Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Appalachian Trail - Update 9

Well...after a 6 day hiatus, I'm back on the trail! I headed out last Friday from Harper's Ferry and have made it to Duncannon, Pennsylvania (mile 1132.9, 1041.1 to go). Tomorrow I head east across PA to Delaware Water Gap and cross the infamous "rocks". Eastern PA is notorious for destroying shoes as the trail is littered with giant boulders and rocks. It is very tough hiking. Luckily I'm getting some new shoes sent to me about half way into it at Port Clinton.

I am officially past the half-way point too. When I made it to mile 1087 at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, I celebrated by participating in the "Half-gallon challenge". It is tradition that any hiker making it half-way, must attempt eating an entire half gallon in one sitting. If you finish, you win a wooden spoon and an honorable membership in the Half-Gallon Club. I am pleased to say that I did in fact finish, although it took me 1 hour and 5 minutes to put it all down.

I Probably won't update again until the PA/NJ border, but I may be able to in Port Clinton...we'll see.

It is definitly nice to know that Mt. Katahdin is officially closer than Springer. I am going to start counting down the miles instead of counting up.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Appalachian Trail - Update 8 - BREAK TIME!!!!!!

WOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!

Well, everything worked out perfectly. I made it to Harper's Ferry (Mile 1009) Friday afternoon, celebrated at the AT headquarters, got a rental car and headed up to surprise my family at the annual Fegy reunion. I am actually writing this post from my cousin's house at the reunion. It is so nice to be not hiking today. I'm hoping during these few days off my body will heal all up and be ready to go at 100 percent again. I am looking forward to seeing my friends in the next couple of days too.

Everyone keeps asking me what I'm most excited about with regards to the trail...and honestly I think it's that I'm done with Viriginia. I was really starting to lose hope that the state would never end. 550 miles of trail is too many for any one state to own.

See you all soon....and I will post all my high-res pics and videos as soon as I get my hands on my mac book.

-john

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Appalachian Trail - Update 7

Only have time for a quick update. Made it to Montebello today (mile 809). In a couple days I'll be in Shenendoah. I can't wait for my break in a week in a half. I am in desperate need of a rest.

The last few days have been extrememly difficult. Multiple 3000 ft climbs and descents. On top of that, I've had a stomach bug that has made it rather uncomfortable hiking. Looking forward to Shenendoah because it is relatively easy terrain. Also, my friend Pat is coming down to hike with me for a day, so it will be nice to see a familiar face.

On friday I will be in Waynesboro and finally done with "central virginia"...thank God. Today is really the last day of rough hiking and I'm doing low mileage so it shouldn't be too bad.

-john



oh and sorry about the uploaded pics being such bad quality. I had to seriously dumb them down in order to upload them. I plan on uploading the full resolution pics as soon as I'm home.

don't think there'll be another update so...the next time you here from me, I'll be on my break.



-john