June 23rd, 2011
Remember those monster blister? Well, they won. I did not get nearly as far as I wanted this run on the AT, just made it to the mid-atlantic regional office, about 100 miles. Combined with the dirt, sweat, and mosquitoes made for a pretty miserable time, and I got off the trail early. It is a wonderfully easy and historic (civil war) part of the trail, though.
I think it will be a long time before I consider making another attempt. Better motivation is key, and I think I’d want to do the remaining 1100 miles in one go. I’m all for camping, but hiking multiple days without bathing isn’t so appealing anymore.
So now I’m heading back to DC to see my sister again. Still a rainy summer on the east coast.
With a mighty thanks to my mom for the warm up slack packing, and a renewed appreciation for showers, adieu.
Posted in Aftermath | Comments Off on Boiling Springs
June 7th, 2011
Reached the official halfway marker today for 2011 at 1090.5 miles. At Pine Grove Furnace State Park I attempted the half way half gallon of ice-cream challenge, but it seems my non starved stomach is not up to putting away as many calories as it used to on these events and I was only able to get through a quart. I always seem to overestimate how much distance I am going to be able to cover over a given time long term. After slackpacking a few days I was ready to cut my goal from getting to CT to just finishing PA. Now after fullpacking for two days my feet may have other plans as I have developed some of the grossest caked blisters I have ever seen. Maybe there was more to liner socks than I thought.
Posted in Thoughts | Comments Off on Halfway 1093.7
June 4th, 2011
Still slacking, and just steps south of the Mason Dixon line. The trail through MD was mostly flat, but my legs still hate me. I find myself reevaluating both my trail goals for this round and my life goals. What would you do if Ira Flatow gave you a blank check?
Posted in Thoughts | Comments Off on Pen Mar 1055.7
June 1st, 2011
Bit of a late start, but I’m getting on the trail today. Going to slack pack for a bit till my legs get going again. After my last snafu in Harpers Ferry I finally got my photo taken and registered with the ATC. Not sure how I feel about the blue section hiker categorization but oh well. It sure is hot out, but they said it’s been raining a lot too (ugh) so the water is running goof in PA. I must say I am a bit apprehensive about all this, I wonder what my headspace will be like.
Posted in Thoughts | Comments Off on Heading out
