3 New National Scenic Trails!

As part of the Omnibus Land Act that Obama Signed a few weeks ago, there are now three new official National Scenic Trails that will get the same designation and protection as the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. There have not been any new National Scenic Trails since 1983.

The New Trails:

The Arizona National Scenic Trail (807 Miles)
The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (1200 Miles)
The New England National Scenic Trail (220 Miles)

Way to go Obama!

-j

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Scenic_Trails

Full Antarctica Video Slide Show

I finally finished my 2008-2009 Antarctica Slide Show.  This video includes most of my pictures as well as some short video clips.  

Vermont 100 Is Now OFFICIAL!

As part of the requirement for admittance into the Vermont 100, all registrants must volunteer for 8 hours at another ultra event.  Earlier today, I completed my requirement by volunteering at the Bull Run Run 50 Miler a few hours south of here.  It was a cool course...but a hot day.  I was glad I was not running.  I worked aid stations and gave out food and drinks to the runners.  It was a lot of fun being on the other side of things.

Centreville Rd. Aid Station (Miles 7 and 11)

First Place Runner (Leigh Schmitt)

Leigh holds the record at the VT 100 as well

At the end of my volunteer time, the race director signed off on my form and it will be dropped in the mail later today.  This means that it's official....I have now signed up for my first 100 miler.   ......cue dramatic music....dum dum duuuuuummmm!

Well....It's Official (Antarctica '09-'10)

Just found out yesterday that I'm officially slated to return to WAIS Divide Antarctica this upcoming November.  I'll again be going as a combined core handler and physical properties representative.  I had an amazing experience down there this past season and am definitely looking forward to it again.  By the time I leave, I will have defended my Masters degree and will just be waiting for my thesis to be signed off on.  My tentative plan is to apply to PhD programs this fall before I leave (including a Penn State continuation), and decide where I want to continue my studies while down on the ice.  Once I return, I will formalize my acceptance wherever I decide, and make plans for officially starting the new program in the fall.  I then hope to take the summer off and perhaps do a little hiking.  Sounds like a plan....just gotta make it happen now!

-john

...Also.  I just noticed that my CD single is officially up on iTunes now.  Cool!