Excited to see and hike with my mom in New Jersey! My first visitor on the AT besides the Pabens when I started! 135 miles by July 31, 2014 which will be perfect for her arrival! Stoked!!
I woke up and said my goodbye to Tuna. Tuna is ex military who served in the Iraqi and Afghanistan war. He will return to complete the AT in 2016. We cherished the morning company on the Susquehanna River and gave a manly hug goodbye. He headed south for Harpers Ferry to catch a train for Baltimore, MD. Ima truly miss him. Other hikers will also miss our tag team humor on the AT :).
Today was a tough hike and even tougher day on the AT. The weather gloomy and a 20 minute sprinkle. Two friends headed home.
Self reflection time... Quitting is a reality that I will continue to encounter over and over. However, it's not an option for me. When I started the AT I planned on a 6 month epic journey. This journey has and will continue to define the epic journey I pursued. I ensured finances were not an issue through saving and my only goal was/is to complete the entire AT. Yes it sucks to have people who have gone through many difficult challenges with you leave for home. These challenges are not like any other and there is a disconnect between an AT hiker, thru hiker or anyone who has not put themselves in our shoes as a long distance hiker. With all this said I have a heart that desires to keep fighting and I am more prepared daily as I anticipate the next challenge on the AT. I will accomplish my goal and IHOP's!!
I say all this respectfully...If you haven't been on a long distance hike I recommend it to you and there are no excuses. The excuses of being old, young, female, scared of snakes, bears, lions, etc. should never hold you back! Live and try it! You will forever have an experience that will better your character and roles you fill, as well as challenge you at your core mentally and physically.
I completed 15.5 AT miles. I soaked my feet in the spring. Yes, my right ankle is slightly swollen and my foot tender. I have no sharp pains and a goodnights rest should be good for the feet. I also miss home and everything about it. 4 more months and I look forward to the greatest Thanksgiving ever :). Again, thank you all for your continued prayers and support!! It is imperative it continues! We are nothing without our support systems.
I stayed at the campsite located at mile marker 1160.5. It was nice and located by water. I also will thank Growler and Rain for each sharing a .5 liter of water. Or else I woulda had to walk down 300 rock steps at Peter's Mountain Shelter. Then another 300 back up. Water is becoming 7-10 miles apart and when it's there it's a challenge to get.
Susquehanna River.
Sideways hiking.
Above the Susquehanna River.
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