FINISH LINE
August 1, 2010
Trail complete. Details pending site survival. I've canceled my hosting account but sill have access and, obviously, a site. BIG THANKS to all who contributed to the hike in any way.
THE 'SHIRE
June 29, 2010
While, technically, I have about 14 miles left to cover in Vermont before knocking down the New Hampshire border, I'm home for a brief decompression. Time to clean gear, visit loved ones and eat real food to build strength for the rest of the Trail. With 462 miles remaining, I find myself strangely troubled by the thought of returning to the outer world, post-hike. My personal reasons stem from 'question mark anxiety'. The future hangs and floats - exciting and intimidating, at once.
In keeping with the 'grass is greener' phenomenon/human condition, hiker cravings of comfort and relative luxury are a constant, palpable thought. A buzzing hunger that is fed by the crumbs of town stops every few days. There is, however, a deeper and truer longing to continue to live in harmony with the bugs, dirt, trees and blowing breeze of 'nature' (as so many people put it), when a lover of the out-of-doors is honest with their self-cross-examination for any length of time. There are exceptions, yes. But for most of us out there, the desire to keep walking - bound for the unknown - sits smiling in our hearts.
KENT
June 11, 2010
Finally breached the border of New England. Arrived in Kent, CT last night after 2 days of wet-walking.
Ticks have been hitching rides on my legs daily, and after going through the Lyme process once, my awareness is even more heightened. This is ground zero for the disease, and you hear about it at every trailhead, shelter and and coffeeshop.
Good fortune fell upon us while washing our clothes. A local, Andre, put us up in a house he's remodeling, brought us food/drink and offered up a warm shower. This hospitality is especially poignant, as we've not had any through PA, NJ or NY (barring a planned rendezvous with a friend).
Things have fallen into a smooth rhythm on trail. Hitting mid-20s every day (at least) and keeping the 'machine' well-oiled and sound. Feels amazing being so close to home and so far along the path.
New Hampshire is a strong 2-week possibility.
Maine is becoming within reach.
HIGH - LOW
MAY 29, 2010
Though I can't believe I've not posted in 24 days, I'm yet more surprised that it has been... 24 days (since I lived those memories). Much has transpired. After SNP I linked up with one crowd of "thrus" and then another. My speed has varied, but my body has been responding more and more positively to the miles and punishment. 30 miles traveled this season compares evenly to a 20-mile day last year. Perhaps I have running to thank. Or attitude.
Currently, I'm at pace with one fellow hiker with whom I share many life angles. He and I think and hike alike. When he's weak, I push him. And likewise. Pulled into Palmerton, PA at the moment. Basic shower/laundry/resupply.
Earlier in the hike...
Going into Trail Days, I was exhibiting symptoms of Lyme Disease. I sought examination and treatment immediately, not wanting to chance a lifetime of debilitating discomfort. A very, very long story short, I was treated for Lyme preemptive to an actual blood test and spared the thousands of dollars in hospital bills. In the end, I have a small group of Baptists to thank for my good fortune. An ironic twist to a story untold.
Now well into my second - and hopefully final - leg of this epic hike, I'm happily without Lyme Disease (following a 10 day course of polycycline) and bound for the great northeast within a 2 week radius. Still without concrete plans for after the Trail, I have a few inspirations to mull over and sort through.
I can't complain.
S.N.P.
MAY 5, 2010
Arrived in the quaint community of Waynesboro, VA this morning, following a brief morning walk from the nearest shelter. I'm happy to report good health, high spirits and exceeded expectations. My body, upon return, has required very little break-in, allowing me to keep pace with the several thru-hikers who've made it this far North already. Though I'd fallen in love with running this past year, my winter was relatively lethargic (which concerned me when stepping into the woods on the 28th) but has had little bearing on my overall physical performance. Later today, after some minor business, I'll be walking into Shenandoah National Park. Should be a hoot.
PINK MOON
April 28, 2010
After much planning and anticipation, I'll continue walking North, today, from where I left off almost 11 months ago - Jennings Creek, VA 614 (mile 747.3). I chose this start day for its full [pink] moon, in hopes of both enjoying an extended window with which to make miles and a pleasant night sky upon which to gaze, once I'm in camp. Trekking solo is a different game with new challenges. I'll have just my feelings and preferences to consider, yet just myself as a companion. Pros and cons to it, but I'm apt to meet a few early-season hikers in due time.
Thanks for reading. If you get a chance, look up at our moon tonight and send down some positive energy. This first stretch will surely be a test.
LYME SCARE
APRIL 12, 2010
Anyone who knows of the potential dangers involved with hiking the A.T. understands that most fears are irrational and borne of our own, personal exposure to myths and camp fire stories. Lyme disease may be one of the only true concerns to consider guarding against and monitoring. Ironically, a mere 2 weeks before setting foot back onto Trail, I'm exhibiting symptoms, following a tick bite last Monday. Heading to an urgent care clinic today in hopes of being tested. Fantastic.
GEARING UP
APRIL 08, 2010
In 12 days, I leave the womb of New Hampshire, bound - once again - for the Appalachian Trail.
THANK YOU
APRIL 08, 2010
The following is a list of people or entities that provided aid leading up to the 2009 hike OR have given me strength in the difficult months following the 09 Trail departure. The last months have been the darkest of my life, and I simply couldn't have gotten through them without a few very important people.
Though the gears have shifted (considerably), regarding scope and objective, I'd like to maintain this collection of names as a continuous nod of gratitude. For the support, warm-heartedness and generosity... thanks very much.
Doreen Barkowski, Ed J Barkowski, Jess Lukas, Ovid Rochon, Megan Read, Ruby Hale, Christine Hartman, Preston Hartman, Surfrider Foundation, Benjamin Fesagaiga, Brian Thompson, Sarah Vanderheiden, Laura Mazzarella, Jim Moriarty, Andrea Moriarty, Michael Manes, Bob Downey, Mike Dow, Ben Harkinson, Ruth Barkowski, Mary Frances McCourt, Michael McCourt, Julianne McCall, Evening Clary, Dave Keenan, Bill Davidson, Garret Gray, Tracey Overbeck Stead, Ethan Stead, Elizabeth Cafferky, Katie Fuhrman, Christina Lee, Becky Willard, Patricia Petty, Alyssa Abraham, Enrique Flores, Itze Pavon, Angela Salas, Castle Hill Specialized Fitness, Vlad Glouchkov, Sherry Jones, Liz Burkhart, Julie Horvath, Whole Earth Provision Co., Bert Peeples, Rodney George, Gossamer Gear, Grant Sible, Charlie Moriarty, Mary Moriarty, Earl Plant, Elinor Plant, Anna Madrona, Wahoo's Fish Taco - Austin, Kenneth Bobo, Jessica Russell, Hem Jeans, Allison Ryan, Nick Wiersema, John Robert Reed, Pat Chalstrom, Joanna Duncan, Jesse Fincher, Lynne Fowler, Bill Morris, Jen Morris, Tiffany Hernandez, Sean Henry, Melissa Henry, Daniel Read, Petey Von Peterson, Virginia Honig, Ed Peters, Shiela Peters, Andy Dollerson, Tim Peterson, J Vaclav, Jana Vaclav, Cara Jackson, Caffe Medici, Michael Vaclav, Alison Vaclav, Tom Collins, Kerry Anne Ridley, Linda Avery, Rick Avery, Cheryl Morabito, Mike Morabito, Kat McCourt
