New York

Here it is another State down! I am soooo excited to be out of New York! Although, fireworks were great on the 4th of July weekend! Here is how the state went for me and many others.
We entered New York on a ridge where there is a box on a tree with a register. Not long after that, we had rocks and lots of ups and downs. New York as I am told, is very proud of their High Points and thus like to take you to the top of each and everyone of them. I have missed this kind of workout as the past few states have been pretty gentle! In Harriman State Park, I got to experience Rock Climbing with my pack on. Ok, I actually took my pack off and hoisted up onto the rocks rather than seeing if it would pull me backwards to my death! Gotta play it safe this late in the game! We passed through many State Parks and were overwhelmed by the number of people out grilling and celebrating the 4th of July. At one of the lakes inside Harriman State Park, Spice Rack, Morel, Swifty, and I just sat and stared at all the people. We were in the minority at that lake, which was kind of fun but yet overwhelming as well. I think there was a language barrier to yogi-ing for food. Yes, Thru-hikers become similar to beggars while on the trail. We just try our luck at being more discrete. There is a saying on the trail: The only difference between a beggar and a thru-hiker are the trekking poles! It sure felt like it at the lake when we found a perfectly good watermelon in the garbage can and rescued it for our own feeding. I felt like I had sunk to an all time low that day! It was tasty though and we sure laughed about it.
For the 4th of July Weekend, we had the most amazing seats for a variety of fireworks shows. On the 3rd, we (1/4 of the way, Spice Rack, Handyman, Morel, Swifty, Naked Sun, and Slow Barbara) sat atop Black Mtn, where we could see maybe 10-15different shows. We also could see the night skyline of NYC. It was beautiful and the area was perfect. As we were setting up camp, the sun was setting so we had that beauty to cook our dinner. The next morning, I woke up to watch the sunrise. I sat ontop of the mountain, naked in my sleeping bag, watching the sunrise. It was surreal! How often does one get to do that? For the 4th, we headed to Graymoor Friary for the night. First, we had to pass through Bear Mtn Park. That again was overwhelming with the people. Spice Rack's friend, Laurie, picked us up for lunch and by the time she brought us back, the park was closed due to being full. She dropped us on the side of the road and off we went. At Bear Mtn Park, there is a zoo which the trail passes through. We headed for that and found a line. Luckily the line was for the swimming pool rather than the zoo. Thru the zoo, then crossed the Bear Mtn Bridge to head up another mountain and onto Graymoor in time for dinner at 5pm. Graymoor was not what I was expecting, but it was nice all the same. They had a beautiful rock area where we were able to hang out with the alcohol and drug rehab guys while watching the fireworks! Again, we could see NYC. Some of the best displays were in Peekskill which was the closest city to us! The friars fed us a beautiful meal of chicken and vegetables, then took us on a tour of the friary. It was neat, but still not what I was expecting. Oh well. Seems like the friary is on its last leg. Someone said this was the last month they would be doing the meals for thru-hikers. Glad I got in on that tradition before it vanishes! What a way to celebrate the 4th. It was wonderful and fun with great company, although I did wish very strongly that my husband was there with me!
After the 4th, things were back to the same old bump and grind. New York was horrible with their trail conditions and blazing of the trail. Even in the state parks, we would find ourselves lost! It was crazy. Then, at road crossings, they had signs warning about lye disease from ticks, but yet we had to walk through high grasses and overgrown weeds covering the trail. Definitely planning on a visit to the doctor when I get home to make sure I have not become good friends with Lyme Disease. I have pulled my fair share of ticks off my legs in the past week.
It is nice to be in a new state and getting ready to leave the state of CT in about another 2-3 days. Many people to see and visit as I finish up the trail. Spice Rack is meeting friends and family through Massachusettes as am I. Vermont is where I get to see more family and friends. I look forward to the support from everyone I see. Physically, the hike is relatively easy at this point. Mentally, it is taking its toll on many people.
Found myself really needing a day off and thus took it here in Kent, CT despite the cost of things. I could have tented in the churchyard, but was having one of those desires to be human and pampered. So, I got a room with Three Cats & AJ. Since I was in town before them, I was able to pick up some epsom salts and baking soda to take a long luke warm bath. It felt great to just soak. My body was in much need of relaxation.
Getting some heavy rain today due to hurricanes, but that is what makes it so nice to be off the trail. Perfect sleeping weather, which is what I am planning on doing here in a few minutes. I like raining lazy days!
Well, I am 2/3 of the way done and moving along fine. I look forward to the distractions through the next few states. It will be good for the psyche. Still planning a day off in Cheshire, MA despite our current day off. With any hope, I will still be finishing the trail on August 21.
Less than a month until my husband joins me and I am already getting excited for his companionship. I called him the other day and started crying when he asked how I was doing because it was just so good to hear his voice. When I told him I was fine until I called him, he asked me why I called him, then. The silly guy. He knows I miss him and just need to hear his voice every so often. The journey is taking its toll on me, but I have not lost my sense of adventure or my love of the excursion. Well,...ok, I did lose it the other day, which helped me realize I needed a day off. When you look at the slightest incline on the trail and just cry about having to go up, you know it is time for a break. My body is thanking me for that as well, even though my pocketbook may not be thanking me!
I hope all is well on the home front. I need to give a good shout out to my sis as she called and left me a signing telegram! Hehehehe! Thanks! I like those sort of odd voicemails. Thank you everyone still for all your support. I love you all and look forward to seeing my aunts in Vermont as well as Tricia in MA. Take care and know everyone is on my mind constantly.

New Jersey

So, start looking for me to tick off states now! I left Delaware Water Gap and moved into New Jersey! Everyone said PA was bad with their rocks, well Jersey is bad with their trails. There have been bushes covering the trail to the point of wondering if you are going the right way. "Morel", "Spice Rack", and I actually did get semi-lost one day. Luckily, I turned things around by telling them it did not look right, and they listened! Anyway...
Spice Rack and I left Delaware Water Gap, PA around noon on the 28 June 2005. Yes, we are no good at getting an early start out of towns! So, we had to climb up onto a ridge, but luckily it was an easy, well graded trail. We made it up to Sunfish Pond where we decided to set down our packs for an afternoon break. Little did we know we were on the other side of the bushes from "Morel". We talked with him a bit and all three of us decided the pond looked too nice not to get in as the day was hot and humid! A nice swim led to sunning ourselves on the rocks and reading a passage from Travels with Charley by Steinbeck. It was a beautiful day. Around 3:30pm, the three of us decided to travel on to the YMCA camp for the night! The camp was a little difficult to find, but once there it was a nice rickety cabin by the lake/pond. We listened to the frogs croaking throughout the evening. That was probably the best night of sleep I have had on the trail! There were beds in the cabin.
The next morning, we were all slow moving to get out of the camp. Luckily, "Spice Rack" and I were only going a short distance of about 4miles. We convinced "Morel" to join us in our slacking off. It has been nice hanging with him again! A pass through Cluvers Gap allowed me beer and grilled cheese to power me into camp. It rained mostly all day! My Patagonia sports bra is not very good at wicking away moisture and I will look to my husband to send me the tank top I asked for! Camp was nice and we had a full shelter.
From the Gren Anderson Shelter, we had another short day to the "secret Shelter" on the Murray property. It was a beautiful farm land area where we had a little cabin to stay in with a shower and a sink. It was a beautiful area and we saw skunk, woodchuck, racoon, and mating mules. The cabin was warm and my fellow hikers left me alone in there to pitch their tents outside. So, I pitched my tent inside the shelter, opened the windows, and slept soundly! It was great! I had to laugh.
Today was a glorious hike into Vernon, NJ. Not much up and I ran into "Iron Foot" again. We hiked together for a bit and talked about our 2nd or 3rd day sitting the south side of Blood Mtn trying to decide whether to go over it or go around it. It is always great running into "Iron Foot" as he and I started together and hopefully will finish aroudn the same time. Just as I came to the road, there was a farmers market to the left. I found Bubble Gum ice cream, Chocolate Milk, peaches, and plums. It was wonderful. I indulged! Spice Rack arrived and we caught a hitch into town. The guy who picked us up knew exactly where to take us and drove like a bat out of... The town seems nice and the St.Thomas Church is a great hostel place with all the hiker ammenities: shower, laundry, internet, and sodas. What more could a person ask for? Maybe my bed from home.
So, anyway, things are going well still on the trail. The humidity is a bear, but I have not seen the bears people say are everywhere in Jersey. Maybe they will come lick my toes in New York or futher North! Looking to possibly do a mountain top for the 4th or hang with the monks! We will see where the trail takes us!
I continue to look forward to seeing my husband and am counting down the days! He is on my mind constantly and always in my heart. This trip has made me realize just how wonderful he is and what an impact he has on my life. I love you my darling with all my heart!

The Other Pennsylvania

So, I mentioned in my first PA blog how nice it was on the trail. Well, after Duncannon, PA, as Renee pointed out, it got rocky! After Port Clinton, PA it got even rockier. However, I am at the end of PA heading to New Jersey today if I can just get motivated. It rained last night and I am not sure if that helped or hurt things! The humidity is a killer out here. I miss Colorado!
Here is the low down of what has been going on:
Out of Duncannon, Spice Rack and I hiked with Renee and David. Poor Spice rack got a little bored with the pace and would run ahead ocassionally, but always met us in the evening. He was quite the trooper and made me appreciate his companionship all that much more! Renee and David were troopers as well. It was not all that easy terrain as Renee mentioned, but I am glad they made it home safely. I told them I was worried about them making it back to their car as both seemed to be hurting some on the 2nd and third days! Their company was a blessing, though and reminded me why I am out here.
Upon leaving Renee and David, I was in a race to catch Spice Rack by dark. He was about 13+ miles ahead of me at that point and I was starting at my usual siesta time. My pace was as quick as I could go over the rocks without breaking myself. Twice I fell, once forward and once backward. It was frustrating. Then, I got to the shelter just before the PA501 shelter (where I was to meet Spice Rack) and found I was just 45minutes behind him. So, I took off in a slow sprint from the shelter as it was uphill out of the shelter and trotted down the trail hoping to catch him on the trail as he wrote in the register about pizza at the 501. No luck catching him and I arrived to the 501 first to find a thru-hiker who is always angry about something. My spirits fell and I looked around for the register to see if Spice Rack left me instructions of where to go. Luckily, I found the register with Spice Rack! Hooray! There was pizza at the shelter which I ate happily as I cooked a box of Spongebob Squarepants Mac&Cheese(actually 2boxes).
Reunited with Spice Rack, we headed to Port Clinton, PA the next day. A long day, but nice to be in a town. We got ourselves a room at the Port Clinton Hotel which was not worth what we paid, but it saved us from dealing with the angry thru-hiker and the other weirdos at the pavilion. The next day, we did a short day to the Eckville Shelter which use to be a hostel. It was loaded with sodas and all sorts of goodies you could have for donations. The place was sweet! We enjoyed it immensely! From there, we found ourselves back out on the trail pushing over more rocks and heading closer to Palmerton, PA. The distance was too great, so we camped by a road on a Friday night! Silly idea as we got the locals shooting off fireworks next to our tents, basically. What excitement. The next day we did a short day into the Jailhouse hostel in Palmerton, PA. It is nice to have short days.
From there, we had a huge rock climb to Wind Gap with limited water as the weather has been hot and humid and dried up most of the springs. It was nice to be in a hotel in Wind Gap with the AC on full blast. From there, we were able to push into Delaware Water Gap, where I am currently using the computer at the Church of the Mountains Hostel. It is a nice place. The pastor and crew are great people. I highly recommend checking it out. Now, it looks like either 10 or 17miles out of town and into New Jersey! No more long states until Maine. Looks like I am going to make it! We will see what happens. There are suppose to be lots of friendly bears in Jersey. So hopefully, I do not get eaten by a bear! We will see what happens. There are many snake photos on my camera currently which I hope to make sure Gabe, the 10yr old I was working with before I left, gets a chance to see them. I know he would appreciate their beauty.
And of course, I could not end my blog without a shout out to my husband who commented to me the other day when we talked that I truly am his soulmate! I love you my darling and am counting down the miles until I get to see you and spend the rest of my life with you! Only 615miles until I am with you! Love you lots! Thank you everyone for your support and love. Take care and keep in touch with the progress as I move north! Lots of Love to everyone!

Renee's Trail report

Here is a trail report from Peeps' friend Renee who with her boyfriend David joined the adventure for a couple of days.

====================================================================================

We started out Saturday night at the famous Doyle Hotel. It was pretty clean (except for the bathrooms!) and quiet. We met a few other thru-hikers and section hikers including Spice Rack, Clockwork Orange, Forever North, Snail, and Lo Di Do. No euchre tonight as David and I had not slept much the night before. It was good to see Peeps (Kasey) again.

Day 1 – We covered about 11 ½ miles from Duncannon to a shelter. Saw a timber rattlesnake in the trail that rattled at us, and then it finally decided to move off of the trail. We scrambled over many good-sized rocks while traveling along the ridge line. The rocky trails out there are nothing like the dusty (and smooth) ones here in California. I kept wondering what I had gotten us into.

Day 2 – More mileage today, about 13 total. The first half was fairly easy, and then we began a long uphill climb over smaller rocks that kept wobbling every time you stepped on them. There wasn’t very much water around, and I think I must have been dehydrated because I got a migraine around mid-afternoon. I kept telling myself not to throw up. By the time we got to camp my head felt better, but my feet were killing me. My hiking boots didn’t have enough arch support, and my until-then mild case of plantar fasciitis (from running) was now full-blown.

Day 3 – We turned around about half-way through the day after having lunch with Peeps, as we wanted to have a bit of a time cushion to get back. Today was supposed to be Naked Hiker Day, but we only saw one couple wearing strategically-placed bandanas. Everyone else had clothes on, so no exciting photos – ha ha! I can’t imagine hiking with only boots on – the chafing would be brutal! I think we covered about 12 ½ miles.

Day 4 – Back down the wobbly rocks for about 13 miles again. We saw a doe, a black bear, and a snake today, in addition to hiking through a small thunderstorm. David was sick and dehydrated, and my feet hurt so badly I was nearly in tears. I think we covered this section slower than on the way out. There was just way too much drama today.

Day 5 – We met some really nice trail volunteers and their dog Casey. It was cool in the morning but got much warmer later on. We eventually made our way back to Duncannon and I was SO happy to get off my feet! Later that evening we decided if we were thru-hikers and had trail names, David’s would be No Sweat (because he sweat so much even his shorts got soaked) and mine would be Cat Lady (because I have 2 cats and volunteer at an animal shelter).

Friday we visited Gettysburg, and Saturday we went home. We ended up getting home about 10 hours late due to flight delays and cancellations (note to self: don’t fly Northwest!)

Despite all the foot pain, it was a fun trip. I will be much more appreciative of the dirt trails out here from now on!

I really want to thank Peeps (Kasey) for inviting us to join her, for cutting her daily mileage in half for us slowpokes, for running down to the spring at Peter’s Mountain shelter (that was a LONG way down the hill!), and for the Slim Jims! Also thanks to Spice Rack for waiting for us periodically and for letting us use his spices for our mac & cheese! The mental and physical strength that the thru-hikers have is really impressive. Happy travels to Maine, Peeps!

Pennsylvania

Another state and many more miles under my belt. Out here, some people talk about the trail not being about the trail miles, but more the S-miles. There have been many smiles lately as well as tears. I have been doing some good reflecting and learning about myself as I approached the halfway point and gone on by! There is an odd sense of accomplishment having made it this far! "Spice Rack" and I were talking the other day as we sat on a stone bench and looked out at the valley below about how it took us 3 months to get this far and yet will take us only 2 months to do the other half of the trail! It seems odd, but we are more fit now than in the beginning. Another thing about the trail is the passage of time. Some feel the time has passed slowly, while I feel like it is flying by. I do not feel as though I have been on the trail for 3 months. Every day there is something new to see and experience. Sure the walking gets old sometimes, but then you crest a hill and see a view or you decide to check out the trail in the dark for a night hike. Every day is an adventure. New people to meet as they come from behind and leave you in the dust. I just met a guy, "Teach," who began on April 27 (a month after me) and has caught me at this point. He is a teacher, thus the trail name, and needs to be done by school time. Great group of people in my general vicinity these days! Have run into "Three Cats" again as he was off enjoying his wife and daughter's visit.
So far, Pennsylvania has proven to be a very beautiful state. Sure the heat and humidity have been hard at times, but the terrain has been great. We have gone from a nice graded trail to rocks to fields of wheat and corn. The terrain varies so much in one day it keeps me from getting bored! I have encountered many snakes as well. Most of the snakes have not been poisonous, but some have been. In the Shenandoahs, I passed a timber rattlesnake. That was exciting. "Spice Rack" was leading and the snake only began rattling after I had gone by him. It was crazy! We stopped and took photos of the snake before he decided we were bothering him and he moved into the woods. Then, between Bears Den Hostel and Harpers Ferry, I almost stepped on a Copperhead. He seemed unphased by our presence. "Spice Rack" and I waited for "Mongrel" to make sure he saw the snake and we all took photos before the snake moved off the trail. There have been many black snakes along the trail as well as little baby snakes. It has been interesting to see so many snakes. Good thing the snakes do not scare me.
Currently, I am in Duncannon, PA waiting for Renee and David to come in for the night before hiking with me tomorrow. "Spice Rack" and I are looking for a good game of Eucre tonight if Renee and David are up for it when they get in! I think the shock of the Doyle Hotel here in Duncannon will make things interesting. Here is what has been written about the Doyle Hotel: "The 4-story brick building was one of 1200hotels built by the Anheuser Busch Brewing Co. to market their beer. It replaced the National Hotel, known by some as the Johnson Hotel that had occupied the same lot. The flag topped turret can be seen for long distance. The building had 30 guest rooms and is an Italianate design with arched windows and doorways. It was sold in 1932 to John Lukens. New laws had made it impossible for a brewing company to own a retail business. This building is known to most hikers passing as a respite from the trail." The hotel is an old building and would best be described as a boarding house setting. No air-conditioning, but there is a ceiling fan and luckily the nights have been cool lately as well as the days! Glad to be taking a day off today and looking forward to seeing Renee & David.
Today, a hiker had his daughters arrive to surprise him. It made me wish Mike and I lived closer to the trail so I could see him. "Teach" had his girlfriend come down from Jersey last night and again I wished Mike was closer to the trail. It is hard to make do with just talking on the phone, but it is a reprieve to know he will be out this way in a month and a half. He is always on my mind and forever in my heart! Those are the 2 pieces of my body and soul which drive me along the trail. I love you my darling! Not long now and I will be with you again forever.