Sunrise at Logan International

Almost home!

The End

Entering the "100 mile wilderness" last Wednesday afternoon, Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack and I were feeling excited. Spirits were high. The next five days thru the remote Maine woods was no "victory lap" like I was expecting. Big climbs the first two days up Barren mountain, chairback, west peak, hay mountain, and white cap. Beautiful mountains but we were most interested in the first glimpse of Katahdin from Fourth Mountain. The mountain appeared as little more then a speck but there was a moment of silence as we viewed it for the first time. As the miles passed the mountain grew. Every glimpse of the peak warranted a respectful moment of pause.
The hiking was tougher then expected. After Whitecap mt. the terrain leveled out. The trail led us around numerous crystal clear lakes, cascading streams and bogs. The scenery was amazing but the trail was often covered in rocks and roots. I hung my boot on a root friday and fell harder then I have the entire 2000 mile trip. Landing flat on my stomach with the weight of my pack driving me into the root mat. I was lucky to escape with a sore knee.
We cranked out two consecutive 30 mile days Friday and Saturday. The hard days, sun up to sun down, wore me out. Saturday evening as the sun was setting Blue, Wolf and I were enjoying a view of Kahtadin from rainbow ledges when we heard some branches breaking in the distance. A moose and her calf were grazing on the same blueberries we were just picking. It was a great reward to get our first moose sighting in front of katahdin at the end of a long day. The final 3 miles to camp should have been painful but I was floating on air. Only 21 miles left. Sundays 13 mile hike led us to the base of Katahdin. Now, within striking distance my anticipation was growing. The weather forecast was not working with us. 100 percent chance of rain for summit day. I think I can speak for everyone who has made it this far, a little bit of rain won't stop me. Baxter Park Rangers rated the day a class 2, meaning "not recommend for above tree line hiking." as we left the birches lean to Monday morning to make the final push, the rain that had been pounding all night finally relented. Lucky as usual! My smile grew with every step I took. The first mile was a gradual ascent past the swollen waters of Kahtadin stream. The next section was a stone staircase that stretched 1/2 mile. My legs were feeling great and we hiked with purpose. The trail turned into a rushing stream 2 miles in. We moved quickly thru the flash flood, climbing rocks and avoiding the rushing water the best we could. At 4000 ft. We broke tree line. surrounded by clouds and a cold wind blowing at our backs we continued up. Hand over hand climbing thru a boulderfield on a completely exposed ridge. Occasionally a cloud would push past revealing a views of the rocky, narrow ridge ahead. Difficult climbing over two miles until we popped into "table lands." the gentle sloping alpine zone was scattered with rocks everywhere. Walking past Thoreau's Spring spurting clear mountain water. We didn't waste time filling up. The summit was less then a mile away. It felt like the longest mile of my life. I constantly scanned the horizon for signs of the summit. As a steep pitch came into view the clouds parted and the wooden sign of katahdin was there. My heart beating, mind racing, I slowed my pace. Yes, slowed....taking in every moment, reflecting on my journey. Blue reached the sign first, touching the sign silently. Then it was mine. Indescribable feeling. 2181 miles trekking across rugged country towards this spot. A moment of reflection, palm against the sign, and then the biggest smile to ever grace my pretty face and a scream of celebration. There was pure joy on everyones face. It was the happiest group of haggard dirty men you could ever imagine. And just like that the journey was complete....

Flying in style!

A fitting end to an epic adventure. Chuck "Deer Pimp" Johnson flew in and picked Blue and I up in the Arrow.

Katahdin!!!!

21 miles to go!

View of Katahdin from Rainbow Ledges. The word excited doesn't really do it justice. After 2 consecutive 30 mile days, tomorrow we will coast into the Birches Lean-to and set up camp at the base of Katahdin.

36 miles to go!

16 mile line of sight distance to Katahdin!

Jo-Mary Lake

50 miles to Katahdin!!!

Katahdin!

85 miles out and my first view of the beast. It's the farthest blue speck in the middle

The Final Run

Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack and I arrived in Monson, ME on Monday. This is the last stop. Last resupply. Last time I'll wash filthy hiker cloths in a coin operated Laundromat, the last time I will have to pick up my food bag and wonder, "can I survive on this for 5 days?" I've been living in the woods now for more then 5 months, carrying the barest essentials, hiking toward Mt. Katahdin and now all that stands between us is the 100 mile wilderness.
If my writing seems disjointed it's because I am disjointed. My sister asked me how I felt being so close to finishing. Honestly I can't wrap my head around it. I feel excited, happy, sad, relieved, accomplished. I've experienced some of the toughest challenges, purest and loneliest moments of my life out here. I've learned more about myself and my life then I ever could have working a nine to five job for "the man." i have raised money for a cause that is close to me and my family's heart. I've learned what's most important to me and perhaps even better what isn't important. I've swam in glacier lakes, gathered my drinking water from fresh mountain streams, slept in places you wouldn't dream of lying your head and met some of the most interesting people I could have imagined. I've experienced small town America from the deep south to far north and climbed so many beautiful mountains I can't remember all there names. I've walked into towns, stinking with hiker funk and been greeted by people amazed at my journey, berated with questions and congratulated for all I've accomplished. Every winter for the past five years, I've gone into the library and searched for books about the trail. I've tried to imagine how I could make this dream possible. Every spring the same thing happened. I gave up on my dream. Dismissed it as impossible, irresponsible. But six months ago with no job and a general dislike of my life up to that point I took the leap. Sabertooth's willingness to leave his good job and follow our crazy dream certainly helped and my family's unwavering encouragement. And just like that I was on the Appalachian trail. The long journey has brought me to Maine. On more then one occasion I didn't think I would make it. More then once, I was tired and ready to go home. But I persisted and in no small part due to encouragement from home. So how does it feel? As I sit in a kayak on a crystal clear lake in Maine, loons diving all around me, enjoying my last "zero" day, I feel damn lucky. Thankful for all I have. Eager to return home and work hard at new goals. Hopeful I can always stay focused on the things that are truly important in life.
And now, I make one final trip into the woods, marching towards Katahdin.

Bad day...

Less then two weeks from the completion of my trip Blue, Squirrel, wolfpack and I had a first hand experience of a life lost. While hiking around Flagstaff lake Friday morning squirrel was just out of sight when a man fell to the ground in front of him. Blue and squirrel were on him in less then 30 seconds. They found a man in his 50s lying face down just off the trail. Wolfpack dialed 911 and Blue checked his vitals. No less then a minute after arriving Blue watched as the man took his last breath. Blue started chest compressions and I rotated with him. We were all silent. Everyone hoping to see signs of life. There were none. Less then a mile from Long Falls Dam rd. it still took paramedics over an hour to arrive. There was no question that the man was gone. We filled out witness reports, debated the cause of death, wondered if he had a family and then had to walk away. Never did we think we would watch a mans life slip away that morning. It was disturbing to say the least. As we hiked on that day I think we all wished we could have done something more.
As we put miles behind us, gradually we began to get to know "Open Mike." He was a south bounder (started from Katadin, heading to Georgia) and as we reached shelters he stayed at we read his log entries. Each entry was upbeat and positive. He finished one entry with, "it's a great day to be alive." We met many people who camped with him and even shared beers with him. Everyone talked of his positive attitude and friendly nature. It became clear to us that Mike died doing what he loved and took no day for granted. I think he reminded us of ourselves and however cliche it is, the fragility of life.

Scenes from the Trail - July

Check out the latest photos from the trail!

Click here to view photos!

Last of the 4000 footers

North Horn on the left and South Horn on the right. They are part of the Bigalow Mts. and the last of Maines 4000 footers till Katahdin.

All that remained...

Wolf Burger Challenge

Along the trail there have been many challenges. Huge mountains, bad weather, and sore bones just to name a few. Then there are the food challenges. The Half Gallon Challenge and a pizza pie a day in PA. I issued myself a challenge after my first stop in Georgia. I vowed to eat a cheeseburger in every town that I stopped in. Thus far I have been a champion! When I arrived in Stratton ME I was informed of the Wolf Burger Challenge. Any self-respecting cheeseburger aficionado couldn't turn down this opportunity. So I stepped up to the plate and placed my order. My challenge: consume 3 wolf burgers and three orders of fries in under an hour. The wolf burger is no joke. A half pound burger topped with a sausage patty, 4 pieces of hickory smoked bacon, mushrooms and cheese. With the 3 full plates laid in front of me, the challenge was on! 1st burger, no problem. Second burger, getting full. 20 minutes in...third burger is uncomfortable. With a few bites remaining in the third I began housing the fries and mixing in bites of the burger. 1st plate of fries done with 25 mins to go....very uncomfortable at this point. I began dipping fries in water. Second plate of fries done with under 15 mins left. Every bite becomes extremely difficult. Fighting the urge to lose my dinner now. Blue, Wolfpack, and Humpty Dumpty are cheering me on and playing inspiring music on the jukebox. 3 mins left and only scraps left to clean up. I bite into a small piece of roll with the last remaining mushroom clinging to the bottom and try to swallow....my body says no... My feet say run....out the door....and there, just outside I lose my bid to become the 5th person to complete the Wolf Burger Challenge.....

Breakfast of Champions!

Gunny cooked us pancakes and bear sausage. Squirrel added the Budweiser

Andover

.   One of the greatest parts of being on the trail is never being able to expect what will come next. When we caught a ride into Andover Saturday we were on a quick mission. Pick up packages and get back to the woods. When our shuttle driver, Gunny, pulled up in a mini van blasting old school rap we didn't know what to expect. Turns out, Gunny was a great guy. In his early 50s, retired military, he runs a casual ATV tour company and a really casual hostel. A short ride later and he had us staying at his hostel for the night..,.which then turned into a much needed zero day Sunday. 
 Andover's "Homes Day Celebration" was in full swing as we entered town. "The biggest day of the year" Gunny explained. After a minor detour thru town due to the local parade, we got set up in our palace for the night. An old RV served it's purpose. Our expectations are extremely low after 5 months on the trail. Satellite tv and worn out mattresses equals heaven for tired thru hikers. Not long after arriving Gunny took us on a tour of Andover's best swimming holes, rope swings and cliff jumps. We missed the local lawnmower race downtown in favor of cooling off from the Maine heat....a blistering 85 degrees. 
  It was a great weekend we never expected. I sure will miss this!

Southern Maine

Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack and I crossed into Maine on Friday. The final state! I wish I could say the hiking got easier but like the last 200 miles, more tough days.
It's been difficult to estimate our distance in these hills. Most mountains have sections requiring hand over hand scrambling up or down near vertical rock faces. At one time is was easy to assume that I could average over two miles an hour thru moderate terrains. Now, thru certain sections we average 1/4 mile an hour. Ever since northern Vermont the mountains have been extremely difficult. After finishing the White Mts. I was under the impression things would get a little easier....I was wrong. The Northern Maine terrain requires slow and deliberate moves. A 16 mile day from Gentian Pond Shelter, up Mt. Success, across the Maine border, up Goose Eye West and East Peak, down into the Mahoosuc Notch, straight up Mahoosic Arm, then a night hike to the peak of Old Speck Mt. took us 13 1/2 hours.
The Mahoosuc Notch is regarded as the "toughest or most fun mile" on the A.T. I wouldn't agree with either statement but it was interesting trekking thru the boulder strewn notch with vertical walls rising a thousand feet on either side. We hopped from rock to boulder, squeezed thru tight openings and crawled underneath gigantic rocks. As we carefully made our way thru the boulder field we felt the cold air escaping from caves below. We heard a stream running underneath us but couldn't see it. I found sheets of ice still holding strong in the deeper holes.
We made camp well after dark that night. We were rewarded with rare views from Old Spec the next morning. After waking up on the peak, the sun burnt thru the cloud resting over us revealing a blanket of clouds beneath us, covering all the lower peaks.
As always, the days on the trail are long and difficult but always rewarding and beautiful. Our days are numbered though. With over 1900 miles completed we have 16 days until projected summit of Katahdin.

Blue-bead Lilies

And then there was one.....Maine!!!

Fresh Blueberries

Hiking or rock climbing?

Many sections of the Whites require hand-over-hand climbing. Here, Wolfpack demonstrates the proper technique.

Goodbye White Mts!

After 8 days of hiking we dropped out of the White Mountains late yesterday afternoon. It was a spectacular run across the toughest terrain I've had the pleasure of hiking.
Monday morning Bluegrass, Squirrel, Wolfpack, Cotton and I began our climb up the boulder strewn side of Mt. Washington. We were extremely lucky to have views from the notoriously cloudy summit. It was a great moment to reach this Mountain which we had been talking about for months but I was quick to make an escape from that tourist trap. The summit has a weather observatory, museum and restaurant. There were tons of tourist that rode the Cog railroad up the mountainside. Yes, a train that spits a plum of black smoke a hundred foot high delivers weekenders up this huge peak every hour on the hour. There is something extremely annoying about tourist when you have spent consecutive months in the wilderness.
Leaving the summit, the rest of the northern presidential range loomed ahead. That afternoon was spent hiking across the ridge in perfect weather crossing Mt. Jefferson and Madison. No less then an hour before we hit the peak of Madison a hiker had to be air lifted off the peak. One missed foot hold and the older hiker fell a number of feet onto huge boulders which caused a dislocated hip and severe head lacerations. Only two nights before Bluegrass and Wolfpack delivered water up mt. Webster to two section hikers who had misjudged the terrain and hadn't been able to locate water. They slept by our fire that night and hopefully learned a valuable lesson. Another hiker, Tom who stayed with us last night, dislocated his hip this morning and is currently being carried off Wildcat mountain by rescuers. I'm feeling lucky to have left the Whites with only sore knees.
Maine is less then 15 miles away now. Everyday anticipation is growing. There is a feeling that nothing can stop us now. There is still plenty of tough hiking left though. The Bigelow Mts. of southern Maine, Mahoosuc Notch and the 100 mile wilderness are still out there. Roughly 20 days until our expected summit of Katahdin. Living the dream!!

Blue caught a brown trout!

The Whites continued...

The last few days hiking thru the White Mts. have been amazing. The weather has been a little inconsistent but no worse then expected.
Thursdays hike took us up Mt. Wolf, South Kinsman and North Kinsman Mts. The weather was perfect. Blue skies mixed with the occasional clouds and cool breezes greeting us at every summit. Friday we awoke to cloud cover at Kinsman Notch. We left the safety of the low notch and climbed up Franconia Ridge. A Steep, rocky ascent crisscrossing a cascading stream. As we steadily gained elevation the clouds began to seep thru the trees and then we were surrounded. The clouds dropped moisture onto everything and a cold wind blew. As we crossed into the alpine zone, the 5200 ft. Summit of Haystack Mountain came into view. We crossed over the summit hiking along the narrow ridge with thick clouds blowing passed us. The rocky, treeless trail led us up to Mt. Lincoln and then onto Mt. Lafayette. Visibility was minimal but for brief moments the clouds would lift and reveal the rocky ridge in front of us. This 13 mile hike has to be one of my favorite sections. We camped that night at the base of south twin mt. And built a raging fire while a slow rain began to fall. I just traded my hammock in for my old trusty tent and was happy to have it back. But I awoke early that morning with wet feet. My tent had sprung a leak! It didn't mother me though my mind was on bigger things. Uncle Chuck and aunt Charlie were meeting us at Crawford Notch 15 miles away and setting up trail magic. I hiked with a purpose...Chuck and Charlie's culinary expertise should not be overlooked. He brought smoked ribs with homemade BBQ sauce. Charlie made home made cornbread, potatoes salad and Cole slaw. It was spectacular! They left us that afternoon and we trudged slowly to our campsite with a full load of leftovers. We sat around the fire that night talking about the great trail magic and the next days hike...Mt. Washington
I was encouraged this morning to find clear blue skies. We all enjoyed Monster Mochas compliments of Charlie. It was just what was needed to begin our attack on Washington. A steep climb to begin followed by a gradual ascent. The hike was full of great views. Visibility was perfect. We hiked much of the day in the alpine zone with views of Mt. Lincoln and Lafayette behind us. The 11 mile hike Brought us just shy of Washington. Were staying in the "dungeon" at Lakes of the Clouds hut one mile shy of the summit. Tomorrow it's a steep 1000 ft climb to the summit of the tallest mountain in the northeast.

Mt. Lincoln

3500 ft climb this morning to Mt. Lincoln summit. The rest of today's hike across the Franconia Ridge will be in the alpine zone. Beautiful views...if these clouds blow over.

Into the Whites

We entered the White Mountain National Forest Tuesday one man short. Sabertooth's knee has bothered him since the beginning. The wear and tear of 1800 miles has taken it's toll. With a knee that wouldn't support his own weight Saber reluctantly headed home Monday afternoon. Our "fearless leader" is gone but we must push on. And push on we shall into the formidable white mountains of new Hampshire. These mountains will be our biggest test. Huge steep climbs topping out well above treeline, sharp knee splitting descents and unpredictable weather lies ahead. In the middle of the Whites is Mt. Washington. It boasts "the windiest weather on earth," the possibility of snow all year and stands some 6200 ft above sea level (highest mt. in the north east)
Walking into The White Mountains tuesday morning, it didn't take long to realize what we were up against. Mt. Moosilauke rose in front of us as we walked out of Glencliff NH. 3800 ft of elevation gain over 4 1/2 miles. The trail was rocky and steep the whole way up. As we neared the summit, we passed by the last twisted trees. Above tree line everything changes. Without the protection of the trees the wind was having it's way with us. The temperature had dropped considerably since leaving the base of the mountain. Clouds obscured any possibilities of views but I wasn't upset. The wind was cutting thru us like a knife. Not long after touching the summit and doing my best "predator scream" in Sabertooth's honor, I rushed back down to the safety of tree line.
The next week will be much like this. Working hard to break into the alpine zone, hiking above tree line then steep descent down into low gaps. Fingers are crossed the weather will be good!

Mt. Moosilauke rock climb

Mt. Cube, south peak

Vt - Nh border

Goodbye Vermont!

We made plans to push across the New Hampshire border and into the town of Hanover on Friday. We changed our plans after finding locals jumping from this awesome bridge and cooling off in the river below. It was 96 degrees outside and the mountains of Vermont weren't cooperating. Instead of a huge 26 mile day we opted for a 20 with lots of down time by this beautiful river. A great last day in my favorite state yet.

White River Bridge Jumping

Bluegrass leap of faith

Work for stay

Well we hiked all of 3 miles today and then we got a little sidetracked. The trail was leading us around a beautiful pond with mountains rising above us on all sides when we came across a sign reading "Mountain Meadows Lodge." A couple hundred yards up a freshly mowed lawn stood a large red lodge. It seemed quite inviting so we took a closer look. We found the check-in desk vacant so we ventured deeper into the dining room were a very nice girl sold us a cold coke and offered us breakfast leftovers which we kindly excepted. At this point we began wondering what it would feel like to spend the day in this wonderful utopia. I introduced myself to Dave, the groundskeeper, and inquired about the possibility of doing work in exchange for lodging. It took a little persuading but in no time at all Dave was escorting us to our room. Three beds, television, a private bath and a view of the lake! After dropping our bags he handed us paint brushes and caulking guns and put us to work. We put a fresh coat of paint around the trim outside and sealed the huge windows over looking the lake. We worked diligently as a family of loons called from the lake behind us. It was a strange feeling to be preforming manual labor for the first time in four months but i was grinning ear to ear. 3 hours of rewarding labor before relaxing poolside.
After a huge spaghetti dinner I found a cozy hammock and watched the sun set. Vermont my be my favorite state yet.

Mountain Meadow Lodge

And I would walk 500 miles....

Back in the saddle again!

More beautiful country these last few days. I've been hiking in the heart of vermonts ski country. Ski slopes have been visible from most vistas and we have shared a couple summits with ski lifts. No complaints though, the scenery gets better everyday. We have bagged Styles Peak, Bromely mt. Peru peak, Bear mt. And killington mt. The mountains get bigger everyday. We are less then 50 miles from New Hampshire border.
Over the past week our crew, the high end homeless, has splintered. Sabertooth hiking behind me. Squirrel and Blue hiking a short distance ahead of me since Sunday. On Tuesday I arrived in Rutland, Vt. Squirrel and Bluegrass were waiting with Squirrels parents. His parents treated us to Ponderosa and took us to the Long Trail brewery where the beers were on Mrs. Conway. A most enjoyable day that got better when we arrived at the Long Trail Inn and found Sabertooth enjoying a drink at the bar. A glorious reunion indeed! Sabertooth said it best, "let's finish the game."

A little piece of VT....

Indian Pipe

Looks like some sort of fungus but is classified as a flower. It lacks chlorophyll which causes the white translucent color.  

Scenes from the Trail - June and July

Check out some of the latest photos from the trail!

Click Here for Photos!

Bromely Mt.

The Green Mountains of Vt

  The hiking in New England gets better everyday.  Many highlights since crossing into Vermont Wednesday. The greatest night yet on the trail came thursday night. We hiked up Glastenbury mt. late that afternoon and climbed its 150 ft. fire tower. The old metal structure had a roof, four half walls that reached our hips, and had windows at one time but were since removed. With 360 degree views of the stunning Green mountains, the sun setting to the west and a full moon rising in the east, we settled in for the night. It was windy and cold up there but well worth the experience.
   Stratton mt. was another spectacular mountain. We summited the 4000 footer Friday afternoon and could see for miles. The decent into the vally and by stratton pond was stunning. Walking down thru the spruce forest past numerous streams, every rock and tree stump covered in bright green mosses. We took the opportunity to cool off in the pond at the base of the mountain. where I come from this pond would be called a lake. With the hiker funk knocked off our bodies we finished out the 26 mile day at spruce pine shelter. 
  Quick resupply today in Manchester, Vt. This town has a McDonalds which is always a treat. We don't pass up a dollar menu. With our belly full, clean cloths and small resupply it's time to hitch a ride back to the woods. Bromely Mt fire tower by sunset!

Sunset over Green Mts

View from Glastenbury Mt. Fire tower

Vermont!

Mt. Greylock into Vermont

  Woke up early wednesday morning and climbed Mt. Greylock. Massachusetts highest peak, Greylock was socked in with clouds. They cleared for a moment and gave me just enough time to snap this picture of the observation tower. 
  Walked thru North Adams, MA around lunch and wouldn't you know it? All you can eat china buffet 1/2 mile down the road. Enjoyed a long lunch with Pancho and Nachita, two thru hikers I met earlier in the day. 5 plates later we were stuffed and started to make the slow wobble back to the trail head. But before hiking back into the woods I walked past a rather conveniently placed liquor store. I grabbed a cheap bottle of "Black Velvet" whiskey to celebrate our newest milestone. It was a 7 mile hike up the ridge before we entered Vermont. The whiskey provided the perfect night cap to a great day. 11 states down, 3 to go!

MA moon

Camped in a huge Meadow Tuesday night at the base of Mt. Greylock. Laid here watching the sunset and the moon rise. Great way to finish the day.

MA Sunset

Zero Day with the Johnson Family

It was an excellent weekend complete with good food and great family. Friday afternoon we were caught in a huge thunderstorm hiking down Mt. Everett. We arrived at the trailhead soaking wet where Uncle Chuck was waiting. He drove us back to his hunting camp a couple miles away where we got some much needed hot showers and dry cloths. The weekend consisted of eating, eating, and then eating some more. Bluegrass said it best, "food drunk." The food was magnificent and the company even better. My aunt and uncle sure know how to take care of thru hikers. We got back on the trail Sunday morning loaded down with sandwiches and leftover bacon from breakfast. Everyone regretted not packing out some of Chucks pulled pork. After 17 miles of hiking we laid in an empty shelter reminiscing about the great food and good times. Definitely a weekend to remember. Life is good! Thanks Chuck "deer pimp" and Charlie "mrs. Deer pimp." Maine or bust!

Connecticut

20 miles up, down and across Connecticut yesterday. I was Drenched in sweat and lacking energy all day. I arrived at the Pine Swamp shelter just before dark completely exhausted. The mosquitoes ravaged me as I prepared my gourmet ramen dinner. They were relentless. The skeeters laughed at our bug spray. When dinner was finished i was too lazy and tired to throw up my hammock. I had just enough energy to crawl into the shelter and enter "cocoon" mode. My micro fleece sleeping bag liner fits me so that I'm able to pull the bag completely around my head. All night the mosquitoes dive bombed my head and buzz around my ears. I fell asleep to the sounds of my hiking companions cursing and swatting the evil blood suckers.
This morning I awoke early with big miles on the agenda. Still damp and sticky from the previous days work. I'm immediately greeted by a swarm of gnats and mosquitoes that surrounded my face. If you can picture Pigpen from Charlie Brown, you have a good idea of what the cloud of bugs looked like. Im fairly certain I swallowed a few while trying to eat my breakfast. Extra calories I guess. I was hiking by 6:30 a.m. and drenched in sweat by 6:35. No worries though. Bluegrass, Sabertooth, Squirrel and I are spending the weekend with my Uncle Chuck and Aunt Charlie. I may finally be able to taste some of Chucks famous margaritas.

Crossing into Massachusetts tomorrow morning.

Sunset over Connecticut

New York

   Great hiking and good weather this week. Stayed the night in Vernon Nj at a free church hostel on Tuesday night.  A cheap breakfast at the Mixing bowl the next morning, pancakes eggs hash-browns and coffee for $2.50. Love those prices! Steep climb out of Vernon that morning and a cool breeze to greet me at the top reminded me of what I had been missing since Tennessee. The rolling hills of Virginia and the rocky, flat terrain in PA and NJ left me missing the sharp inclines of the deep south. New York has been a welcome change. Challenging climbs and rewarding views.  Crossing into New York we climbed Waywayanda mountain, Prospect rocks, agony cliffs, eastern pinnacles, and cat rocks. Lots of rock scrambles and hand over hand climbing. 
  Thursday started rough. I was hiking thru a dense meadow with 4 ft. tall grass and shrubs. The trail was barely wide enough to move thru. As I approached a stream crossing emerging from the grass i felt a sharp sting around my ankle, then another and another. It took me less then a second to realize bees were swarming my legs. I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, swatting bees off me the whole way. My hiking buddies 50 yards ahead were alarmed at first, then laughing hysterically.  The bees got me 4 good times. No worries though. 5 miles away trail angel "Patio" washed away my pain with cold beers, hotdogs garnished with bacon, and lots of good tunes. 3 hours later, with a full belly, I was hiking again. But as usual Blue, Saber, Squirrel and I got distracted. A swimming hole is always enticing and Island Pond was no different. We were joined by Akuna-Matata, Pele, Sgt. Pepper, Green Man and Vittles. The chance to knock the hiker funk off was appreciated. That evenings hike was exceptional. We trekked up and down thru wide open cove forest with tall green grass covering the forest floor. Squirrel even spotted a black bear moving thru the woods. Somehow after all the messing around we still managed to make it to camp by dark, 20 miles from where we began.  The next 40 miles across Ny included views of the distant NY city skyscrapers from Bear Mountain and crossing the mighty Hudson River.
  Yesterday we arrived at Amy and Bills house just a couple hundred yards off the trail. Every year they throw a 4th of July party for thru hikers. They are great people. Currently there are upwards of 20 hikers here and the number will continue to grow. They are feeding an army here. Amy has been cooking waffles all morning and the burgers and dogs aren't far off. I cant forget about the huge pile of beer and Ben n Jerry's ice cream either. We are all extremely thankful to celebrate this holiday here. 
Life is good! Happy independence day!

Hudson River

Swimming Hole!

Trail Magic with "Patio"

Waywayanda Mt.

High Point NJ

New Jersey

   I left Pennsylvania behind on Friday and couldn't have been happier. We averaged 19 miles a day thru the state(my least favorite so far) The rocky terrain hasn't ended yet but it's getting easier. Water sources are still few and far between, but I'm happy to be checking off states.
  We spent an extra day in Delaware water gap(PA-NJ border) so that Bluegrass could heal his feet. Blue started breaking in a new pair of boots back at harpers ferry 250 miles back. They caused lots of blisters and he even lost a toe nail. It's not unusual to have lots of trouble breaking in new boots but when his blisters started showing signs of infection he knew it was time for a break.  After the zero in DWG we hiked across the Delaware river and 35 miles into NJ where my girlfriend picked us up for some downtime in Branchville, NJ. We all spent a nice weekend at the forest motel which bore a striking resemblance to the Bates Hotel from the classic movie Psycho. Jamie didn't complain even though the smell from my feet lingered in the room all weekend. They smell terrible even after numerous scrub downs.
  Sunday it was back to work. I left Jamie behind at the trail head and hiked into the hills again. This next run will take us into New York and over the Hudson River. From here on the mountains will be getting progressively harder until Maine. I'm looking forward to the new challenges ahead. 850 miles to go!

View from Culver Lake fire tower