Happy 4th of July!

Day: 101 (July 4)
Starting location:Vernon, NJ
Ending location: Vernon, NJ
State: NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Miles total: 1,347.7

We woke up well rested and really to face the day. The day full of BBQ and family. My mother is the oldest of 9 children and some of them still live in the North Jersey area. So in honor of the holiday, as well as my Aunt Joanne's birthday, Aunt Suzie threw a nice party. In attendence was:

Mom and Dad
Aunt Suzie, Clint, Trevor and Chris
Aunt Joanne
Uncle Dick, Aunt Lolo, Eric and Shannon
Aunt Eileen
Jason and I

We had lots and lots of food, followed by lots and lots of ice cream. Jason and I sure had our fill. We really had a great day catching up with everyone and answering all of their trail questions, which we love to do!


We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Holiday! We are proud to be Americans, that is for sure!


My sweet cousins Shannon and Eric




My family!!

Conan + Backwards

Pool Time

Day: 100 (July 3)
Starting location:Vernon, NJ
Ending location: Vernon, NJ
State: NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Miles total: 1,347.7

We slept in a little late but hey we didn't have any miles to hike! We spent a relaxing afternoon lounging by the pool and swimming. The Hodgson's backyard looks like something out of Better Homes and Gardens, the way the pool and backyard are landscaped is just beautiful. I really enjoyed just hanging out and catching up on some celeb gossip magazines.

Later that day Jason and I said our goodbyes to the Hodgsons and ventured over to my Aunt Suzie's house. She treated us to a great steak dinner served al fresco out on her patio. My three cousins Clint, Trevor and Christopher, as well as my Uncle Dick, joined us for a nice meal. As night time approached, we made our way down to the lake and watched a great 4th of July fireworks show.

Today was our 100th day on the trail, even though we weren't really on the trail. I am so proud of us, it's kind of like celebrating a 100th episode!! Hey don't they always have cake for an occasion like that?




Oh how I love pool floats




Fireworks!!!

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Friends & Family

Day: 99 (July 2)
Starting location: High Point State Park
Ending location: Vernon, NJ
State: NJ
Miles today: 20.6
Miles total: 1,347.7

After a great night with Kristen's parents, we were back on the trail by 8:30am. We managed to drop our regular packs with Kristen's parents so we could slackpack. We love slackpacking. Hiking with 30 less pounds makes things so much easier.

After our 20.6 mile day, Capt. Karl met us at the trail crossing in Vernon, NJ at 4pm. We drove over to Capt. Karl's high school friend's house in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Tommy Hodgson and Capt. Karl have been great friends since the 6th grade. Tommy and his wife June had dinner catered which was just great. Tommy had invited over friends that Karl hadn't seen since high school! It was a great reunion for them and for us it was so nice to be with friends and family.



Walking over the mile long footbridge through the New Jersey swamp




All cleaned up at the Hodgson House

Conan + Backwards

This Should Be Interesting

Day: 98 (July 1)
Starting location: Brink Road Shelter
Ending location: High Point State Park
State: NJ
Miles today: 17.9
Miles total: 1,327.1

Today was the day that Kristen's parents were going to camp overnight with us. We have been waiting for this day for quite some time. Kristen and I truly didn't know what to expect but one thing was for sure, we knew it was going to be an interesting night.

Capt. Karl went camping quite often back in his days in the Air Force in Montana but Diane...well that is a different story. We mentioned to Diane that we saw another black bear today, that makes it two bears in the past two days. Surprisingly, that was not what concerned her the most. "Where is the bathroom," she said. Luckly we were camping in a state park so there were bathrooms close by.

When it was all said and done, we had a great time. Capt. Karl and Diane had picked up some fried chicken, corn and potato salad. We had all the red wine we could drink and we listened to Cream, The Eagles, and George Strait through our iPod speakers. Luckly the night was pretty cool, so we made a good fire and made smores. It is important to note that Capt. Karl thought a smore was called a "Bortz." We gave him a hard time for awhile.

Diane does get the gold star of the camping trip for her wood gathering ability. Well done.

A big thanks to the Zitiello Family for the camping gear for Capt. Karl and Diane










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Function is Beauty

Day: 97 (June 30)
Starting location: Backpacker Campsite
Ending location: Brink Road Shelter
State: NJ
Miles today: 20.0
Miles total: 1,309.2

Our first morning in New Jersey was cool and crisp. We had to wear our Montbell jackets around camp beacuse it was so cool! After 5 minutes on the trail, we saw a bear, it was only a cub, but none the less, a bear! Believe it or not New Jersey has the largest bear population per square mile!

Mid morning we came to Sunfish Pond which is a glacier lake. It was really beautiful! But it was too chilly for us to swim, otherwise we would have jumped right in.

Even though we are out of PA (thank goodness) the terrain is still quite rocky. My feet sure hope it gets smoother soon!

You may notice in our pictures that we have experienced a wardrobe change. We have decided to wear pants through NJ, NY and CT due to the high number of ticks. If there is anything we don't want on the trail it's Lyme Disease. Oh and yes I am wearing cargo pants and yes I do use the pockets. I know they aren't chic, but function is beauty on the AT!



Me at Sunfish Pond

Conan + Backwards

Hello New Jersey

Day: 96 (June 29)
Starting location: Wind Gap
Ending location: Backpacker Campsite
State: NJ
Miles today: 20.4
Miles total: 1,289.2

After a wonderful stay at Franklin Hill Vineyards, it was time to hit the trail. Capt. Karl drove us back to the trail head at Wind Gap around 7:30am. When we arrived at the parking lot, we ran into Bulldog and Hitchcock. Bulldog is the blind thru hiker and Hitchcock is filming his journey for a documentary. We introduced Capt. Karl to them and Hitchcock asked if he didn't mind being filmed for the documentary. Capt. Karl agreed and we all were asked questions about the trail. It would be great if we actually make it into the film. We will keep an eye out for the release date. BTW- We still have no idea how Bulldog is hiking the trail.

We were really excited to enter into New Jersey today. Kristen was actually born in New Jersey and was supposely the biggest baby born in the hospital that day. I have never seen poof of this. Anyway, Pennsylvania has been a tough state for us and we will be glad to see it go. In the late afternoon we hiked down into the Delaware Water Gap. We made a quick stop into the local outfitter to fix my pole tip that had broken a few days earlier. We also grabbed dinner at the bakery. Kristen and I will always take an opportunity to avoid having to cook when we get into camp. We crossed the Delaware River around 5:30pm and we were offically in New Jersey. I know...we are probably the happiest anyone has ever been to enter into New Jersey.


Crossing the Delaware River


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Franklin Hill Vineyards

Day: 95 (June 28)
Starting location: Wind Gap
Ending location: Wind Gap
State: PA
Miles today: 0.0
Miles total: 1,268.8

Waking up without an alarm clock is glorious. We don't do it nearly as often as we should. But naturally as we've been waking up early, we weren't able to sleep in too late. We just hung around the farmhouse until Elaine's Monday staff meeting was over. When she was finished, she gave us the okay to head on down to the winery for the official tour.

Elaine started growing grapes back in the 1970's and it's truly amazing to see how far the business has come. Through her hard work and dedication she now employs a staff of 16, produces over 25 wines an has 4 retail stores. We had the chance to meet her staff and see how the wine is made. It was so neat to see the process. And let me tell you friends, Elaine makes some excellent wine, and it's actually afforable too! Check them out --http://franklinhillvineyards.com/

One thing that made me laugh is that when Elaine was explaining the history of the winery, she relates everything to pre and post Woodstock. We think that in the years to come we will relate everything to pre and post AT thru hike!

After our tour of the winery, we took a trip to the local Weggmans. For those of you who have had the joy of shopping there, you know what a treat it was. Jason and I did some minor resupply shopping as well as picked up a cookie cake. YUM!!

Elaine, mom and I dropped the boys at home and headed for he gym. That's right, the gym. Elaine's daughter just opened a brand new gym, and it just so happens to offer a zumba class. The three of us had a ball dancing to the latin music. I know I am supposed to rest on zero days, but I couldn't resist.

We ended the night with a great steak dinner and more fabulous wine. It will be sad to leave my parents in the morning, but we will see them again on Thursday!

A huge thanks to Elaine for making us feel so at home. You treated us like family and we had such a great time at your Vineyard. Thanks for being such a gracious host!



Elaine explaining the bottling process.




My father and Elaine




Getting the offical tour




Nothing runs like a deer!

Conan + Backwards

Familar Faces

Day: 94 (June 27)
Starting location: Leroy Smith Shelter
Ending location: Wind Gap, PA
State: PA
Miles today: 4.6
Miles total: 1,268.8


I was so excited I could hardly sleep. In fact, by 6:00 am we were awake and packing up camp. We had only 5 miles until PA 33 where we had arranged to meet my parents and our host Elaine. Elaine is a friend of my fathers from high school and she runs her own Vineyard in Bangor, PA.

It was so great to emerge from the woods and see our family waiting for us. We haven't seen my parents since we began our journey back in Georgia. We all exchanged hugs and we headed back to Elaines. Elaines winery, Franklin Hills Vinyard, is just beautiful with rows and rows of grapes. She lives in the cutest little farmhouse right on the land. Jason and I both took quick showers and headed out the pool to relax. We enjoyed a great afternoon with Elaine and her family, along with another high school friend of my fathers, Tom Hodgson. We will be staying with the Hodgsons next week when we get to New Jersey.

Elaine pulled out all the stops for us on our visit. We had great homemade wine and a catered dinner. It was all so nice being able to spend quality time with my parents and friends.







Me and my Dad





Taking a ride on the John Deer around the farm.

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Rocks, Rocks, Rocks

Day: 93 (June 26)
Starting location: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Ending location: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 16.7
Miles total: 1,264.2

Pennsylvania has definitely been our least favorite state. The rocks have really begun to wear us down mentally. People often say that the trail is more challenging mentally than it is physically and Pennsylvania has definitely proven this to be true. The terrain is relatively flat but the rocks make finding a sure footing almost impossible. After watching your every step for an entire day, you are mentally drained.

The one thing that Pennsylvania has going for it is wild fruit. Kristen and I were eating wild blueberries all day today. The blueberry bushes were literally the border of the trail for miles. We also saw our 2nd bear today. It saw us before we saw it and it scampered down the side of the mountain about 50 yards away.

We can't wait to see Kristen's parents tomorrow. We are really looking forward to a day off.







Overlooking the Lehigh River







So where is the trail??







Rocks

Conan + Backwards

Rock' N Roll

Day: 92 (June 25)
Starting location: Allentown Shelter
Ending location: George Outerbridge Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 16.8
Miles total: 1,247.5

I am not refering to the musical genre that become popular in the 1950's. No friends, I am refering to the fact that eveytime my foot hits a rock, my ankle rolls. Well, not everytime, but at least once an hour. These rocks that cover the trail here in PA are truly the pits. And they come in all shapes and sizes. By the end of the day my feet are stinging! Jason and I can't wait to be done with this state!

Now, I don't want to sound like I am complaining. As rocky and difficult as it can be out here, we are still having a great time. For example, the other day while we were eating lunch at a shelter, it started to rain. So a bunch of us chose to wait it out and play game of Yatzee. When would be ever have the chance to sit and play a game with friends on a Thursday afternoon, only because it's raining outside?

Only two more days until we see my parents!!! Yay!!








This is what we walk through in PA all day long.







The only good thing about some of the rocks us that they offer great views'

Conan + Backwards

Pennsylvania Rocks

Day: 91 (June 24)
Starting location: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Ending location: Allentown Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 16.5
Miles total: 1,230.7

Pennsylvania is famous for its rocky terrain. As a thru hiker, you hear about the PA rocks from the start of the trail at Springer Mt. After experiencing boulder fields for most of the day, the PA rocks definitely deserve there acclaim. The rocks make everything a little bit harder and make doing big mileage days almost impossible. The boulder fields are also a popular spot for rattlesnakes to sunbath in the afternoon sun. Kristen and I will both be happy once we exit PA in under 100 miles.

We are both beat and hitting the rack. Good night.




We played around in some really neat caves today at The Pinnacle. Brooklyn is climbing up the side of the cave.




Landfill at the exit of the cave




Kristen loves Hydrangeas

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Goal!!!!

Day: 90 (June 23)
Starting location: Port Clinton, PA
Ending location: Windsor Furnace Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 6.1
Miles total: 1,214.2

It was great to have a morning where we didn't have to set an alarm. Well, actually, we did set an alarm for 10:00 so that we wouldn't miss the USA v. Algeria soccer game. We didn't need the alarm because we were both up by 8:30. We enjoyed a great breakfast compliments of the Microtel and hurried back to our room to watch the game.

I've never been much of a soccer fan, but this World Cup stuff is exciting! We both jumped out bed when we finally scored in the final minutes of the game. It was awesome to see the USA make it through to the next round. I loved seeing everyone's status on facebook have something to do with the soccer game and the winning goal.

After the game ended we checked out of the hotel and headed over to grab lunch at Subway. I tried their new chicken salad and it was rather tasty. I enjoyed a few fountain diets cokes and then we headed back to the trail.

Only a few more days until we meet my parents in Banger, PA!! We are both so excited.

Oh and ps - a very Happy Belated Birthday to my funniest friend in the whole world, Ms. Kylie Craig! I miss you so much!



Conan + Backwards

Port Clinton, PA

Day: 89 (June 22)
Starting location: 501 Shelter
Ending location: Port Clinton, PA
State: PA
Miles today: 23.7
Miles total: 1,208.1

Today we set out to do an easy 15.0 miles, but when we arrived at the shelter the water source was very poor. Kristen and I knew we didn't have enough water to last us until tomorrow afternoon. So after some planning on the fly, we decided to go the additional 8.6 miles into Port Clinton, PA. When hiking the AT you must learn to be extremely flexible and plan on having your plans changed.

The additional 8.6 miles proved to be difficult in dwindling daylight, rain, and rocky terrain. Often the most difficult part of the trail is getting mentally prepared for your hike ahead. Kristen may love Lilly Pulitzer but don't let her fool you, she is one tough cookie. She has tackled over half of a trail that brings most people to their knees. I am so proud to call her my wife.




How do you possibly spent $22 dollars at Taco Bell for 2 people

Conan + Backwards

Chipmunk City USA

Day: 88 (June 21)
Starting location: Rausch Gap Shelter
Ending location: 501 Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 17.5
Miles total: 1,184.4

We have come to realize that PA is the land of chipmunks. They are everywhere on the trail! I will be walking along and hear a noise from the bushes and sure enough a little chipmunk will scurry acros the path. I swear I have seen Alvin, Theodore and Simon as well as Chip and Dale.

Speaking of Chip and Dale, today was National Hike Naked Day. Luckily, we didn't seen anyone who chose to observe this specail day. And don't worry, Jason and I were fully clothed. There is no way I am going to subject any extra skin to bugs, sunburns or poison ivy. Yikes!

This evening we are at the 501 shelter which is near the town of Pine Grove. All day we have been looking forward to getting here because you can order pizza to the shelter. Sadly, it turns out that the pizza joint is closed on Mondays. But a local trail angel cooked us up big bowls of Chili! It was great and so thoughtful because she knew we couldn't order in dinner.



Landfill and Brooklyn on a neat footbridge.

Conan + Backwards

I'd Rather Be Fishing

Day: 87 (June 20)
Starting location: Peter Mountain Shelter
Ending location: Rausch Gap Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 18.0
Miles total: 1,166.9

Today was just one of those days where both Kristen and I didn't feel like hiking. These days are not common for us on the trail, but they happen from time to time. During the day I was thinking that I would do anything for a couch, AC, a TV, and a World Cup game. On second thought, I want one of those chairs that are sold at Brookstone that massage your back, neck, and legs all at the same time. Oh, that would be unbelieveable. I can compare the feeling to having to go into work on Monday after a long weekend. You don't want to go but you know you have to. So despite our mood, we pounded out our miles for today.

Happy Fathers Day to all fathers out there. We hope our fathers had a great day.



Passing through the farmland of southern PA

Conan + Backwards

Done with the Doyle

Day: 86 (June 19)
Starting location: Duncannon, PA
Ending location: Peter Mt. Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 11.2
Miles total: 1,148.9

After a fun night on the town, it was tough getting out of bed, let alone getting out of town. We checked out of the Doyle and grabbed a couple slices of pizza before we hit the trail. The farther north we go, the better the pizza gets!

We had a short but slow day on the trail. I am glad we only had 11 miles, I don't think we could have made it much further with the hot and humid temperatures. PA is known for it's rocks and it's snakes and so far we haven't seen much of either. I will keep you posted!




Checking out of the Doyle. Funk, Cheese, Brooklyn, Supermax, Landfill, me and Jason.




The Susquehanna River

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Duncannon, PA

Day: 85 (June 18)
Starting location: Boiling Springs, PA
Ending location: Duncannon, PA
State: PA
Miles today: 25.7
Miles total: 1,137.7

After a relaxing zero day in Boiling Springs, PA, we hit the trail to do our biggest mileage day yet. Today's section of trail was probably the flatest part of the trail that we have encountered since starting the our journey. We went through farm after farm, which Kristen and I both really enjoyed. The trail was also covered with wild blackberry trees. We were both eating them by the fist full all morning long. No scurvy here.

Upon reaching Duncannon, PA, we checked into the trail famous hotel called the Doyle. The Doyle actually used to be an old Budweiser motel. Back in the day, Budweiser used to be in the motel business. Now, the Doyle had definitely seen better days and it will likely take the crown for the worst hotel on the trail. It had no AC and only one bathroom on each floor. Yes, Kristen did wear her crocs in the shower.

The nice thing about the Doyle is that all the hikers stay there. In fact, it is the only lodging option in town. We spent most of the evening at the tavern on the 1st floor of the hotel drinking cold draft beer and socializing with all our hiker friends. The tavern closed at 11pm, so everyone decided to walk down the street to a bar called Tubby's. Kristen and I both had a great time and at one point won a free drink for our dancing to PYT by Michael Jackson. This will probably be the first and last time I ever win anything for my dancing skills.




View of Duncannon, PA




The Doyle Hotel

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Playing Hookie

Day: 84 (June 17)
Starting location: Boiling Springs
Ending location: Boiling Springs
State: PA
Miles today: 0.0
Miles total: 1,112.0

The Allenberry and it's pool has sucked us in. We are taking the day off.








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Boiling Springs, PA

Day: 83 (June 16)
Starting location: James Fry Shelter
Ending location: Boiling Springs, PA
State: PA
Miles today: 12.0
Miles total: 1,112.0

Town gravity was strong as we broke camp and started our day. I was extra excited about getting to town because it had been 8 long stinky days since we had last showered. That's a long time friends. I was unintentionally growing dreadlocks!

On our hike into town we met a southbounder named Siren. Once we started talking to him we noticed he had a rather large iguana on his back. We hadn't seen anything like this before. He was going to carry him the whole trip, I guess Siren isn't weight conscious!

We arrived into Boiling Springs and checked into a resort called the Allenberry. Not only was it a resort, but a theater playhouse! For 25 dollars, we got a really nice room... by far the best deal on the trail. They also had a dinner buffet, which for hikers like us, it's always a treat.





Love the farmlands leading into Boiling Springs.

Conan + Backwards

Halfway!!!

Day: 82 (June 15)
Starting location: Birch Run Shelter
Ending location: James Fry Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 17.1
Miles total: 1,100.0

Today we offically crossed the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail at 1,089.6 miles. It is hard to believe that we have actually traveled this distance by foot. It was also a little bitter sweet to think that our journey will be finished in less than 3 months from now.

After the halfway point it is tradition for thru hikers to take part in the "Half Gallon Challenge" at the Pine Grove General Store. The challenge is to consume an entire half gallon of ice cream of the flavor of your choice. Kristen and I were eager to take part in the challenge but were a little skeptical about how hard it could actually be. Man were we wrong. After about 10 minutes of digging in, we were both freezing cold and regreting our decision to take part. With a little determination, I completed the challenge with a time of 31 mintues and 21 seconds which was 2nd place to Landfills's 21 minutes. Kristen on the other hand was a little smarter than me and called it quits with only a quarter of her gallon eaten. I told her I still I loved her.




Halfway!!!




We visited the AT museum next to the Pine Grove General Store. It just recently opened




I had cherry jubilee and Kristen had chocolate




All Done

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Mr. Blindside

Day: 81 (June 14)
Starting location: Deer Lick Shelter
Ending location: Birch Run Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 23.2
Miles total: 1,082.9

Our first morning in PA began early. At our first road crossing, we ran into two thru hikers that we had not met, Bulldog and Hitchcock. Bulldog is blind and Hitchcock is filming his journey. We had heard of these two from an article that both Mrs. Klauk and my cousin Lauren had emailed us. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for him. I know it's hard enough for me, and I have perfectly good eyesight, well not perfectly good. Next time I go to complain about something on the trail, I will think about Bulldog and quit my whinning.

As lunchtime approached we just happened to be near Caledonia State Park, which just happens to have a snack bar. They had fountain soda-which is so much better than cans- and free refills for hikers! We soon found out that a local pizza joint will deliver to the park. A large sausage, pepperoni and mushroom pizza was eaten within a very short amount of time. It was a great lunch but it made our last 10 miles a bit tougher.

Conan + Backwards

Welcome To Pennsylvania

Day: 80 (June 13)
Starting location: Pine Knob Shelter
Ending location: Deer Lick Shelter
State: PA
Miles today: 22.7
Miles total: 1,059.7

Today we offically entered the north and the state of Pennsylvania. We have now been in 4 states in three days. Pennsylvania is our seventh state on the trail, so we have 6 states down and 8 to go. Now that we are in the northeast, we have begun to indicate which state we are currently in at the beginning of each post which will hopefully make it a little easier for our readers.

Just before we crossed the PA border, Kristen and I began to hear music as we approached Pen Mar County Park. As we got closer, we noticed that there were several hundred people around a pavillion listening to a live band. We immediately got excited, not for the music, but for the potential to get food. But before we could look for food, we were surrounded by 15 or so people asking us questions about what we were doing and if we had come from Georgia. This type of thing has become pretty regular now and especially as we get further north. We happily answered their questions and got a lot of entertainment by the amazed look on their faces.

We managed to find a consession stand where we got a chesseburger, chicken fingers, fries, 2 large sodas, and 2 ice creams. Being that we were in Maryland, there was of course Old Bay seasoning. People in Maryland put Old Bay on everything and I mean everything. We sat down on a table with a good view of the band and started a conversation with an elderly couple. They were very interested in our trip and at one point she handed me $20 dollars to buy dinner. Keep in mind we just met these people 5 minutes ago. Maybe she thought we were a little crazy and could use some help. In any case, I graciously accepted. I couldn't help not to think of my grandma who would just give me money randomly as a kid.




The Mason Dixon Line sign keeps getting stolen and this was all that was left

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Biker Bar

Day: 79 (June 12)
Starting location: Ed Garvey Shelter
Ending location: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Miles total: 1,037.0

We parted ways with Carl this morning as we continued northward and he hiked on back to Harpers Ferry. We got an early start which was nice but it also meant I was eating lots of spiderwebs. The first person out in the morning gets to break all the spiderwebs that have been created from the night before. Yuck!

The terrain has been pretty flat but it's also been pretty rocky. I guess it's good practice for what we have in store for us up in PA. It has made breaking in my new boots a little difficult.

At about two o'clock we arrived at our goal for the day, the Dogpatch Tavern. We knew it was close to the trail and Jason really wanted to watch the USA v. England in the World Cup. We really didn't know what to expect, I was afraid we'd walk in and it would be a scene out of Police Academy at the infamous Blue Oyster Bar. Needless to say the atmosphere was fine, but their TV was out! We speed walked 16 miles to make it in time and the TV was out! Luckily, Jason had great service and an electrical outlet so we were able to watch the game through our iphone. With the game on, a cheap lunch and a few beers, we were happy as clams.





My favorite 3-d map of the AT at the ATC.




We are getting there!!




Weaverton Cliffs overlooking the Potomac River

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Harpers Ferry, WV

Day: 78 (June 11)
Starting location: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Ending location: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Miles total: 1,020.4

Well after over a month in the state of Virginia and nearly a fourth of the entire AT, we have finished Virginia, hiked through West Virginia, and have entered into Maryland. Reaching Harpers Ferry, WV is a huge feat in our journey. Harpers Ferry is not only the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail but it is also considered the psychological halfpoint of the trail (real halfway point is in PA).

Upon reaching Harpers Ferry, we went to the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) to check in as thru hikers. Kristen and I were offically the 303 and 304 thru hikers to reach Harpers Ferry this year. We got our picture taken to be put into the 2010 thru hikers book, which was all very exciting. It was interesting to see some of the statistics of past years and on average over 50% of thru hikers never made to Harpers Ferry.

Today we also had Carl from Kristen's old job at The Livingston Group come hike with us. He met us in Harpers Ferry and hiked the remaining 6 miles of our day. It was so nice to have Carl join us for the day and we really enjoyed his company. To all our others friends, come and join us, it's fun out here.

On a side note, I think we have found a way to watch the USA vs England game tomorrow at 2:00. The World Cup is something that I really hate missing while on the trail. Standby.

BTW, it just occured to me that we had breakfast in VA, lunch in WV, and dinner in MD.




In front of the ATC




Kristen and Carl in Harpers Ferry overlooking the Potomac River




Going over the footbridge into Maryland




This flag tells it all...even in MD we haven't crossed the Mason Dixon line yet

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Hold On Tight!

Day: 77 (June 10)
Starting location: Rod Hollow Shelter
Ending location: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Miles total: 1,004.8

After only a quarter mile on the trail this morning we were faced with the infamous Roller Coaster. The Roller Coaster is a 13.5 mile stretch of the trail that is continuous uphills and downhills. That wouldn't be so bad if the terrain weren't rocky. We are starting to run into lots of rocks which just make it so much harder to hike. But needless to say, we survived the dreaded Roller Coaster!

Today we hit a huge milestone. I am talking about a reallly big deal. We have offically hiked 1,000 miles! Isn't that crazy? We've shed blood, sweat, tears, weight and toenails but we have made it. Oh yeah I forgot to tell you about the toenail! I lost one...and it surprisingly didn't hurt at all! But back to our milestone. I am so proud of us for getting this far! And a huge shout out to our feet for carrying us! Only 1,280 miles to go!

Ps. I would like to say a big Happy Birthday to my two dear friends Kacy and Lauren. You both know that we wish we could be there to celebrate with you! Love you and miss you both!




Jason getting ready to head into the Roller Coaster!





Me at the Bear Rocks

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Muddy Boots

Day: 76 (June 9)
Starting location: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Ending location: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Miles total: 983.8

We woke up to rain around 4am in our tent but peacefully went back to sleep until 7am. We stayed in our sleeping bags a little bit longer than normal in hopes that the rain might let up. Sure enough, the rain began to subside and we packed up all of our gear. This morning Kristen and I discovered a new breakfast item that we eat on the trail. It is individual cherry/apple pies. While on the trail, we are constantly trying to think of new things to eat becuase there is only so much you can take of poptarts, mashed pototoes, rice, pasta, pre-packaged chicken. In addition, the pies have 420 calories vs 400 for poptarts. The trail is the opposite of real life in that we try to eat things with the most amount of calories.

We fought the rain for most of the day but it is not all that bad when it isn't cold outside. We don't bother with a rain jacket anymore because our shirts get wet with sweat because of the heat. You know those new boots we got 2 days ago, well they aren't too new anymore. They are covered with mud. When it rains on the trail things everything becomes very muddy. Oh, I forgot to mention the other day that I actually had to get boots that were a half a size larger. I guess my feet flattened out a bit.

Tomorrow we hit 1,000 miles. Kind of crazy.




Kristen busy planning our next day under headlamp

Conan + Backwards