliff jumping which was a blast!

Vermont has been awesome! I went into a town called Bennington on a whim because I was tired of the heat. Something about so much sweat and everything being wet I think was mentally draining me. While in Bennington, two trail angels, Jim and Thalia, offered to take myself, Siren, and Pretzel to a beach the next day. We went and decided to take a zero. The motel was full but Thalia offered her house. We stayed with them and had an amazing time! Extremely sweet people! And what an unexpected trail magic!

More hiking.

Rocket’s dad’s cousin picked us up to go to Rutland. She and her husband, Mike, bought us lunch at the Yellow Deli. We stayed at the hostel as well. It is a deli owned by the Twelve Tribes. It was really nice!

Last night, we went to a pavilion to enjoy the evening and kicked a soccer ball around. I got a little too into it and my shoe slipped out from under me while juggling the ball. I’m thankful I didn’t land on my head but now have a really nasty pain in my lower back. Need to hike on!

Today, we are having zero luck with a hitch back to the trail and have been working for one since 9:30. We initially had one but another guy walked up and said the guy would get a ticket. The guy said he didn’t want to butt in to our business… Yep. Good job, jerk.

Anyway, too many pictures for the photo gallery again. So here’s the link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZoN86Df9CPoKhbUt5

Wow. It’s not felt like it’s been this long since I updated…
Let’s see. First, New Jersey was a beautiful state on the trail. Decently easy terrain with some beautiful views. Not too much happened… The AT does go by the tallest point in the state (the tower on the mountain that I’m doing Eiffel Tower picture stuff). We went into this town called Unionville, NY (cross the border to get there) and stayed at a Presbyterian pastor’s house. He had just moved to the town after working in North Carolina. He thru hiked the trail two years ago (I believe) and wanted to contribute back to the trail. When the church had this opportunity, he took it. He moved to Unionville three months prior and is setting up his house as a hostel. He’s super cool and passionate about both growing the church in the town and making Unionville a bit more of a hiker town.
The next exciting thing in New Jersey was a drive in theater that let’s hikers set up in the back and provides radios for free to us to watch the movies. All for free. It was very cool. I ended up taking a zero there. The next day, I crossed over into New York.
On top of a mountain I could see in the very very far distance New York City. I called my sister Anna from that mountain and I decided to go into the city. Carlos and Anna became trail angels that day as Carlos helped me with a hotel room. In the city, I sat next to Anthony Weiner during brunch. I didn’t recognize him but my buddy, Adam, did. He’s the closest I’ve been to a famous figure. Unfortunately, it was Anthony Weiner…
The Pride Parade was that weekend as well. According to the news something like 1.5 million people traveled to NYC for the parade. As much as I wanted to go, I couldn’t imagine being surrounded by that many people. I sat on a bench and listened to two crazies instead. Less fun. But still entertaining.
That night, Adam, a friend from elementary school, let me stay at his girlfriend’s and his place in the upper west side. It was super nice and we enjoyed the time to catch up.
The next day, Rocket and company got into town. Her dad let us stay at her place in Mount Kisco, a 45 minute train ride north. The house was really nice and her dad was great! We watched the Women’s World Cup at a bar in Brooklyn. Cosmo and Starboi came… I haven’t seen them since Virginia. We ended up on a rooftop apartment area in Brooklyn that overlooked Manhattan. It was a moment where you ask yourself, “How in the world am I here!?” In a good way.
The next day we went to Soho to go to the 4th largest rei in the nation. It was pretty cool but I was ready to be back on the trail. We got back to Warwick NY at around 8 and decided to go back to the drive in. Finally, back on the trail the next day.
I’ve been hiking with Cosmo, Shaggy, Starboi, Plug, Rocket, Which Way, Airborne, Air Bud, and Gummy Bear. Gummy bear has been sick recently so he’s behind. I’ve been hanging out more than I should admit so Air Bud is ahead. But I’m truly enjoying the hike. Lots of reflection recently.
Anna met me in Peekskill to discuss if I could make it to my cousin’s funeral (he passed away earlier this week) . It’s just not a doable thing right now. I’ve felt a lot of guilt about it. Like, a lot of guilt… And I was really worried that family would be really disappointed in me. It’s been the exact opposite. They’ve been extremely understanding and that’s been an amazing stress relief. I’m planning to stop on Saturday during the funeral hours to pay my own respect as well as visit on my way home.
My shoes were absolutely destroyed… I didn’t realize how bad it was impacting my step until I got my new pair. They were shipped to a town called Pawling. Which Way has friends in Pawling area who hosted us for the night. Carol Ann, Michelle, and their daughter, Julia. They have the most adorable dog, Canoli. They treated us to an amazing dinner, beer, and the hospitality of opening up their house to 9 random, stinky hikers. Quite an amazing show of love.
Today I picked up my new pair of shoes and we got to hiking. We got into Connecticut!

The terrain post NJ has been tough. Lots of ups and downs. We were really spoiled from Virginia to New Jersey in the sense of elevation change. It’s really been kicking my butt. Legs need to get used to it again. The heat hasn’t been a terrible hindrance to me I think… But it’s definitely impacting the group.

Glad to hit this terrain right now and get my legs under me before the whites though.

The album for this post is too many images. So click the link!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/D9ZHLjQaUms6HMfU9

One of my favorite Bible verses comes from Romans 5:1-5.

Therefore, since we have been justifiedthrough faith, we^[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we^[b]boast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings,because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

I like the verse as a reminder that suffering builds us. On the trail I have gone through mental and physical struggles. Most recently in my knee.

I’ve had to relearn how to walk and walk with intent. Every step I focus on how I’m stepping, what muscles I’m using. Especially in Pennsylvania, I’ve had to make sure my step is stable on the rocks. I think that’s my biggest issue with PA… I’ve not felt confident in my steps. Lots of moments where you aren’t sure of you’re about to twist your ankle.

Walking with intent started in Georgia when my knee initially started to hurt and it’s just expanded since.

Wow. What a week…

Pennsylvania… a great state with lots of love and help with trail magic… but probably the worst state on my body.

It definitely deserves it’s name, Rocksylvania. We had scrambles where we crossed areas of large rocks. We also had basically large enough rocks to mess up your steps but small enough so you don’t recognize it until after it’s too late. It’s like 250 miles of walking on legos.

This past week…. dang.

We had some highlights. Air Buds aunt and uncle hosted us for two nights near Philadelphia. I’ve never been there before. What trail angels!! They hosted us, fed us, and gave us a tour of the city. Amazing individuals. Can’t thank Lisa and Ike enough for their love and hospitality. The town Delaware Water Gap is a very cute town as well. Attending the Presbyterian service today.

We also had some rough spots. Lots of rain this past week. The rocks get to you. And a major climb. It allowed for some amazing views but it was a tough climb.

We caught up to a group of three that we hiked with before I left for the wedding, Sandwich Child, Updawg, and Redneck. Good group of people.

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A few days ago I got a ride from Cook Doctor and company to go to the Wal-Mart in Fayetteville, PA. Cook Doctor has a good (or bad?) Sense of humor. In the parking lot, he hit his e-brake and it sounded like he hit a car in the lot. I was worried but I guess the look on my face was anger. Definitely not, but I understand.

When I said I was more worried, Cook Doctor said, “That rings in a therapist’s head, ‘Control freak. Control freak.” Cook Doctor continues with a 4 word sermon given to him about control. “You don’t have any.”

We got back to the trail but had to play catch up and I hiked ahead of Gummy Bear and Air Bud. Alone, I got to reflect.

I’ve had a very regular life up until recently. I didn’t realize how this trip has impacted myself and others… starting the trip, friends would comment about how much of an inspiration I am.

Why? I’m just walking…

At a hiker feed, a trail angel gave a very powerful speech about how thru hikers put their lives on hold and change the speed at which we live for this trail. And that’s extraordinary. I never thought of it that way.

Anyway, reflecting on life I’ve always thought that I was a product of my choices. I led myself down this path. Raised a Christian, I believe that God had impact but ultimately, I made my decisions bringing me here.

Cook Doctor’s sermon made me think about how I’m not ever in control. Not fully. I can control my actions, my reactions, and my emotions (sometimes) but no one else’s.

How can I carry that into my life at home? Where can I improve my understanding of others’ pasts to be a better steward?

As I press forward on the trail, I plan to reflect more on this. Right now my thoughts are kind of jumbled just typing on the phone screen so I’ll probably journal it and update this post.

I wanted to take this three months as a recognition to the support I’ve received. Photos are in no particular order and no photo means I haven’t taken one with you on the trail.

• Lilly has been my rock and support on this. The day I was ready to quit, she told me I wasn’t allowed to. It’s been tough being away but she knows how important this is for me
• Sharktooth – the first trail partner I had. She’s a hoot to be around and an outstanding hiker. I miss her company on the trail. She met me at my lowest and took me into her tramily keeping me on the trail.
• Turtle also was part of that decision and has given me a lot of knowledge to stop caring about civilization and appreciate the hike
• Coyote helped me change my mentality from hating hiking to making hiking the best part of my day
• Turd is a rock for me. I look up to him so much. The way he talks about his kids has changed my thoughts on a family. He’s someone I truly look up to.
• Nash, Chipper, Rosie, PYT, Rocket, Aspen – this group was with us for a long time. We didn’t hike together but we saw them at nearly every stop. Great group of people.
• Reader – carried 5 pairs of socks and when mine had a hole, he gave me a pair of darn tough socks.
• Gummy bear and Air Bud – my new hiking buddies. Keeping me social on the trail post wedding.
• Cosmo, Shaggy, Starboi, Little Blade, Professor Plum, Pukey – an amazing group I hung out with for a little over a week when I got back on trail. Such a great group.
• Skillet helped me learn to appreciate the sun sets.
• Tiffany and company – tons of fun. Keeps the crowd happy. Wish I knew him more.
• Rocket, Peanut, Pick Me Up, Peetree, Screaming Goat, Shotgun – new group that I’ve really enjoyed their company.
• All the trail angels. I wish I could remember everyone’s name. You make the trail bearable. It seems that the timing is perfect. Not every bad day but it seems that every time I need a pick me up, yall have been there. This includes hitches.
• Will – you drove me to amicalola, will drive me from Maine, and have been an overall support. Thank you.
• Family and friends following along. Each comment is read and loved. I appreciate all of the support!
• Joe- thank you for your support. You’ve given advice and made sure I’m getting through.
• Anyone I missed… I’m so sorry. This is mainly by memory…

I decided that the album today is dedicated to pictures of those addressed.

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Wow. The past few days have left me speechless.

First, we had the trail magic where the group rented an airb&b and provided a place for tents and then gave a great community and food. (More to come on that) Thank you Cook Doctor, Juju, Goose, and Amac.

The next day, after blueberry pancakes and sausage for breakfast, we ran into Stumbles and Texas. They provided us with chips, pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, beer, and great company. They did the AT a year or two ago and are giving back. Quite amazing.

Yesterday, two men approached a hiker, Tiffany and offered their cabin for the night. We had probably 15 to 20 hikers at this cabin. The two men provided beer, liquor, and food but left it to just the hikers being at the place trusting us to lock up… what an insane but also insanely awesome experience.

Today I had some unexpected trail magic. Yesterday my permanent retainer broke while doing the half gallon challenge (eat half a gallon of Ice cream). Today, I went to the dentist. They re-cemented the retainer and did not charge me. I was expecting a $100 to $200 bill but when I said I needed to check out and pay, the staff said, “You’re good. Go have fun on the trail!”

I cannot express the thanks for the amazing generosity flowing these past few days. I hope to give back in similar fashion in the upcoming years!

This is a side note because I was SO focused on the hospitality on the trail. We crossed into Pennsylvania and the shelters are extremely well maintained. We crossed the half way point, 1096 miles. I crossed into 1100 miles. Not sure how I missed the mile marker. So things have been pretty crazy and busy on landmark items going on.

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What a week.

We completed Virginia, West Virginia (4 miles), Maryland, and just entered Pennsylvania crossing the Mason Dixon line.

For how short Maryland is, it was truly beautiful. They had some amazing state parks that the trail runs through.

Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia was very pretty. We visited the ATC headquarters where they take a picture of you. I was NOBO 479 or something like that. Apparently Georgia has given out 3500 plus tags this year.

Pennsylvania has been just fine. We’re almost half way done with the trail (tomorrow some Bon Jovi will be playing)! I will attempt the gallon challenge and should be hitting 1100 miles either tomorrow or the next day.

Today was rough. I had a bit too much to drink last night. Around 11 at the hotel I finally sat up and said, “I’m not feeling any better. Let’s just go” and we left. Nothing better than hiking while hung over.

Towards the end of the day we ran into a cooler that had instructions for trail magic. A group of people get together every year and host trail magic for a week. We had chicken, corn, pasta salad, beans, and cinnamon cooked apples. So. Good. We spent the remainder of the evening chatting with our fellow hikers and the hosts reminisced over past years. It was quite the pick me up from this morning’s misery.

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Ive been having major tech issues lately… Phone on the Fritz. Just. Annoying.

Okay. So. The past week. Its been a blast.

I got into the Shenandoahs and it was an easy hike. Climb the mountain then ride the ridge. Super simple. It was fun at first but boring towards the end. No new scenery.

I only saw one bear. Boooooooooo.

I had my longest day at 26 miles to go into Front Royal. I got the creepiest hitch into town alone and met up with Gummy Bear and Air Bud. Now I’m hiking with them. Were working to catch turd and sharktooth.

We did the Roller coaster – a 13 mile up and down portion of the trail. Awesome.

We made it into West Virginia today (thank goodness). Visited the ATC headquarters and are staying in Harper’s Ferry.

I want to post more when I have the time… Will try tomorrow!