Done... DONE... THE END!!

Great day! Slow hitch into Helen but got to talk to a group of 6th graders about the trail. Got my food and a bottle of champange for the end. Only days left!

Georgia, sweet Georgia! Last state and only 56.5 miles left. Top of Tray mnt at the moment. Into Helen to see if my mail drop made it then next stop the end!

Getting Closer....

Well taking an unplanned break in Franklin, NC waiting for my mail drop to show up. Thought the other night was cold but last night completely took the cake. 19 F when I woke up this morning. Frost on the beard while breaking down camp and getting into town. I'm realllllly looking forward to some warm weather in FL. Hopefully back on the trail again this afternoon so I don't blow my planned pace for the next few days. Friday after Thanksgiving is still the finish date it's just a question of 16 vs 21 mile days. On the plus side the weather is getting warmer and the elevation should be dropping so warmer nights!! Hope everyone is loving life.

Made it into Franklin, NC and waiting for the outfitter to open. Last mail drop of the trip. GA on Sunday and then the home stretch! Flip-flops and shorts soon!

Cold, cold night! Frost on my sleeping bag and a frozen water bottle this morning. Good thing I'm heading south. Through Franklin, NC Fri. and into GA on Sun.

Last Zero!!!

Well back in TN thanks to Marc and Marion Postelwaite. They drove 2 1/2 down to Fontana Dam to get me out of the rain and cold for some needed rest. I made it through the Smokies with a great weather window so while there was still plenty of snow on the ground the days were clear and crisp. Back to the trial tomorrow and then 9 more days till home!!! I'm ready to be done with this wander but at the same time I don't want it to end. Not time for reflection yet when I still have 150 miles left to go. Weird how that seems like such a short way compared to what I was feeling when I started. Finally got a new card reader so here are some photos from the last few weeks. I'll have a complete set of the second half up when I get done. Still loving the trail and living my dream. Much love to y'all!

 Fall colors from Fontana Dam

 AT luge!

 Boy Wonder and I at Uncle Johnny's

 Past the 2000 mile mark

 Living high

Sunrise in the Smokies

2000 miles done! Made good time through the Smokies. Pushed passed Fontana dam today and just got a hitch back to the shelter. Last zero day tomorrow then home!

Finished 2 days of hiking w/ John P. He headed back to the road for a ride back to town. I'm off for a push thru the Smokies while the weather is good. 235 left

Hanging with friends

On to the trail again tomorrow. Spent a nice couple days in Ashville, N.C. with Eric and Tina: fellow thru-hikers from 2007 that invited me to their home. Was going to get back on the trail on Friday but a chance phone call from brother Andrew ended up with him swinging through town and head out to TN for some zip lining and time with family. He's dropping me back off at the trail in the morning for a push down and thru the Smokies before it gets any colder or snowier. Down to the last little bit. (How my view has changed, 270 miles doesn't actually seem very far now!!) More updates soon. Hope everyone is having as much fun as I am.

Long day. Only 17 miles, but over 9000 ft of elevation gain. Fantastic day with amazing views from Roan Knob. Settled in for another cold night.

Cold last night but good company. Shared a shelter w/ Mike and Tom & they kindly gave me a ride into town. In the 20's tonight so a hostel & hot shower for me

1st solo night back on the AT. It was great to spend 3 days with the man who taught me a love of nature and made sure I didn't end up a delicate flower. Thx Da

Done with VA!!!!

Well it is finally official. Hiked the last 40 miles that I had skipped with Dad over the last three days. Grayson Highlands and Mt. Rogers were all everyone had told me. Wild ponies and incredible views made for some fun hiking. It's nice to be back on the trail after this break and getting closer to being done. Dad's giving me a ride back to where I hoped off in TN today and then it's on south and then end of this crazy adventure. Hope everyone is well. Pictures soon if I can get this SD card reader to work.

Back on the trail w/ my dad. Beautiful day hiking through Mt. rogers area. Saw a ton of wild ponies. So happy to be back on the trail with good company.

Riding the Dog back to FL. It's all I remembered and more. 24 hours on a bus is enough to make me miss walking already.

Arragh! Another 35 degree morning. Raining too. Only way to keep warm is to keep moving. On the plus side, I'm making 25 mile days. Looking forward to a break.

Moving along like a mad man! Long stretches of flat trail seem to help a lot. Hope to be in TN before I skip back to do the section with my dad. Time to move.

STILL in VA

Not exactly putting up the huge miles lately but between the rain and the rebellious feet things are going well. Weather is supposed to clear out today and I should be on the trail soon. Glad a stayed the night though. Rain and temps in 30/40 make for some unfun camping. I'm going to be getting off trail next Wednesday for two weeks to go back to FL to help out with some family stuff. Mom finished her chemo this week and now she and Dad are off for a well earned vacation. Have no fear though. I'll be finishing up hopefully by mid to late November. Thanks to everyone for the comments on the last blog. Time to finish packing and get going. Hope everyone well and happy.

Be careful what you ask for....

Late morning view from McAfee Knob

Heading out of Pearisburg, VA today after a night in a hotel to dry out and let my feet rest. Wet feet and 20+ mile days start to do weird and painful things to my body. Had a glorious evening on McAfee Knob.

Me on the Knob.

Managed to get to the Pig Farm campsite about a mile short of the knob with enough time to set up camp and still hike up to the summit with all my cooking gear/dinner. Slightly hazy and very colorful sunset while eating a Knorr pasta side with Spam made a perfect end to a day. Don't laugh about the Spam; 250 calories in 6 ounces of weight is magical. Watching the moonrise about 15 minutes later was just the dessert I needed. Night hiked back down to camp and still managed to get up early enough to have some coffee with dawn on the knob the next morning. Glad I took the time because it has been nothing but rain and long days since then. I was asking for rain and cooler weather but just not at the same time!!! Should be wandering on again... miles to make before I sleep.


p.s. don't look if feet gross you out but this is why the trail is more than just "a really long walk". You got to love it to do it.


Left out the pics of the other side of this foot, the toes, the other foot, and well you get the idea. I'm bleeding for y'all so show me some love and comment. Let me know your out there.



Slow day today. Only doing 8 miles. Can't pass up a clear weather and a sunset from McAfee Knob. Hello to Posieden. Nice chatting an alum about the trail. TTFN

Buchanan, VA Rocks

Well managed to lose my license and check card somewhere between here and Buena Vista. Luckily I had a replace card already waiting at home so all I had to do was move slow a few days for the stuff to catch up with me! Well all is right in the world now and I did get to spent a nice two days at the Middle Creek Campground. Met Steve yesterday on a hitch back to my tent and he and I spent the rest of the day having some beers and chatting about life. I'll say it again, "The best part of this whole trail is the folks you meet." Steve even drove me to the library where I'm writing this and going to take me back to the trail. Now that is true southern hospitality. It definitely helps drive away those VA blues. Don't want to keep him waiting all that long.
My best to everyone,
apple juice

Moving along smoothly. Preist mnt. kicked my butt yesterday. Jumped off the James river foot bridge to cool off. Sweet day!

Just a quick request. If you are checking my blog for the first time please add yourself as a follower so I know that it's not just me out here. Thxs much!

Perfect night sleeping under the stars. Off to Rusty's Hard Time Hollow for the night. It's a hostel off the trail and a must see stop. Should be fun. More soon

Well, back on the trail after a unanticipated, but much need break in VA. Gained 4lbs in 4 days. Thxs Ty & Linda. Hope ya'll are as happy in life as I am.

On to the Shenandoah's

Well a quick stop into Front Royal, VA for some food and supplies before I head south into the Shenandoah National Park. Should be and interesting yet crowded time. It's all good though... day hikers equal food! They always seem willing to share for a few stories about the trail. Maybe that makes me a mooch but at least I'll be a well fed mooch. Stopped through Linden, VA yesterday for a soda and snack after hiking in 94 degree heat and ended up having a lovely afternoon hanging out at The Giving Tree". It's a produce stand/art gallery. Lots of local crafts/art and some really nice folks own it. I consumed while there cantaloupe, sweet corn, apples, and a few beers.  Brittany showed me some sweet southern hospitality. Nice to walk into a place and feel instantly at  home. Time to wander again. Miss everyone and more updates soon.

Southward Bound!

Stopped into Bear's Den Hostel in VA for a soda and a break. The heat has been a bit over the top the last day or so but it should be cooling off next week or at least I hope so. Froze my tail off on Katahdin a week ago and wished for warmer weather. Should have specified not quite this warm! Finally made it into the triple digits of mileage left to go! 987.3 to be exact. Should be into Shenandoah National Park tomorrow and it looks like smooth walking for a while. It's been a bit quite on the trail so far. Nice after the crowds going north but I do miss the friends I've made. Haven't met another through hiker yet but I sure a bump into someone soon. Hope everyone is well and I'll update soon.

Some pics are on Picassa

Well had a nice break with Lynn and Matt in D.C. but it is time to make miles again. Drop a line when a get a little farther on down the trail. Here is a link for pics from the trial so far:
Pics from the 1st half on picassa
Pics on Picassa

Finished the first half!!!

Made it through the 1st half of my long wander and now a little rest and relaxation in D.C. with Lynn, Matt, and the kiddos. Northern Maine and the 100 mile wilderness were absolutely amazing. I finally got to chance to get up close and personal with a moose! Came upon him standing in the trail but by the time I got the camera out he'd walked into the woods. I did get a video of him though! Not the best quality but I did my best. One on thing to check off of my personal bucket list.

100 mile wilderness here I come!!!!

 Smoke Stack and I rocking the pink loaner pants while we do laundry!

Short stop in Monson for the night last night. Onward into the hundred miles wilderness today and Katahdin within the week. Lovely evening here at the Lake Shore House. The pub downstairs was closed but the owner, Rebekah, made dinner for all of the hikers here. This is the last rest stop for a lot of the north bounder's  so it was a bit of a goodbye party as well. Got all my laundry done and now I'm off.  I'll update again after I summit and make it back to D.C.. Wish me luck!!

Quick stop in ME

Hello All,
Well I past the 1000 mile mark yesterday. Just a months ago the idea of hiking that far was almost unimaginable but here it is. Only 141 miles to go to summit Katahdin and then off to D.C. for a little rest and food with Lynn, Matt, Cole, and Mahalia. I should be in the 100 mile wilderness in 3 days. Heavy pack having to carry out that much food but I should be beautiful. Did my longest day yesterday. Started at 3 a.m. to climb to the top of Mt. Avery to watch the meteor shower and then the dawn. Pushed on from there to get 25 miles done before dark. Going a little slower today but that is to be expected. Off to the trail again. Hope everyone is well.

Made it to MAINE!!!!!

Well the post have dropped off a bit due to a dead phone. Currently in Bethel, ME having a little break to recover from a touch of the flu. Sick on the trail is no fun. I've made it though the Whites with only a few battle scars. The Whites and Presidential sections of the trail are my favorite by far. It is an amazingly beautiful and rugged section of the country. While I'll miss the views above tree line my body is getting ready for some flatter and softer terrain in ME. Two more notches to go and then on to the flats of northern ME and the 100 mile wilderness. I should hopefully be summiting Katahdin between the 22 and the 26 of August. Thanks to everyone for the support. Love and miss y'all.
apple juice

p.s. The sponsor sheet seems to have the bugs worked out. If you were having difficulties please try again.

THE WHITES!!!!!!!

What to say, what to say? Climbed up and over MT. Moosilaucke the day before yesterday. 2800 ft in three mile is about the same as two hours on a stair climber with 30 lbs. pack when the steps are all uneven and about a foot tall. It's was a good introduction to the White's. The terrain here is rugged in a way that reminds me of the Rocky's but the amount of rain is way more like the Smokies. Imagine climbing for 2 hours up a boulder field next to a steam. Now put the stream in the middle of the boulder field and that is what the last two days have been both up and down.
      It's is still amazing. I'll take 2 hours of climbing over 4 hours of the green tunnel in PA. The trail and views are just fantastic. I've had some nice trail magic and met some great folks over the last few days. Spent the night on Friday at a new friends place on Lake Armitage outside of Pike, NH. More involved story so that will have to wait. Spent last night at Lake Lonesome Hut and exchanged minimul labor for a bunk, dinner, and breakfast. Love the White's. Time is up and I have miles to makes. Love Ya'll. Apple Juice
p.s. my phone died. Should have a new one in week. just fyi

Some wildlife pictures

Angry Porcupine from the other day

Lovely Luna Moth on the trail.

Huge Timber rattler

My favorite! Mother Doe feeding two fawns. Look carefully, you can see the second neck.

Closeup of another porcupine

Getting ready for the Whites.

Well, I've made it though 700 + miles without any permanent damage to mind, body, or soul. Done with the Green mountains and will be into New Hampshire tomorrow. Looking forward to the cooler weather and some great climbs. Vistas everywhere is what I here from all the south bounders. I've finally met a few in the last couple of days. It's good to know that I will not be doing the second half of the trail by myself! Vermont has been a wonderful hike. Now onto the hardest, according to some, section of the trail. Weather is so changeable that you can get snow pretty much any month of the year.  As of Thursday I will have been on the trail for two months. It is crazy to realize how far I've come and a bit daunting to think of with is still to come. Mostly this is an amazing time and thanks to all of you for the support! Back to the trail to make some more miles before dark.
P.S.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRUMPY!!!!!! Wish you could be here hiking with me. Love ya.

Loving Vermont!

Currently in Killington, VT waiting for Rose and Tom to join me for lunch. They just happen to be on their way home to Syracuse from Maine today. Got to love serendipity. Beautiful last few days with only a little rain. Had an encounter with a very grumpy porcupine yesterday. Ten minute face off before it finally left the trail. Took some good pictures though. I should be out of the Greens and onto NH by the end of the week.

Apple Juice----------
Sent from AT&T's Wireless

Finally got a few pictures up yesterday. Hopefully the next library won't have a time limit! Heading out to finish the Green mountains over the next few days. Already climbed 1600 ft today and still feeling grand. It's amazing what a real bed and a steak dinner can do for the soul. Off for another 13 miles and a swim in Lake Griffin. Life is good.

Apple Juice----------
Sent from AT&T's Wireless

Day in the life

My Home

Typical Shelter with gear

Resupply equals a happy hiker

My Vehicle

Laundry Day with Traveler and Walking Man

This should hopefully give you an idea of what day to day life on the trail looks like. Running out of time at the library so more pics at the next stop. Hope all is well with everyone.

Finally.... pics

Well finally found a town with the stuff that I needed so now we can add some pics. It's kind of hard to play catch up with the 300 or so pictures I've taken so far so I'll add a bit as I go. Currently still in Manchester Center, VT at the library. Hoping to be in NH within the week and then it is on to the White Mountains. The landscape is really starting to change from what I've seen so far. Trees, wildlife, and geology all give me the impression that not only have a wandered but I've wandered far. Hoping to summit Katahdin around the 20th of August. Then back south for the second half. Now on to some other posts with pics!!!!!!

Coming soon...pictures!

I'm in Manchester Center, VT and finally found a store w/ a card reader. So tomorrow it's off to the library to add some visuals to the blog. Should also have some more thoughs about life on the trail.

Apple Juice----------
Sent from AT&T's Wireless

Morning from the trail.

Lovely morning watching the sunrise after a short day yesterday. Watched the world cup final with Brian yesterday to end our weekend hike. Hoping for some cool temps and more mileage today. Into the Green mountains over the next week so I'll see if I really have my trail legs soon. Miss ya'll

Apple Juice----------
Sent from AT&T's Wireless

Checking in...

Made it to North Adams, MA. Doing laundry then back to the trail. Looking forward to hiking with Brian P. for the next 2 days. He'll meet me tonight then we are off to VT on sat! One more state down! Miss ya'll.

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Sent from AT&T's Wireless network using Mobile Email

Farmer Apple Juice

I can now add "Farmer" to my resume. I'm staying at Moon in the Pond farm outside of Sheffield, MA through tonight. The owner Dominic invites folks to work for stay. It's a beautiful organic meat and produce farm in the Berkshires. You get a place to tent, shower, laundry, and food in exchange for helping out on the farm. Yesterday, I fed chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs, and a calf. This was just the morning chores before breakfast! Afternoon was driving stakes for tomatoes, i.e. 50 or so, then it was off to pick up hay bales from a neighbors farm. 4 of us collected and stacked around 240 bales. Trust me that is a fair amount of work. Evening before dinner you have to get the chickens, turkeys, etc back into their respective homes. Joe, one the workers here says I have a talent for turkey wrangling. Dinner is all stuff from the farm and plenty of it. Steak, potatoes and raspberry custard Having a lovely time and the invitation to stay longer stands but I need to get back on the trail. I could easily end up staying longer than intended if I don't get out now. Too much really good food and great company. Thanks to all the follower that have pledged. I keep ya'll updated as I get north.

Test

Just checking to see if this works. 1st e-mail from the phone.

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Sent from AT&T's Wireless network using Mobile Email

Stupid time limites....

Well I've broke the 400 mile/ one month barrier. This has to be a quick update cause I've got folks waiting in line for the computer. I'm in Kent, CT currently after a somewhat slow week. I turned my ankle and had to take a zero day in Ft. Montgomery, NY. The rest was great and the ankle is back up to speed mostly. I learned something about myself as well. I can eat two 18 inch sausage pizzas within 6 hours of each other. Definitely have my full hiker appetite now. Hope all is well and thanks to everyone for sponsoring.

Dictionary

Trail Dictionary

I've been getting a lot of questions from family and friends about some of the terms that go along with the trail so here is a primer of trail slang for all the those that are not familiar with the trail.

Blaze: Trail marker. In the case of the AT it is a white 2in wide by 6in tall white rectangle painted on rocks, trees or anything else handy to mark the trail. i.e. White blazing is hiking the trail.

blue blazing: any side trail off of the AT is usually marked with a blue 2x6 rectangle. For purist it is not cool to use blue blazes as short cuts or to avoid tough terrain on the trail. Example El Jefe :"How the hell did Apple Juice beat us to the shelter?".  Beef stick: "The slacker blue blazed around the last two peaks."

pink blazing: chasing a girl. The trail has a lot more guys than girls so pink blazing is speeding up or slow down to spent time with a girl. Example: El Jefe: "Has anyone seen Apple Juice?" Grins: "Yea, he's hiking like 3 miles a day pink blazing with some Swedish chick"

Trail Angel: One who is responsible for Trail Magic (see below)

Trail Magic: Anything good that happens while on the trail. Mostly it's a former hiker or just someone who loves the trail leaving goodies on the trail like cold Gatorade or snacks. It can be so much more though. People have given me rides, food, drinks, a shower, place to stay, lots of food, beer, wine, even more food, and mostly a appreciation of just how nice most folks really are.

all i can think of right now but I'll add as more come up.

Current location....

Currently taking a zero day in NJ with my buddy Paul. Finally made it out of Rocksylvania and my feet are loving it. New Bearsey has lived up to it nick name. Saw 7 bears in the last few days. We are heading into Hoboken to watch a little World Cup and then maybe into NYC for a bit. It should be interesting to actually be in a metro area after having been in the woods for this long. Almost a month and 300 plus miles into the trip so far and it has been fantastic. My body has finally made it into trail shape and the pack keeps feeling lighter and lighter. Had to slow the mileage per day this last week in order to get together with Paul this weekend but it ended up being a real treat to just move at a slower pace. Long lunches and afternoon naps in the grass are great for morale. Rained for 3 days last week and had my first "Why the hell am I doing this?" moment. It was storming like crazy and the trail had turned into a foot deep stream. Lightning was crashing all over the place, my feet hurt and I was cold. Set my tent up in the rain and spent a cold, miserable night hope a tree wouldn't fall on me. Next morning was perfect and while I was having my oatmeal and letting my gear dry in the sun watching the birds all around me I knew that this was why I was doing this. It's cliched but you have to have a bad day to appreciate the good ones. Even a bad day on the trail is better then most other days working. No complaints from me.  

Dear Rocksylvania

Dear Pennsylvania,
You probably know by now that I'm gone. Our time together started out so smoothly without the crazy ups and downs of the last few weeks. Walking through the countryside and past all the farms was the way I wanted our time to be but things have just been too rocky lately. The way you treated me coming out of Neil's Gap was just to much. It's time for me to move on. I realize that it is just your nature and there is no way for you to change. My feet and I need a state that is going to treat us better, more gently, and with care. I've met her and she is named New Jersey. By the time you read this I'll be with her and will have moved on. I will always cherish the times we had together and I'm sure someone else will come down the trail for you soon. Thanks for the good times.
apple juice

Disclaimer: Apple Juice loves all sections of the trail equally. PA is a wonderful state and the people are extremely friendly and kind. There are a TON of rocks though.  

Yippee! A Dry Day

Just wanted to update you on my travels...I'm in Culvers Gap, New Jersey (close to Branchville, NJ) with nice DRY weather. It's been raining for the last day and a half. I decided to stop for a brief "refreshment" break at a nice little tavern just off the trail before I continue on to tonight's shelter and the end of the day. Here's to you all.

Some older stuff

Here are a few thoughts, scribbles, and ruminations from my first couple weeks on the trail. They are from my journal so please excuse the rambling nature of some. These were mostly written at the end of long trail day huddle in a shelter or my tent.

Day 1 May 23
     Only 7.6 miles to the Ed Garvey shelter after being dropped off by Lynn, Matt, Cole and Mahalia. Rained the whole way up the trail and feet are soaked through along with everything else. I did manage to get lost in the 1st two miles. The trail from the ATC goes down through Harper's Ferry, crosses the Potomac, and follows the C & O tow path. At the bottom of the path you can take a right or a left. After check the map and just assuming it was orientated N/S I took the left. After about a 1/2 mile a guy stops in the rain on the road next to the path and yells out his window at me. It's raining hard enough that I can't here him at all. He then jumps out in the rain a walks to the guard rail to tell me, "You're going the wrong way!" Laughed at myself and wandered back the way I had come. 1st lesson from the trail: Listen the advice of random strangers because they might be right. Finally on the right path I bumped into a older gentlemen walking along the tow path. He asked it I was doing a thru-hike, and feeling a bit sheepish considering I'd only put in 4 miles so far, I told him yes. After that we got to chatting and he spent the next few miles telling me all about the history of the C&O canal and the train the now runs parallel to where it used to be. His pace was a bit slower than mine but the conversation was too interesting to pass up. He walked me to where the trail crossed the road and wished me good luck. Lesson #2 Slowing down might make your day a little longer but it leads to very interesting conversations.

Day 3 20.2 miles May 26
      Out of Maryland today and into PA. Don't know what the hell I was thinking trying to do this many miles. I've been hiking with "El Jefe" for the last day and a half. After our failed off trail excursion for a burger and a beer yesterday I guess we felt like trying to get to civilisation sooner. They really should put the fact that the bar a mile off the trail is CLOSED on Mondays. Need to make the miles so that I can make it to Boiling Springs before the post office closes for the holiday weekend. If not then I'm stuck there for 2 zero days. Got my first blister today. Guess this means I'm a true hiker now... Stopped just over the border into PA and found a nice spot by a stream. Another big day tomorrow so off to bed at hiker midnight. (9:00 pm).

Day 5 18.5 miles May 28
     Too tired to write yesterday. Hiked from 6:30 to 8:30 yesterday. I now know why they call it Rocksylvania. Blisters on both of my feet now. I've named the one on my right foot "Sisyphus" because it's on the ball of foot and it is punishing as roll up the trail. This is what happens when you spend 14 hours in 85 degree heat hiking by yourself. Stay at the quarry rock shelter now. By far the nicest shelter yet. Flower boxes and a little stream past the front of the shelter. Looks like a nice night with no bugs so I think I'll cowboy camp it tonight. Still on schedule for making it to Boiling Springs for my food drop.

June 1st
In Duncannon, PA for the night tonight.  Got rescued from the thunderstorm/tornado warning tonight by Vicky at the Doyle Hotel. Was planning on staying at the campground but once the weather report came on Vicky offered me a room. $25 was not in the budget but she let me stay for the 7.50 extra person rate so how could I refuse! Just made me promise not to tell any of the other hikers. Still planning on my first zero day tomorrow. My feet need some rest and a chance to heal.

June 2nd
Half way through my first zero day and I'm going nuts. Thought that loneliness would be a problem but the hiker community is amazing. The folks on the trail and  in town are just fun, sweet, kind people. It feels a little like a wandering summer camp/party with periods of intense discomfort in between. Still with all that said I want to be moving again!? Nice to rest and chill with everyone here but the drive to see what's next, to make miles, and just keep going is strong. I am absolutely loving this!!!

FINALLY!! An update....

Currently in Palmerton, PA for all of you that are following along at home. Only have a few minutes to write today but the library opens again tomorrow so more details then. I'm almost done with PA then onto New Jersey and New York. The trail has been a bit of trial yet one of the best times of my live thus far and that is saying a lot. The body hurts but spending all day in nature's cathedral does amazing things for the soul if not for the soles. (sorry, bad hiking humor.) More updates soon and thanks for following the adventure. Pics should be coming soon once I find a new cable for my camera. Miss ya'll.
Happy Trails,
apple juice

I Need Your Help

I am asking friends and family to sponsor my hike for Breast Cancer to raise money for a good cause while keeping me motivated along the way. The full trail will take me over 2,000 miles, 6 months and approximately 5 million footsteps. Knowing every mile I cover will mean money for a good cause will keep me pushing ahead.  Funds raised will go directly to Breast Cancer prevention and treatment for migrant workers and uninsured women living locally in the Tampa area. 

The cause:  Breast Cancer Outreach, Prevention and Treatment at St. Joseph's Women’s Hospital Breast Center. The dollars I raise will support Breast Cancer Outreach, screening and treatment assistance for uninsured women, with a focus on providing services to migrant women and others facing financial need in the local Tampa Bay community. Services supported will include Spanish language outreach, mammography and other diagnostic procedures for uninsured women. St. Joseph's Breast Cancer Outreach will be working largely through the parish nurses they have serving migrant and poor communities in the Tampa area. 

Check out St. Joseph's Women’s Hospital Breast Center website here: 

http://www.sjbhealth.org/body_womens.cfm?id=774  

Whether you sponsor me for a nickel a mile or a dollar a mile, we’ll know that my steps and your support will be helping others.

Please check out the attached sponsor sheet and email me with your sponsored amount per mile.  At the end of my hike, I’ll let everyone know how many miles I completed along with donation amounts and how to send checks to St. Joseph’s.

Thanks for following along with me. I’ll have a trail update soon.

First 100 Miles Down.....

Here in the first update in while. I've made the first 100 miles!! The body is holding up well but the feet are giving me trouble. I've been trying all day to get on the computer but with 15 other people trying to update their blogs we all get about 20 minutes to check email etc.... Doesn't help that this is circa 1990 desk top.  Currently in Duncannon, PA having a zero day to let my blisters heal. Loving life on the trail and all the people I've met so far. I should have some more info about the fundraising and pictures soon. Hope everyone is well and happy trails.
Much love and respect to all,
apple juice

Today's the Day

Good morning! Well. all the planning and the exercising is past. Now it's to the real stuff. I'm starting off today and hope to be on the trail soon.  I'll keep you all up to date as I find cell phone coverage or computer hook-ups in towns near the trail. Please return for all the ups, downs and joys I'm sure this adventure will bring. I'm excited to finally be starting this wander-a-thon. Enjoy today--I know I will!!