State by State... Rollin thru 14 states

        I get asked a lot of questions about my hike and most are the same. What was my favorite part, what was the worst. Every state had it's best and worst so it's hard to say the overall best and worst but it's a little bit easier to tell what i liked and disliked most about each state. Below is my state by state account of the trail.

                                                                            Maine

       On June 15, 2011 i started my thru hike southbound in Maine. I have to say because of Maine being the first state i ever hiked in i have a deep love for her...i describe Maine as being like an abusive relationship you just can't help but to love. She kicked my arse every day but i loved it...she took me to places both physically & emotionally that i had never been to before and i will always love her for it. Maine helped me realize a good bit about myself and i will always hold a spot in my heart for her. With that said her best and worst...the low down... Maine's best was the newness of it all...the love for Katahdin being my first mountain to climb...the lakes and water everywhere to swim in...the mountain tops with views to sit and reflect...the people i met and got to spend time with and friendships i made...and mostly because of the realization that i am a hiker. The down side..or "worst" parts of Maine... endless rain (which i kinda like to hike in but don't like to sleep in wet clothes), the non stop gear fixes and working out what to carry and what to throw in the fire or off a mountain, and being sick from the bus ride. Maine will make or break you that's just how she is...she's put up or go home.... her parting gift to me was the Notch...which i loved so much i did it 3 times...up, down and back up...why ? why not!


                                                          New Hampshire

            After an awesome morning triple playing the Notch i entered NH noonish on July 17, 2011 - day 33.  NH summed up is mountain climbing all day every day. This is when the hiker starts to take over and the towny you vanishes...the pack starts to work itself out...the beard takes shape...the smell of you takes hold...farts aren't as funny they're normal... The best of NH is the views...the Presidents are challenging but  reward you with the best places to sit, look around, and realize how wonderful this planet we live on truly is. The down side to NH is that it is so awesome that everyone wants to hike it...so it's full of day hikers and youth groups everywhere...they block the trail...drop trash, and basically make you want to run them over...my fix to this...run straight at them like a maniac and they move outta the way...they also give you lots of crap (food, mostly stuff you'd never think of packing out or can't afford to pack out) which works to the upside. This is also where we start running into the Nobos....oh lucky us... we parted with NH by partying in Hanover (called hangover on trail) and packed out as much party supplies as we could...

                                                                 Vermont

         On Day #48 - Aug 1, 2011 we entered Vermont ( we being the group of southbounders i hiked with from early Maine till here, about 14 of us) with full packs of food and booze...we traveled all of 5 miles to the Happy Hill shelter for a shelter party that was not surpassed thru the whole hike...nice way to start a state... other upsides to Vermont were the Vortex stop for my first hiker feed & the first time i hung out at a hostel with ok Nobos...getting to visit with my friend Jill & the kids... Downside...well switchbacks entered our lives...some like em some don't...i liked the straight up the mountain approach of NH and Maine myself but some people like to hike a mile to go 1/4 mile up...to each their own...and mud...lots of mud....

                                                        Massachusetts 

         After barely escaping the gravitational pull of the Vortex i crawled into Massachusetts on Day #60 - Aug 13, 2011. My no zero day hiking (zeros are days you do nothing..usually sit in town eating and drinking and doing town stuff) had made it thru 3 states but that all ended and the new me began. Mass was the state where i let go of it all and settled into being the hiker i was born to be...when i got to the Bird Cage i ran into Mike from Maryland and "earned" myself a zero day...which turned into 5 days fast....mostly because there was a pack of us there...both Sobos and Nobos and a really cool mix...and Rob & Nancy made it hard to leave...and we had to fix the shower...and there was Wiggles (fav part)....and my new pack from Rob that changed my whole gear life and made my back happy. There was nothing trail related that i didn't like about Mass...downside to my time in Mass was the day before i was going to enter Connecticut and attempt the Connecticut challenge (hiking the state in a day/24hrs - 51.6 miles) i found out that my friend Rayanne had been hit by a drunk driver and passed away, she was going to be meeting me in NY 2 days later and we had talked hours before. ....don't be an asshat and drink and drive!

  Connecticut 

,

                  Day #69 - Aug 22, 2011, I entered Conn upset and left it the same...it seemed like an easy state and i'm sure i could have pulled off the challenge but it sucked because of timing...it's not Conn fault it was just in the wrong place at the wrong time...the trail itself was smooth and flat for the most part...and there was a mouse we couldn't kill at a shelter...i sent back traps with a Nobo...rage! I'd like to go back and do the challenge one day just to settle it in my head....time will tell... 


                                New York

                 I entered NY on Day #71 - Aug 24, 2011, once in NY i ended up going into the city to see Rayanne's dad and get my head screwed back on straight. After returning to the trail hurricane Irine hit and i ended up at a random apartment with a guy who was in the Army after he saw me set up to ride it out on top of some coke machines...hey it was a safe spot! the next morning i decided to hike back out in the rain and basically played a game of dodge the wash outs for days which included road walking down closed highways for miles out of my way & climbing over blow downs and swimming across rivers where streams used to be....on an upside there weren't a lot of people on the trail so i got some alone time i needed. Finally had my pack down to under 20lbs with food and water so i was cruzin...only real downside of NY was the storms effect on the trail conditions and the lack of water i was willing to drink that didn't come from a tap....oh and the price of booze and cigs was nuts too!


                               New Jersey

         Hit NJ on Day #77 - Aug 30, 2011. NJ wasn't a very long state but had some nice ridge walks to start off then to finish we passed a lake with cairns everywhere...i enjoyed building them along the trail so the lake was heaven. Lots of flooding thru NJ and had to do some road walking and hitching around to make it thru it. The water here...well it's NJ would you drink it? The people...again it's NJ...all in all i'm glad the states as small as it is....
 
                             Pennsylvania

              Rolled into Pa with Sonnie on Day #80 - Sept 2, 2011...there was no state line but we used the 0 mile marker on the bridge as our line. Pa started off kinda bad when i wanted a hot dog and slice of pie and after them making it for me they dropped the bomb that they only took cc for over $10...and i had $6 in my acct...bummer! After a few big mile rainy days i ended up having to hitch around washed out rivers into Duncannon where Link and i helped at the Doyle during the flood and got stuck for days. I then did a little side trip to hang out with my friend for my bday. Pa trail was rocky and these rocks were sharp...Nobos had told us things like they sharpen the rocks in Pa and stuff...we disregarded it as usual Nobo blow up but they weren't kidding...these rocks beat your feet to death. Amp and i hiked together for most of the second half of Pa which slowly gave way to nicer trail &  we passed the epic 1/2 way point and then ended up doing one of the greatest stealth moves ever by sleeping in Lowes sheds in the parking lot...what a way to end Pa! 
 
                                 Maryland 

          MD started Day #95 - Sept 17, 2011. We were barely even in Maryland...took us 2 slacking 1/2 days to blow thru it. Nice trail for the most part and the end into Harpers Ferry was way to easy...i'd like to thank all the donkeys and horses that made that trail so nice...and shame on you to whomever did that to that beaver!
 
                             West Virginia 

           Day #96 - Sept 18, 2011 Amp and I rolled into Harpers Ferry just in time to grab some ice cream and head to a hostel to camp. The next morning we rushed to the ATC and registered he was #47 and I was #48 for the Sobos for the year. I dashed back to the hostel and got a ride into DC for a little side trip (see below). When i got back to Harpers Ferry i got lured into staying in town a few days and working for the outfitter. Nice little trail town with good food but pricey. My last night i stayed at Bosco's house( a local trail angel who lets you crash at his house) with a bunch of the old Sobo pack....we drank, ate, and burned a huge fire... WV was so small it's hard to complain about anything about it...nice trail in and out and Harpers Ferry was a nice rest.

                               DC side trip

             I had never been to DC so when i found out the train from Harpers Ferry to Dc was only $11 i had to go for it. Once i got there i had to find a place to crash...i highly suggest not going to DC without a plan of some sort...i did...i basically walked around to 5 different hostels, about 40 blocks, till i found one. My first day in DC i did the typical tourist rounds and saw all the important stuff. I capped the night by hanging with a pretty awesome mix of people from all over the world and hitting the local Irish pub. My second day i spent trekin around town with Emma looking for an Apple store, going to the White House and tracking down a killer Cemetery...i think our total mileage for the day was around 14 including a nice stroll thru the section of DC everyone says not to go thru...yeah we did get some looks like we were crazy...but i think my beard made them think twice. Downside of DC for me was the fact that due to the earthquake a few thins had been damaged so we couldnt get near them..and the biggest bummer was the dirt lot in front of the Lincoln memorial where there should have been water.


                                  Virginia

          Day #101 - Sept 23, 2011 i hiked into Va and this is the longest state we were in and it seemed like it was never going to end. The trails thru Va are for the most part pretty smooth and some of the best maintained. I saw a lot of wildlife thru Va, 100's of deer, at least 40 black bear, foxes, bobcats, and tons of birds. This is also when we started really noticing the color changes in the leafs. There were many fun town stops with friends and awesome "retro" blazing along the Blueridge parkway. I pushed some of my biggest mile days thru Va and was still able to enjoy them. Downside of Va was just that you didn't ever feel like it would end...not that it was always a bad thing. I was also south enough to be able to start getting town food that i could enjoy...sorry yanks but you can't cook like us in the south. My favorite part of Va was without a doubt the Highlands and getting to see the wild ponies...i would love to do that section again!  

                                Tennessee

          Hit Tn on Day #128 - Oct 20 , 2011 and this is when it started to get really cold...i mean bone chillin, beard iced, water bottle froozen cold! and i was way under geared for it! the downside of TN was the cold...i liked everything else but was to cold to notice if anything else sucked or not. The views were amazing with the leaf colors and a few really cool 360 degree mnt top views on balds. I also got to witness one of the greatest sunrises i have ever seen on a morning i needed it. I ended my run in TN at uncle Johnny's in Erwin where i got my gear situated for the new cold weather and took a few much needed zeros. 
 
                            North Carolina 

           Arrived in NC on my Oldest daughter's bday - Day #138 - Oct 30 , 2011 and I spent the first 12 days in NC in Hot Springs helping Frank the owner of Duckett house move due to the bank (Bank of Amerika) taking it. I came real close to moving into town...and i gained 9lbs eating real southern cooking finally! While i was there i watched everyone i had hiked with and passed for the past few month...and people behind them roll thru town and got to see a few friends for the last time. After i managed to drag myself out of town i pushed on until i got to met up with Wiggles & Ava a few days later for a visit ( this is when i skipped the Smokies...to be done in the spring when we can enjoy them more). We hiked together on and off thru NC between her having to go home for a few days to handle "real world" stuff. The trail in NC was nice with some cool climbs i'm looking forward to going back for the Smokies section! Best part of NC was getting to slow myself down and enjoy myself...and of course getting to see Wiggles again and meeting Ava. Worst part of NC was missing the section and realizing how close i was to being done and having some issues with not wanting to be. 
 
                                   Georgia

          Georgia....oh Georgia it's been a journey to get to you!  Day #161 - Nov 22 , 2011 at 9am i rolled in... soon after Wiggles and Ava joined me to finish...and we took it slow and had a lot of fun! The trail in Ga is nice...the mountain tops had great views...and i had awesome company. The only thing i didn't like about Ga was it was the end of the trail. But we made the best of the last miles and got to hang out and talk with some great people including partying at Sausage fest 2011 where Wiggles got to be the first ever girl to attend. Ga was also home to one of my favorite spots we camped at, a cave atop a mountain.
                        Springer Mountain 

           On my 166th day - November 27, 2011 - at around 1pm Wiggles,Ava, and I hiked up Springer joined by my parents who hiked the last 2 miles with us. It was an undescribable feeling walking up to the sign and knowing i had just hiked 14 states...2181 miles...i had pushed my mind and body to places i never took them and i had made it. We spent about an hour on top taking pictures, videos, Wiggles and my mom hooping, and a bottle of champagne. I walked down that mountain that day knowing my hike was complete but my journey had just began...i stepped on the trail with no real idea of why i had but left the trail knowing i had found something my life was missing... i am a hiker...dirty hiker trash...and i love it!   

Day by Day...166 days on the A.T.

      The following is a day by day account of my 2011 SoBo A.T. Thru Hike
including some pictures,videos,& portions of my journal entrys.I'm not able to post all 2600 pictures so I'll be doing a state by state slide show of all the pics in a blog soon as well as blogs on gear, favorites of the trail, worst of the trail, and future trails.
 
    My videos can be found on my Youtube at - http://www.youtube.com/sowayhiking

                         The ride to Maine  

    Well since i'm skerd of planes i chose to ride the Grayhound bus (really smart! not!) . The ride took 46 hours and was by no means pleasant at all. During the ride my mind was going 40mph faster than the bus...i was really doing this! had i planned enough? Did i have everything i needed? Could i really do this?

     I got to Maine and was picked up and shuttled to The A.T. Lodge where i met up with 19 other SoBo's who where starting with me the next day. "Old Man" gave us all " the speech " & then we all proceeded to hit the local pizza joint for some greasy pizza & cheap beers...exactly what Thru hikers should ingest before climbing a big mountain on day 1.  

Me all clean shaven

Making my father proud!

                                                             Day 1 

Day #1 - June 15, 2011 - A.T. Lodge to Katahdin to Katahdin Stream Campground - 5.2m

           Woke up at 5am after 5hrs of sleep and i'm feeling the cheap beer & pizza aftershock. Had breakfast at The A.T. Cafe with the others then off to Baxter. On the Hunt Trail up Katahdin at 8:30am w/ "Chimney". Took us around 4hrs to climb to the summit & 4hrs to climb back down to the campground. That was the most physically challenging thing i think i ever did! Along the way i met one of the first people to finish NoBo for the year, a 17yr old girl who has climbed Katahdin over 200 times, a guy who climbed it with only 2 McDonalds apple pies (not sure if he made it), and saw some of the most amazing views I've ever seen.

           Camped at Katahdin Stream campround with the Army rangers & Dan "DD". Took cold baths in the stream, ate a big dinner, and then fell out in my hammock. Today was a beautiful beginning to my journey. 

                                 

                                                                         Day 2 

Day #2 - June 16, 2011 - Katahdin Stream Campground to Abol Campground - 9.9m

            Woke up early but took forever to break camp, guessing I'll get better at it after awhile. DD and I took off around 8am and soon caught up with "Mike from Maryland". The 3 of us hiked together for the day, we ran into the "motley crew" at a river crossing and watched them fall & lose stuff down the river. I of course hoped right across with my monkey toes. The 3 of us continued to Abol campground where mother nature decided to unleash rain on us. Upside is the 50cent shower was hot & $1 creamsickles! "Motley crew" came rollin in in the afternoon and they decided to drop out & go home. I scored a tent for 2 cigs & they gave me a bunch of other stuff including a thermarest. Today's highlights were defiantly the river crossing, i like em!

                                   Day 3

Day #3 - June 17, 2011 - Abol Campground - 0m

           Woke up sick, can't seem to eat or keep anything down. Had a ruff night sleep last night not sure what it is but i'm feeling it. Tried to eat a few times but just can't do it. Couple tried giving me wine and that didn't help. Basically spent the day being sick and laying in my hammock. 

                                                                 Day 4

Day #4 - June 18, 2011 - Abol Campground to Hospital - 0m

            Woke up worse than yesterday. Still can't eat or drink, fever, & my body feels drained. This is not a good start to this trip. Layed around camp all day until finally the owner of the camprounds son basically told me he was taking me to the ER like it or not. I was of course in no shape to argue. So off to Millinocket ER for me. Had to get an IV whoopie! I'm not in good shape at all according to the doctors. 

                                   Day 5

Day #5 - June 19, 2011 -  Hospital - 0m

           At Millinocket Hospital enjoying some nice IV and sleep. No food yet.

                                   Day 6

Day #6 - June 20, 2011 -  Hospital - 0m

           At Millinocket Hospital still & finally had to escape for a few & go outside where i met a man who shared some of his "medicine" with me & amazingly i went right back in the hospital and ate 4 dinners. First food in days and it was good. Lobster rolls & fresh cut cucumbers yum yum! 

                                   Day 7

Day #7 - June 21, 2011 -  Hospital to A.T. Lodge - 0m

           This morning they ran a few more tests and told me it was most likely a virus i caught while on the Grayhound bus...go figure. Released and back to the A.T. Lodge to rest. Met a few people today, "McFain","SoBo Joe", and "Casper". Also met a triple crowner "Ice Axe" who seems real cool and shared some knowledge. Today i ate a bunch including McDonalds which i boycotted in 2003 but due to cal per $1 i must bend and adjust to things.

                                   Day 8

Day #8 - June 22, 2011 -  A.T. Lodge - 0m

           Hung out around town eating and drinking with Ice Axe & getting a little hiking knowledge layed on me. When back to the lodge and shook down my pack and sent home 11lbs of gear. Got everything ready for my return to the trail tomorrow. Feeling great and mentally ready to do this! Inspiring day!

                                   Day 9

Day #9 - June 23, 2011 -   Abol Campground to Rainbow Spring campground - 11.2m

            Back on the trail! Nice stroll thru the woods today, stopped a few times to talk to people & relax. Got to the campsite with enough time left to swim and hang out. Set up my tent for the first time, scored some food some boyscouts left behind, sat around the fire w/ "Lucky". Great first day back out. 

                                   Day 10

Day #10 - June 24, 2011 -  Rainbow Spring campground to Potaywadjo Spring lean-to - 22m

              Hiked my arse off today...got rained on for the last 2hrs and ended up hiking until 10pm to pull off a 22 mile day. To tired to cook, all my stuff is soaked, my legs are sore...i'm havin a blast!

  

                                  Day 11

Day #11 - June 25, 2011 - Potaywadjo Spring lean-to to Sandy Beach (Crawford pond) - 13.7m

            Met "Bunk" who is sleeping in his hammock in the shelter last night when i came in. Also got to meet "V8" who was finishing his triple crown. Then met "Sonnie", "Running man", & 2 others at Lean-to and decided to push on and find myself a nice place solo. Came across a "sandy beach" and set camp. Nice spot & the water was great for a swim.

                                   Day 12

Day #12 - June 26, 2011 -  Sandy Beach to Sidney Tappan campsite - 14.8m

              Morning swim & breakfast and i'm on the move. Phone battery died and the methods of charging i have aren't cutting it at all. Took a mid day break to unload some food i didn't need and relax some. Met "Whitney Houston" who apparently likes to discuss his "produce" with everyone..interesting dude. Got to Logan brook lean-to where Sonnie,Scotch,& Fool where and decided in my grand wisdom that i would push on to see the sunset on White Cap Mt. Big mistake, by the time i got to the top all i saw were the clouds that were about to drop hell on me from there to the campsite. Once getting to the campsite i had to hide in the privy and get dry and pull out my tent. I must admit my camp was a hot mess of wet clothes and exploded pack. I'll pay for my mess in the am. 

  

                                 Day 13

Day #13 - June 27, 2011 -  Sidney Tappan campsite to Carl Newhall Lean-to - 1.8m

             Pay up time for last nights late wet entry to camp. Packed it up wet and rolled less than 2 miles to a lean-to so i could dry everything out. Met up with Sonnie,Bunk,Fool,& Scotch at the shelter. Hung out and relaxed all day. 

                                   Day 14

Day #14 - June 28, 2011 -  Carl Newhall Lean-to to Chairback Gap lean-to - 9.9m

             Sonnie woke me up early so we could get rolling by 7am. A bunch of climbing today. Got to Chairback lean-to and a bunch of SoBos came rolling in - Scotch & myself rolled in first followed by McFain, then Sonnie who blazed her own trail up, Bunk soon after, then Sobo Joe, Jonesie, Bowinckle, Turtle,The Brothers , & a few others...bringing up the back of the pack was the newly renamed Milk Carton whom was renamed tonight by us after her parents launched a search and rescue mission to find her...as she hiked happily thru the forest. Nice little group here. 

                                   Day 15

Day #15 - June 29, 2011 -  Chairback Gap lean-to to Wilson Valley lean-to - 15.6m

             Lots of climbing today and I'm feeling it.  Stopped at a lean-to and got a bit of trail majik from David & Moss including some whiskey that Turtle and I packed out. Ended up night hiking some and got to camp to find a party going on with a bunch of loud college kids. The shelter was full, it's raining, & I'm sleeping in front of the shelter on the ground. This is Awesome! 

                                   Day 16

Day #16 - June 30, 2011 -  Wilson Valley lean-to to Monson , Me (Shaw House) - 13.7m

              Up and rolling to Monson...Food!Booze!more Food! Everyone making a dash today and there's gonna be a lot of SoBos in town tonight. Rolled into Monson around 5pm and went straight to the BBQ joint for some big cheap ribs that where devine. Then down to the pub to meet up with everyone. I'm hanging at Shaws for the night. 

                                   Day 17

Day #17 - July 1, 2011 -  Monson , Me to Horseshoe Canyon lean-to - 6.7m

              Crawled out of my tent to Shaw's famous breakfast ( i had 6 ) then took of to do some shopping. Everyone met up at Lakehouse for some drinks and the SoBo family portrait. I took off mid afternoon and headed to Horseshoe where i ended up in camp with a scout group who stayed up till 11pm cooking and talking. Note for the day i saw my first moose running thru the woods and they're some big animals! 

                                   Day 18

Day #18 - July 2, 2011 -  Horseshoe Canyon lean-to Moxie Bald lean-to- 8.9m

              Started my day hiking by spotting a few deer and another moose, this one was a bit smaller. Stopped after my first river ford to soak my foot that i hurt sliding down a Mt the other day, pretty sure it's a hairline fracture. While i sat there i made a step in the middle of the stream so others could pass thru easier. After the second ford i laid on a rock in the sun soaked my feet and took a little nap. Got to the shelter early and 1/2 the gangs here. Time Traveler & jetty came in with another dog, a hunting dog who looks like he's ready to die and somehow i became responsible for him?  I am thankful for nice cool water along the trail today.

                                   Day 19

Day #19 - July 3, 2011 -  Moxie Bald lean-to to Bald Mt & back- 8.1m

             Today was worthless i ended up doing 8 miles and still being in the same spot. The dog's owner who said he'd be here to pick him up is a no show. I went up & down the Mt to make calls while the dog whimpered and barked, feel bad for the dog but want to put my foot in the owners #%@. 

                                   Day 20

Day #20 - July 4, 2011 -  Moxie Bald lean-to to Caratunk, Me. - 18.8m

             Up early and a NoBo Will took the dog with him north . Off and moving until the rain started and somehow i ended up miles down a logging road. A family picked me up and drove me a few miles to Caratunk so i could join the others for some drinking & celebrating. I packed out some sparklers from town a few days back and shared them with the others. Took a real shower & ate someones food at the restraint...they were snobby pr!cks. I'm loving my life! 

                                   Day 21

Day #21 - July 5, 2011 -  Caratunk, Me. to West Carry pond lean-to - 14m

              Started today with a river shuttle in a canoe with a kinda strange dude. Easy day of pretty flat ground. Swam at a sandy beach and chilled for a bit. At the shelter tonight with Joe,Mcfain,Sonnie,Scotch,EZ, TT& jetty.  Chill day.

                                   Day 22

Day #22 - July 6, 2011 -  West Carry pond lean-to to Avery Campsite - 14.6m

              Today will forever be the day McFain and I got our arses handed to us. We were going up the first Avery peak when mother nature unleashed rain and hail and wind that beat us down. We ended up in Scotches tent then setting up in the rain. I left all my clothes and shoes outside the tent in the rain, i know i'll pay for it later. Don't like rain stay outta Maine! 

                                   Day 23

Day #23 - July 7, 2011 -  Avery Campsite to Stratton, Me - 8m

              Yeap...it's all wet...but not my pj's. So i packed up and headed out in my pj's and flip flops w/ toe socks Milk Carton gave me. On my way up over and down the second Avery peak i somehow lost my shoes off the back of my pack so i pushed into town wearing the flip flops duck taped to the toe socks. Walked into town and right to the hotel where Milk Carton & TT had got a room & offered me a free ride. The gang all rolled in town and we shaved mohawks and drank bunches. We also developed the SoBo gang sign. Good day and fun night. 

                                   Day 24

Day #24 - July 8, 2011 -  Stratton, Me to Stealth spot - 3m

             Breakfast today was what every hiker should start their day with...everyone's left over beers they don't want to pack out and hot pockets. Had to hitch to Rangley to pick up new shoes. I ended up scoring a ride with a lady named Sue who went above and beyond to help me and hook me up. Got a new pair of Merrell trail runners and they feel great. Ended up with a good buzz and only made it 3 miles down the trail before stealthing in a cool spot. The social element of this trail is starting to noticeably change my attitude toward society. Maybe there is hope for us after all. 

                                   Day 25

Day #25 - July 9, 2011 -  Stealth spot to Spaulding mountain Lean-to- 11m

              Woke up to rain today and sat it out till noon in the shelter. Then spent the day climbing up, including a 2500' in 1/2 mile climb that was brutal. In camp ate and straight to sleep. tomorrow will be all down hill right? 

                                   Day 26

Day #26 - July 10, 2011 -  Spaulding mountain Lean-to to Eddy Pond - 15m

 

              Breakfast with Milk Carton then off to try to get to Eddy pond today. She's having a bit of trouble with her knee today so I'm going slower. Got to Eddy pond and waited at trail till late but MC was a no show ( hope she found a good spot and is ok) . Ended up camping out with "2 pack" near some trail workers.

 

                                   Day 27

Day #27 - July 11, 2011 -  Eddy Pond to Rangeley, Me - 3.7m

              Took off first thing trying to catch the crew but they had went into town the night before so into town i go. Scored free bread and bear claws from the bread guy. Found everyone at the Town & lake and we got our drink on and made a big family dinner. Life is good! 

                                   Day 28

Day #28 - July 12, 2011 -  Rangeley, Me to Sabbath Day Pond lean-to- 9.4m

               Made a big family breakfast then we all filed out to the trail. Got to the shelter early then had smores and drank whiskey with everyone. Another day in paradise! 

                                   Day 29

Day #29 - July 13, 2011 - Sabbath Day Pond lean-to to Bemis Mountain lean-to - 8.3m

              Lazy day! Got to shelter and people are starting to break out of the pack. Mcfain and Joe took off today , I'm going to get up early and catch them. Looking forward to hitting town tomorrow!

                                   Day 30

Day #30 - July 14, 2011 - Bemis Mountain lean-to to Andover, Me  - 18.8m

              This mornings setting is beast mode! Got up and out before anyone else even thought about waking up. Got to town by noon and hit the PO for a mail drop then to the local store for a burger with Mcfain & Joe. Then we went to the - High 5 Hostel - and the 3 of us booked "the pimp palace" and had a chill night hanging out and watching movies. High Hopes for the rest of this journey!

                                   Day 31

Day #31 - July 15, 2011 - Andover, Me to Baldplate lean-to - 8m

        Bear Meat! That's right i had bear for breakfast..with farm fresh eggs, pancakes and apple juice...yummy!  Hung out with Joe till noon then got ATV rides into town. Got a short hitch to the trail and ended up road walking a bit. Mcfain beat us to camp and worked on a wood carving project that came in handy when we got there. Urban youth group sharing the site with us. 

                                   Day 32

Day #32 - July 16, 2011 - Baldplate lean-to to Mahoosuc Arm ( stealth camp) - 9.4m

               Hiked out with Joe & Mcfain this morning. Lost them mid-day when i decided to stop and play around. Lots of climbing today with some really cool declines and lots of awesome views. Ran into a bunch of Nobos today that are in the lead pack. Got to the base of Mahoosuc arm 30 mins before dark, Joe & Mcfain were about 45min ahead so i decided to wait till morning to conquer it. Stealth camped at the base with a Nobo couple. Looking forward to "the hardest mile" in the am. 

                                   Day 33

Day #33 - July 17, 2011 - Mahoosuc Arm to Carlo Col Shelter - 8.6m

               Jumped outta my tent ready to hit the notch. Ended up doing the notch 3 times! First time up took about 1hr 15min and once at the top i decided it was so fun going up it i had to see how fun it was going down. So i threw the pack in the bushes, made myself a bottle of tea and made my way back down. Once i got to one of the holes with ice in it i stopped and broke out some ice for my tea and kicked my legs up on a cold rock for a a little r&r. The down side of going back down the notch was that once at the bottom i had to come back up it and i had already done it that way, so nothing left to do but make my own path back up to mix it up some. The notch is described as "the hardest mile" I'd have to say it was more like the funnest mile! 

                                   Day 34

Day #34 - July 18, 2011 - Carlo Col Shelter to Gorham, NH - 17m

               Today started with my first state line crossing into NH. I am admittedly sad to leave Maine and will miss her much. Had to push a bit to hit Gorham today. Got a cool hitch into town and the lady drove me to wally world and hooked me up with a resupply then dropped me off at the Birches where i'm staying with a few Nobos. Had some beers, got a free pizza from some locals, and scored a jacket for the Whites. Today was a good day! 

                                   Day 35

Day #35 - July 19, 2011 - Gorham, NH to Imp Shelter - 8m

               Wish i could take a zero here but i can't zero till i catch up to Mike so off i go. Ended up pit stopping at a shelter where i got trapped by "Baggins" for a few hours, lucky for me "Santas helper" came along and i was able to escape. Ran into Mcfain doing a Nobo slack pack and had to mess with him some for being a trader, all in good fun. Got to the shelter and it's full of day hikers and dogs so somehow i have to sleep on the porch so the dogs can enjoy a good nights sleep. Tired after some climbing today so it doesn't matter where i lay down I'm gonna sleep hard.

                                   Day 36

Day #36 - July 20, 2011 - Imp Shelter to Carter Notch (stealth)  - 7.5m

              The caretaker of the Imp shelter Matt is a trip. Anyone who's hiked thru here and met him won't forget him. The word for the day is climb...climb..and then climb more. Got to the Carter notch hut and pigged out on black bean soup, had 4 bowls with combos and wheat thins broke up in it. Got so full i could barely crawl the 1/4 mile i went to stealth. Nice spot with a few Nobos near by. Ran back down to the hut when i heard Jtree & Whiskey were there, nice to see them. Crashing early big climbs tomorrow.  

                                   Day 37

Day #37 - July 21, 2011 - Carter Notch to Madison Spring hut  - 13.7m

              Up and out of camp at 6am and made it thru a few nice climbs to Pinkham notch visitors center by 11am. Met up with Jtree & Whiskey there and they drove me into town to get a 16oz PBR for when i summit Mt Washington & a few double cheese burgers. Headed back out and got to Osgood campsite at 4:20pm then decided to push on and ended up going up the wrong trail with a little navigation help from a Nobo & the time of day it was. Took the Madison Golf trail up to Madison hut, let me tell you that trail was no joke! I learned that i can in fact climb straight up a rock face with my full pack on in the dark with 50mph winds. Once at the top i realized i made it but my thermarest had in fact not and the wind went from 50 to 75 mph. Down side of tomorrow is i still have to go Nobo to hit the Madison peak since i'm hitting all the peaks even if i have to blue blaze a few. On the up side i got to go into the hut and feast till my stomach was ready to bust then fall to the floor and crash. 

 

                                   Day 38

Day #38 - July 22, 2011 - Madison Spring hut to Lakes of the Clouds hut - 7.1m

              Today was a good day! Started by Nobo up Madison in 50mph winds and total fog white out with 100ft visibility which wasn't all that cool but got my blood flowing. Then off to visit a few mountain tops and play on them some. Got to Mt Washington at 2:30pm and ran side by side with the train for a good 1/4 mile. The wind up there was crazy steady around 75mph with 100+ gusts. When i opened my PBR 1/2 of it blew out from the wind. Some tourists from the train paid me to get pictures ($32 total) and then one of them bought me like 7 hotdogs and fries then i drank a few of his beers. Way to many tourists up there to fully enjoy how great it once was. Dropped down to Lake in the Clouds hut for a little swim and dinner then watched the greatest sunset i have ever seen. "Laying on the floor looking at the bottom of this table and there's gum down there..."

                                   Day 39

Day #39 - July 23, 2011 - Lakes of the Clouds hut to Ethan Pond shelter - 14m

              Took off today like a well oiled machine and enjoyed beautiful climbs all day. Took a short break at the visitor center place and got bought lunch and a few beers to give some kids group a little talk about my hike and the trail. Got to Ethan pond shelter around 8pm and this place is full of some group and tons of day hikers, they have every possible flat spot taken. Had dinner near the food area with a group of about 30, i had a little ordeal with one of the guys who didn't get the memo about us all being in the middle of the woods. Decided to night hike to Zealand hut but 1/2 was there 2 bears decided to sit in the middle of the trail and scare the piss out of me so i had to then go back adding about 5.8miles to my 14 mile day just for exercise. Got back to Ethan pond and pulled up a nice spot next to the bear boxes. 

                                   Day 40

Day #40 - July 24, 2011 - Ethan Pond shelter to Mt. Guyot - 9m

              Welcome to the day hiker grocery, this morning the group that was there dumped out all the food they had and let me have a go at it. I scooped up as many little Baby Bell cheeses, Clif bars, Starbucks coffees, and dried fruit & veggies as i could load in my pack. Blasted off to Zealand Falls for lunch then a slack afternoon to the shelter. Good night to be under the stars. 

                                   Day 41

Day #41 - July 25, 2011 - Mt. Guyot to Mt. Garfield (pond) - 7m

              Soon after leaving the shelter atop a mountain i ran into "Bourbon" & dog "Fin" who shared whiskey and treats with me. Nothing like starting your day with a little buzz. Hiked with them to Galehead where i ran into Joe, Scotch, & Pokemon. We then hiked to Garfield and met up with Sonnie. Joe and I decided to push on to the Pond and stealth. Side note for the day, the guy with the dog he left running thru the woods with 4 collars of death on was a real a$$! Nice stealth jam we found here despite the rain.

                                   Day 42

Day #42 - July 26, 2011 - Mt. Garfield to Franconia Notch - 10m

              Up to rain & Joe doesn't look happy about it. Everyone filed thru this morning and Joe and i are falling in behind and on to Lincoln to hit Chet's place. Got to a full house at Chet's , tons of Nobos and a good group of Sobos. Saw Qball again we weren't sure we'd ever see him again. Chilling drinking and enjoying the group.

                                   Day 43

Day #43 - July 27, 2011 - Franconia Notch to Kinsman Pond shelter - 4.8m

Can you say slacker! Back on trail at 1pm and to the shelter at 3pm. Couple chill people at the shelter so i dropped camp. Had a mom give me cookies and tell me how hot my hiker legs are. Ate to much and feel out on the porch of the shelter.

                                   Day 44

Day #44 - July 28, 2011 - Kinsman Pond shelter to Kinsman Notch - 11.5m

              Up and down Kinsman in slippery conditions then back to Chet's place for round 2. The second group of our pack filed in tonight so i've got to see just about everyone. Good bunch of people here.

                                   Day 45

Day #45 - July 29, 2011 - Kinsman Notch to Ore Hill shelter - 17m

              Today was a big day and i got a lot done. Started the day going over Mt Moosilauke which was fogged out but still an awesome climb. Went into Warren got my mail drop then checked to see if anyone had been in to do the monster pizza challenge. No luck! had a local buy me shots of Jack & give me $10 to have a few PBRs, he had to leave apparently he has a habit of getting tanked with thru hikers and then going home and getting himself in trouble with his woman. A few other locals ordered the monster pizza and let me eat 3 pieces of it...i could totally eat 4 or maybe even 5 had i had a teammate. Walked out of Warren with a buzz in the rain but i have my umbrella so it's all smooth sailing to the shelter.

                                   Day 46

Day #46 - July 30, 2011 - Ore Hill shelter to Smart Mountain - 12.5m

              Today was drag booty day. Got to Hexicube and took a dinner break then tried to push to the Fire wardens cabin but ended up stealthing lower on the mountain. Fixed some ear and off to sleep. 

                                   Day 47

Day #47 - July 31, 2011 - Smart Mountain to Hanover,NH - 23.3m

              Up and running early on my way to Hangover. I went up and down and all around then got to Hanover and met up with the crew. We roamed around town a bit then grabbed as much booze as we could all carry and headed right outside of town on the trail to drink and party some. We also decided in our buzzin states that setting up camp literally on the trail was perfect. Had a good time with everyone, it's a real cool group we have going. 

                                   Day 48

Day #48 - Aug 1, 2011 - Hanover,NH to Happy Hill shelter - 5.8m

               Free stuff! It's everywhere in Hanover...beers,snacks,food...and we got it all. Then we all decided to pack out the mother load of packing out and have a shelter party at Happy Hill. We had kabobs, grilled squash, corn on the cob, donuts from dunkin donuts dumpster, fruit, tons of booze from whiskey and beer to home made soke and mad dog . The whole tribe is here along with a group of Nobos who walked in and thought they died and found heaven and a few day hikers who joined in on the party. Awesome day!

                                   Day 49

Day #49 - Aug 2, 2011 - Happy Hill shelter to Stealth - 12m

               Can you say Hangover? woah! Joe, Mcfain, DD, and I hiked to cloudlake farm for some organic root beer and ice cream then headed out to stealth. We were all dragging today but thankfully had each other to push as far as we did make it. 

                                   Day 50

Day #50 - Aug 3, 2011 - Stealth to Lookout cabin - 11m

               Joe & Mcfain took off and DD and I slacked about camp a bit. Cruised today and found the cabin and had to crash in it. I could live in it if i had to. 

                                   Day 51

Day #51 - Aug 4, 2011 - Lookout cabin to Kent Pond - 13.5m

               We had some drunk kids wake us up at 3am & i had to go out and rouge all the party supplies i could from them then tell them to get shhhh so we could sleep. Ended up with about 5hrs sleep so today was ruff. Stopped and chilled with "Beanpole" & another Nobo who gave us the 411 on the hostel. Then to Meadow lake and DD and I drank some beers, trimmed apple trees for work for stay to camp out back. 

                                   Day 52

Day #52 - Aug 5, 2011 - Kent Pond to Clarendon shelter  - 20.4m

               Got to a packed festival shelter tonight. Lots of people here laying around every where in the lawn...yes a lawn! this shelter gets some love. Party time! 

                                   Day 53

Day #53 - Aug 6, 2011 - Clarendon shelter to Greenwall shelter - 8.8m

               Had to roll into town with DD for our mail drops today then had a long walk back to the trail. Got to the shelter in the rain and ran into Mcfain & Mace. Some guy named Professor is here and he is an a$$ who thinks he's smarter than he is and his rep is far and wide about it. Rain rain go away! 

                                   Day 54

Day #54 - Aug 7, 2011 - Greenwall shelter to Lost Pond shelter - 9.8m

                Rain..rain...more rain... out of the shelter at 1pm. Had to stop and swim at Big pond today it was cool and there was a cliff to jump off so i got stuck there for a few. My cairn building is also slowing me down but i can't help myself i like to play. Chillin at the shelter with DD and some Nobos.

                                   Day 55

Day #55 - Aug 8, 2011 - Lost Pond shelter to Spruce Peak shelter - 17.6m

               Early start and into Manchester for some grub & laundry. Packed out some beers and brandy wearing hospital pants only. This shelter is nice, perfect for a lil sip on the brandy. Feeling fresh & warm. 

                                   Day 56

Day #56 - Aug 9, 2011 - Spruce Peak shelter to Story Spring shelter - 18.3m

                                   Day 57

Day #57 - Aug 10, 2011 - Story Spring shelter to Goddard shelter - 9.1m

                                   Day 58

Day #58 - Aug 11, 2011 - Goddard shelter to Bennington ,Vt  - 10.1m

               Rolled into the Vortex to find most the the tribe here and 1/2 wasted already or leaving. Bike ride with DD...was interesting to say the least. Went to Jill's house and saw Alexis & Chloe and hung out. Then back to the Vortex for a hiker feed , spaghetti, salad,and fresh bread. I added some mushrooms to my salad, just saying. Big group here but i hear it's gonna be a real pile up down the road in Dalton. Up late tonight enjoying myself. 

 

                                   Day 59

Day #59 - Aug 12, 2011 - Bennington ,Vt to Congdon shelter  - 4.3m

               Hung out a bit ,everyones rolling out of town. Jill came by and dropped me some food then i hit the trail for a big 4 miles before i needed to crash hard. 

                                   Day 60

Day #60 - Aug 13, 2011 - Congdon shelter to Dalton, Mass - 27.6m

               Up with the sun and off at a good pace. Stopped in at Desperadoes for a free dinner and a beer, met up with Jtree & Whiskey. Then up the trail and picked up and rode to Dalton by the couple i met earlier on the trail. Got to the Bird Cage late and met up with a bunch of the tribe. Also when i walked in the kitchen i caught Mike from Maryland so i can now take a well earned zero or 2. There's a bunch of people here..around 25 or so including the Nobos , everyone seems really cool & there's even a cute girl. Stayed up late drinking and hanging out.

                                   Day 61

Day #61 - Aug 14, 2011 - Dalton, Mass - Bird Cage - 0m

                                   Day 62

Day #62 - Aug 15, 2011 - Dalton, Mass - Bird Cage - 0m

               Scored a new pack from Rob. Hung out doing a whole lot of nothing. Most everyone left today and a few new ones rolled in. Massage trains, hooping, drinking, eating, relaxing. hung out with Wiggles & stayed up late and drank some wine with her.  

 

                                   Day 63

Day #63 - Aug 16, 2011 - Dalton, Mass - Bird Cage - 0m

               Yeap i'm still here chillin! Fixed new pack, relaxed, bunch of people left, including Wiggles. I did a lil slack pack then came back and hung out with the ones left, had drinks and listened to people play music and sing. Will i ever get out of here?

                                   Day 64

Day #64 - Aug 17, 2011 - Dalton, Mass - Bird Cage - 0m

              Fixed the shower for Rob today with Napalm. Nice to do some "man work" and i actually watched his Youtube before starting my hike so it was cool. More people rolled in and we had a surprise bday party for Napalm. Had some drinks, sang and danced and had some fun. 

                                   Day 65

Day #65 - Aug 18, 2011 - Dalton, Mass to Upper goose pond - 20.6m

               Finally left the Bird Cage today, after Nancy showered me with tears. Made a big push to get to Upper Goose for some pancakes for breakfast in the am. Met back up with the kid who just started "Will Power". Nice little cabin here. 

                                   Day 66

Day #66 - Aug 19, 2011 - Upper goose pond to Mt Wilcox shelter - 15.8m

               Pancakes with chocolate chips for breakfast..oh yeah! Then a little aqua hitch across the channel and Will and I were off on the original A.T. doing some antique blazing to get to our mail drops before noon. I have to say after seeing his 25lbs package my mom's 12lbs looked small. I spent most of the day watching him throw food out along the trail and call REI for new stuff. Made a huge dinner and sipped on some whiskey. Found out Rayanne got hit by a drunk driver tonight and is in ICU. Slammed whiskey! 

                                   Day 67

Day #67 - Aug 20, 2011 - Mt Wilcox shelter to Stealth - 12m

               Slow rollin with Will again, we got screwed by the guy at Moon in the Lake farm and sat on the side of the road for an hour. Then hiked in to find a stealth spot that showed itself to us loud and clear...weirdness. The mosquitoes are trying to fly off with Will but seem to dislike the taste of So Way. I made a big meal and slide in my tent.Stressed out because i didn't hear back from Ray's dad yet.

                                   Day 68

Day #68 - Aug 21, 2011 - Stealth to Race Brooks Falls - 9m

               Today I'm miserable! I'm in Will's 2 man tent because i threw mine in the mud with everything else. Found out Rayanne passed away this morning so my mood isn't pleasant at all. Rest in Peace love.

                                   Day 69

Day #69 - Aug 22, 2011 - Race Brooks Falls to Limestone Spring shelter - 15.7m

               Today sucked because my mood sucks. Had to hike on and leave Will behind .Went into Salisburg and scored some clean dry socks and more booze. Then hiked out and took the longest blue blaze to a shelter ever. 

                                   Day 70

Day #70 - Aug 23, 2011 - Limestone Spring shelter to Stewart Hollow Brook - 22.3m

               Sat down on the side of the trail this morning and had a moment of sorts to work out my mood and i think i fixed it some. Stopped at the electric plant for a shower and phone charge. Met up with the brothers and pokemon and hiked with them a bit. Watched some race cars on a track from the top of a mountain. Then stopped at Corewall bridge for some Free beer & food from the vendor. Got to shelter and met up with DD and Avalanche and fought the unkillable mouse 1/2 the night. 

                                   Day 71

Day #71 - Aug 24, 2011 - Stewart Hollow Brook to Telephone Pioneers shelter - 28.4m

               Blasted off! Stopped in Kent for mouse traps i sent back with a Nobo to kill the mouse. Finally met "Man Party" & "Lush". Saw the big tree, ran some, hiked fast and long today. Got to the shelter and the place is crawling with Yale kids. My legs are feeling it tonight. 

                                   Day 72

Day #72 - Aug 25, 2011 - Telephone Pioneers shelter to RPH shelter - 16.8m

               Went into town and got my mail drop and new shoes. Pooring rain today and a storm is coming in the next few days so i need to get some where safe soon. To bad this shelter isn't 50 miles away i'd be set. Ran into "Sundowner" & hung out with some day hikers who scored me some mountain houses. The brothers rolled in and we chilled. Feels like I'm sleeping in a 1/2 way house.

                                   Day 73

Day #73 - Aug 26, 2011 - RPH shelter to Graymoor (Monistary) - 18.8m

               Out at a decent time and making miles. Had to run into town and got a killer hitch in a range rover. Then back to the trail and to the Monistary. John the guy with the dog who i guess talks to all the hikers who stay here bought me dinner delivery from the pizza joint. Sundowner, Man Party, and Lush are all here hanging out. 

                                   Day 74

Day #74 - Aug 27, 2011 - Graymoor (Monistary) to Bear Mt Inn area - 8m

               Hiked my arse off to get to the zoo fast. Then looked for a place to hide from hurricane Irene & came up with sleeping on top of soda machines at a park and got myself set up. A guy Matt whos brother thru hiked a few years back was jogging by, in the rain, and stopped to see what i was doing. After a short talk he invited me to stay at his apartment thru the storm. He ended up having to work thru the night so i had a nice place to myself for the storm. Amazing how people just give out trust to hikers. Watched some movies and the rain and wind. Not much of a storm compared to what i'm used to in Florida. 

                                   Day 75

Day #75 - Aug 28, 2011 - Bear Mt Inn to Fingerboard shelter - 14.3m

               Still raining but i gotta move so back to the trail i go. Climbed Bear Mt just to find a river running across the trail that was unpassable. Plan B - hiked on the closed highway 9W then another road which i'm sure was way further than on the trail to finally get to trail i could walk and up to the shelter. The brothers had stayed here last night and were still here with the fireplace going. Saw some coyotes, deer, a bear, and tons of critters running about. Lookin forward to seeing what lays ahead on the trail as far as wash outs and rivers. 

                                   Day 76

Day #76 - Aug 29, 2011 - Fingerboard shelter to Bellvale,NY - 16.4m

               The brothers and I took off they got a jump on me and i headed into town for booze and smokes. Big traffic jam , trees down on roads, highways closed, this state doesn't know how to deal with this at all. Ended up hitching and going on an adventure to the Bronx in NY with D. Had awesome road side kabobs and pizza and scored some stuff for the trail. Got back to the trail at dark and had to stealth by a bird watching tower near the ice cream place. Apparently the tower is used by every kid in town to come smoke pot on and it took 4 groups of kids before anyone noticed me 10' away from them. The things i heard were hilarious!  Side note - My lil sister's Bday today and LT had her baby girl today. 

 

                                   Day 77

Day #77 - Aug 30, 2011 - Bellvale,NY to Vernon , NJ - 15m

               Today was a bunch of climbing and swimming thru rivers that used to be small streams, the after effects of the storm are showing on the trail. At the church hostel with Supervisor watching movies and fixing gear. Nice to get a hot shower before bed. 

                                   Day 78

Day #78 - Aug 31, 2011 - Vernon,NJ to Unionville,NY - 11.4m

               Well today was a bunch of hiking down trails i couldn't pass thru because of flooding so i ended up having to road walk and hitch my way thru. Rayanne's dad came and got me and i hung out with him a few hours then he dropped me off right before dark. Camping out beside a bar which is perfect. 

                                   Day 79

Day #79 - Sept 1, 2011 - Unionville,NY to Mohican outdoor center - 29m

               Hiked to a scout camp where the bears are being trouble so the ranger rode me to the campground where i ran into Sonnie,Scotch, Ez , Jtree and Whiskey. Beat up and ready to sleep. 

                                   Day 80

Day #80 - Sept 2, 2011 - Mohican outdoor center to Kirkridge shelter - 16.9m

               WE all hiked out together and i set a good pace taking over the lead. Stopped at the lake to build cairns and get right. The cairns in the water were so cool i had to get wet and build my own. Everyone ended up at the shelter and we had a nice time. 

                                   Day 81

Day #81 - Sept 3, 2011 - Kirkridge shelter to Palmerton, Pa - 29.8m

               Can you say shake that money maker? pushed the miles to get to town and destroy a Bert's burger. Then snatched a shower and did a little laundry. Sleeping under city hall and its kinda funny i am running all around the inside of city hall with noone else in the building. 

                                   Day 82

Day #82 - Sept 4, 2011 - Palmerton, Pa to Blue Mt B&B - 13.4m

               Was gonna slack off more today but the first shelter had a bum living in it who was trying to rouge anything and everything. Then the second shelter had snakes literally falling out of the walls. So i ended up stealthing in the back yard area of the Blue Mt B&B. Live music, locals buying me drink after drink, free food...life ain't bad...till you try to go to sleep 1/2 drunk and it starts raining and the rain starts draining into your tent. Then you lay here in a puddle thinking, well at least i have a good enough buzz to pass out anyway. 

                                   Day 83

Day #83 - Sept 5, 2011 - Blue Mt B&B to Port Clinton, Pa - 26.7m

               Hitched into town today and Cabela's replaced my tent no problem. Then to the pavilion to enjoy a drink or 3 and some nice sleep with the bats and carts on the road 50' away. On the up side i have a lawn chair to sleep on. 

                                   Day 84

Day #84 - Sept 6, 2011 - Port Clinton, Pa to 501 shelter - 23.7m

               Today i hiked...then hiked more...got rained on a bunch..hiked more...rained more. Got to shelter and had pizza that someone ordered for us. Nice shelter i'm liken the sunroof! 

                                   Day 85

Day #85 - Sept 7, 2011 - 501 shelter to Duncannon, Pa - 30m

               Rained - Poored - i saw it all except the old man snoring. Did a little swimming across rivers until i came to a crossing i just wasn't about to attempt, so i hiked back to the road and hitched the last few miles into town. A few people at the Doyle including "Link" another Sobo. We had dinner at trail angel Mary's house then back to the Doyle for drinks. Looks like this town is going under water tomorrow and everyone is scrambling. 

                                   Day 86

Day #86 - Sept 8, 2011 - Duncannon, Pa  ( The Doyle ) - 0m

               Had breakfast at Mary's house, scrapple is yummy w/ apple butter! The town is goin crazy, it's still rainingg and the rivers comin this way. Helped the owners of the Doyle move everything from the first florr to the second floor to try to save as much as they could. Then we had to drink the beer because once the power ggoes off it ggoes bad and we wouldn't want that. Pat stayed up with us on the porch watching the town roll out and water roll in. We saw everything from trash cans to guys in kayaks float by. By the way Link it's your fault Pat slept in so late, Yukon really?

                                Day 87

Day #87 - Sept 9, 2011 - Duncannon, Pa  to Jay Cave's Casa - 0m

               Woke up to not as much water as they expected which was awesome. We also never got the kids floats we waited for 1/2 the night. Waited around to go to Jay Cave's house for my Bday in a few days, took him till around 7pm to et near. Link and I had to swim out to get to the road. Stopped at a dinner and had omelets and then to the casa for some booze and a good night sleep. 

                                   Day 88

Day #88 - Sept 10, 2011 - Jay Cave's Casa - 0m

                Today i did a whole lot of nothing. Went to lunch with Jay and Link then took Link back to the trail. Cooked out and had a few beers and whiskey. 

                                   Day 89

Day #89 - Sept 11, 2011 - Jay Cave's Casa - 0m

                Whoopee i'm older...Time to drink! Beers before noon! Lots of phone calls today, i'm sure i spent 3 hrs on the phone total. Did a lot of drinking and such then had a cookout and Kira made me a cake. Opened my mail drop and got my stuff from the fam. Happy to be doing what i'm doing.

                                   Day 90

Day #90 - Sept 12, 2011 - Jay Cave's Casa - 0m

                Relaxed and did nothing. and i made it a point to be nothing. 

                                   Day 91

Day #91 - Sept 13, 2011 - Jay Cave's Casa to James Fry Shelter - 10m

                Packed up and resupplied via Jay and got him to go out with me today. Drove to the trail and hiked to the shelter where we met up with "Amplexus" . Stayed up BSn till late.

                                   Day 92

Day #92 - Sept 14, 2011 - James Fry Shelter to Toms Run shelters - 10.9m  

               Jay took the walk back this am and Amp and i hiked out. Hit the 1/2 way point today which was a big moment for me. Amp & I sharing the camp with some kids who are kinda obnoxious.

                                   Day 93

Day #93 - Sept 15, 2011 - Toms Run shelters to Quarry Gap shelters- 13.6m

               Woke up to the urban youth groups sad sad imitation of rapping that was enough to make you want to dig a hole. Amp went to go make his epic video at the 1/2 way point. Nice hike today.

                                   Day 94

Day #94 - Sept 16, 2011 - Quarry Gap shelters to Pen Mar road (Lowe's hostel)- 20.4m

               Hiked with Amp and got into town and straight to the Walmart for a small resupply and some phone charging. Had dinner at Subway then became the first guests of the new Lowes hostel. Clean place to sleep, full belly, i'd say a good day to be hiker trash.

                                   Day 95

Day #95 - Sept 17, 2011 - Pen Mar road to Pine Knob shelter - 18.1m

               Oh thank heaven i"m back in the south! crossed the Mason Dixon today and it felt good to know I'll soon be able to get a real breakfast. Packed out some good grub and a stupid short jacket ( pics tell that story). Tomorrow we head to Harpers Ferry. 

                                   Day 96

Day #96 - Sept 18, 2011 - Pine Knob shelter to Harpers Ferry, WV - 23.6m

               I decided to make us a proper breakfast with english muffins w/ egg, bacon, and cheese i packed out. Need some power for our push today. Made great time at a steady 3.5mph into Harpers Ferry. First thing you do when you hit that town...ice cream! Then look high and low for a stealth spot and get shot down. Then end up camping at a hostel in the yard and raiding their food.

                                   Day 97

Day #97 - Sept 19, 2011 - Harpers Ferry, WV to D.C. - 0m

               Headed to the ATC first thing for our pics and sign in. I am #48 Sobo for the year. Then packed up and jumped a shuttle to DC. Walked around for awhile searching for a hostel with room, took me 5 stops and about 30 blocks of walking but found one that ended up working out perfectly. Dropped my gear and hit some tourist spots including the Lincoln memorial which was the top of my list. Got back to the hostel and everyone decided to have a small party which to me means grab a few 30's of the beast and some vodka and watch the madness...which included of course an Irish pub. Good times!

                                   Day 98

Day #98 - Sept 20, 2011 -  D.C. to Harpers Ferry, WV - 0m

               Hung out walking around the city with Emma looking for an Apple store and Graveyards...Hit the White House and a few other tourist spots before we found a library in the ghetto with Macs and then a cool cemetery. We defiantly took the path less traveled by tourists today. Had fun today and glad to have such nice company. Our trains both left at 7pm so we hit the station and said our byes then off on my first train ride. Lucked out at the train station and scored a ride to the hostel to camp again. Set up then headed to the store but got side tracked by Robert & Brian who were drinking in a yard by the store. I would defiantly stop by Roberts again he's good people.

                                   Day 99

Day #99 - Sept 21, 2011 -  Harpers Ferry, WV - 0m

               Well i planned to hike out today but my luck shined and i ended up having a cool day in HF. Ran into Jtree & Whiskey at the ATC and they say everyone is right behind them. Ended up hanging out with the owner of the outfitter Ron who's putting me to work tomorrow with a jackhammer...sounds destructive! Hung out late having a few drinks then crashed with the wild kittens. 

                                   Day 100

Day #100 - Sept 22, 2011 -  Harpers Ferry, WV - 0m

                 Had a good day today, jackhammered out a fireplace and made some $$$. Ended up comin to Bonzo's crib to chill. The gang came rolling in... the hangover crew first then Sonnie, Pokemon , and Buzz who all did the 4 state challenge in about 19hrs. We built a big fire, drank to much, smoked to much, & ate to much. I'm sleeping in a broke down van in the back yard...nicer than some shelters. 

                                   Day 101

Day #101 - Sept 23, 2011 -  Harpers Ferry, WV to Blackburn trail center - 12m

                Slow rolled out in the rain today and stayed raining all day. I said F the umbrella and got down to the shorts & had a nice wet walk. Got to this shelter and scored mac n cheese & bananas from a trail maintainer. My pack feels great after dropping a bunch of weight, i have it down to about 22lbs with food. 

                                   Day 102

Day #102 - Sept 24, 2011 -  Blackburn trail center to Jim & Molly Denton  - 36.2m

                 I made the trail my b!tch today! Got an early start and with my pack feeling so good and the few days in town rested i'm jammin. Did  "the roller coaster" which i found to be fun running up and down for 13 miles, which was part of the section from Bears den to Linden (25.3 miles) that took me 6hr 43min to do. Stopped in Linden for a Buffalo burger and beer then back to the trail for a few mile night hike to camp. Feeling great, tired & sore and ready for more. 

                                   Day 103

Day #103 - Sept 25, 2011 -  Jim & Molly Denton to Tom Floyd Wayside - 8.1m

                 Hit Front Royal today for my mail drop and scored. Got stuck at the shelter with some weekenders who decided to include me in their fun.  

                                   Day 104

Day #104 - Sept 26, 2011 -  Tom Floyd Wayside to Pass Mt Hut - 23.6m

                 Jammed all day then went into Luray to stay with someone and it ended up a hot mess so i bailed. Got a ride back to the trail late from Rodman & Skyline the caretakers of the shelter I'm staying at. Had to walk out to it in the dark and my headlamp died 1/2 way out so i blind hiked. There's mice here and a bear laying out front who followed me to camp, whats next?

  

                                  Day 105

Day #105 - Sept 27, 2011 -  Pass Mt Hut to Rock Spring Cabin - 15.3m

                 The bear left about midnight and the mice stopped running around after one of their buddys met my bat. But i did wake up to deer everywhere and that i'm cool with.Had to run back into town and grab a new phone charger & batteries for my headlamp then back at it. Today was bear day i saw 9 of them .2 miles before shelter, 1 mom and 8 cubs , the cubs all ran but she didn't care to much about me. had to walk within 15ft of her. Got to the shelter just in time to beat a lite rain. 

 

                                   Day 106

Day #106 - Sept 28, 2011 -  Rock Spring Cabin to Hightop Hut - 23.9m

                Have i mentioned that i'm loving the Shenandoah section? Well i am! Nice trail it's like a sidewalk compared to the rest of the trail. Noticed in the shelter log that i'm right behind some of the others so hopefully i'll run into someone soon i can hike with a little. Needing some company and something to mix it up some.

                                   Day 107

Day #107 - Sept 29, 2011 - Hightop Hut to Waynesboro,Va - 34m

                And he's off... hiked my butt off today and realized i lost something and had to hitch back down Skyline to find it then hitched back and ran into Jtree & Whiskey and hiked with them to the shelter where the water source was bad enough to have me night hike out and into town. Trail angel Roy was nice enouh to let me crash here and made me a big dinner. Sleeping on a pillowtop...what!

                                   Day 108

Day #108 - Sept 30, 2011 - Waynesboro,Va - 0m

                Started the day by making a little cash mowing the yard then rode into town & met up with Jtree & Whiskey for lunch at Ming's ( the best AYCE on the trail!) then ran into Scotch & Casper. We got some PBRs and a motel room and got our party on. 

                                   Day 109

Day #109 - Oct 1 , 2011 - Waynesboro,Va to Harpers Creek shelter - 27m

                 Started the day with Scotch & Casper doing a little Blue Ridge retro blaze. Then took a few blue blazes and some playing in waterfalls to reach the shelter. Casper carried on to o climb up a mountain and freeze his arse off. Scotch and I chose to stay here and freeze. 

                                                 

                                   Day 110

Day #110 - Oct 2 , 2011 - Harpers Creek shelter to Buena Vista, Va - 28.5m

               Happy Bday lil bro!  Scotch took off and i got side tracked by some day hikers for a few. Link caught up with me for a few then i bolted. Pack busted right before town so i had to AE it . Came into town to try to get some cold weather gear because i'm still set with summer stuff and it ain't summer. Ended up camping and wrapping up in everything i have to stay 1/2 warm. note- trash bags will keep you warm as a sleeping bag but they do condensate. 

                                   Day 111

Day #111 - Oct 3 , 2011 - Buena Vista, Va - 0m

                Today is fix gear and find warm stuff day. It was also the day i ate the best hot dog ever, Franks for Memories owner made me a nacho dog w/beer battered onion rings and a micro brew...it was heaven ! Grabbed some fleece from the dollar store, some socks and gloves and fixed my pack. still not set enough for this weather but i'll live.  

                                   Day 112

Day #112 - Oct 4 , 2011 - Buena Vista, Va to Glasgow,Va - 21.8m

                Had a great breakfast at Kenny's then launched out. Was gonna stop at John's hollow but a bear had already reserved the shelter so i pushed on. Got to the road and some GeoCashers picked me up and toted me into town. Found Scotch at the "hostel" and shared the Fat Tire i packed out. Cold night.

                                   Day 113

Day #113 - Oct 5 , 2011 - Glasgow,Va to Thunder Hill shelter - 14.6m

                Scotch and I had an interesting morning, first we had an awesome breakfast at the diner then ggot a hitch back to the trail with some wacko who talked about weed, the economy, & beating your kids into submission...he might need meds. This shelter blows and the water was .7 miles away, oh and Scotch is scared because some hunters are in the woods near by. Luckily my fire building skills have him distracted.

                                   Day 114

Day #114 - Oct 6 , 2011 - Thunder Hill shelter to Wilson Creek shelter - 31m

               Hiked out early today so i could run into town and grab my packages. Got my new pack and tons of stuff from my parents. Had to completely reorganize my stuff and send home a package. Headed back out and did a little retro blazing and the new pack feels like a dream. Scotch at the shelter when i got there so i built a monster fire, we sipped on some Evan Williams and ate like kings.

 

                                   Day 115

Day #115 - Oct 7 , 2011 - Wilson Creek shelter to Daleville,Va - 11.2m

                We were up and on a mission to get to town. Found trail majik that Amp & Qball left then met up with Scotch and got a room, nicest room yet. Had beer and ice cream and watched School of rock.

                                   Day 116

Day #116 - Oct 8 , 2011 - Daleville,Va to Catawba Mt shelter - 18m

                We destroyed the breakfast buffet at the hotel then hit the trail. I did a bunch of messing around today and took tons of pics. Hung out with a couple on top a cliff for about an hr talking trail and sustainable living. Trail Majik! Scotch pushed it today and i ended up night hiking to catch him. Someone has to build him fires after all. 

                                   Day 117

Day #117 - Oct 9 , 2011 - Catawba Mt shelter to Pickle Branch shelter - 14.6m

               Dragged butt and played around all morning. Sat in a creek for a few and enjoyed some nature, then pushed up to a spot 1/2 mile before the tooth and chilled and had a nice lunch with a view. Got to the top and some freeclimber guys trail majik then we climbed the side of Dragons Tooth, something i wasn't sure about but did it anyway, in hiking shoes! and i rocked! The view was awesome but there were way to many tourists up there! Didn't catch Scotch today but i will soon. 

  

                                  Day 118

Day #118 - Oct 10 , 2011 - Pickle Branch shelter to Sarver Hollow - 16.1m

                Happy Bday Seth! Hit the Audie Murphy monument first thing today, it was cool and my dad was stoked. Nice climbs and ridge walking today it almost reminded me of my first love...

                                   Day 119

Day #119 - Oct 11 , 2011 - Sarver Hollow to Va 635 - 23.7m

                Blasted miles today and hit town to stay at the church hostel, which is empty. Raided the hiker box and worked on gear till late. Trying to get prepared for the cold I'm gonna get stuck in.

                                   Day 120

Day #120 - Oct 12 , 2011 - Va 635 to Pearisburg, Va - 21.7m

                Slacked !  Then saw Jtree,Whiskey,Avalanche,& Link at the hotel and hung for a few. Back to the hostel to work on gear more. Wiggles hit me up to tell me she may join me to finish the south, that'd be cool! Tomorrow's a slack day to Woods Hole so i'm up late playing.

                                   Day 121

Day #121 - Oct 13 , 2011 - Pearisburg, Va to Woods Hole hostel - 10.4m

                Today was eventful... started out hiking to Woods Hole and meeting up with Avalanche and a few section hikers. I cleaned the house for stay and dinner, dinner we should talk about..a lot! Neville throws down in the kitchen! She made pumpkin lasagna with home made goat cheese, fresh baked bread with a few different spreads that were to die for, a salad that was a work of art with fresh local veggies and apples topped with homemade dressings...this was the winning meal of the trip by far! We followed dinner with a movie on their projector screen, awesome, Original Sin...had a good sex seine with Antonio B. & Angelina J. Nice day, good food, pleasant company...more of this please. 

                                   Day 122

Day #122 - Oct 14 , 2011 - Woods Hole hostel to Jenny Knob shelter - 20.2m

               I am in heaven! Breakfast was as awesome as dinner...this place rocks! Avalanche and I slacked 19 miles today in pretty good time considering we stopped and checked out views and chilled. Tomorrow i blast off, want to get to Erwin asap! Feeling the end coming and want to mix it up and enjoy it.

  

                                 Day 123

Day #123 - Oct 15 , 2011 - Jenny Knob shelter to Va 615 - 19m

                It was cold today...not as cold as it will get which has me so so feeling. Hit town for some Subway & treats. found an awesome stealth jam for the night and plan to assault the trail tomorrow.

                                   Day 124

Day #124 - Oct 16 , 2011 - Va 615 to Crawfish Valley - 31.4m

                Up early and beating down the miles...got some trail majik twice today and feeling like a machine! Good vibes are pushing me and day dreams make the miles fade behind me. 

                                   Day 125

Day #125 - Oct 17 , 2011 - Crawfish Valley to Troutdale, Va - 32.4m

               Rolled out early with Avalanche and cruised into Atkins for a southern breakfast. Rolled on to snatch up a mail drop and hit the church hostel for a warm night sleep. Good things in my head...get to see the ponies soon and Erwin is just down the trail. Motivated!

                                   Day 126

Day #126 - Oct 18 , 2011 - Troutdale, Va to Thomas Knob shelter - 21.2m

               Today was awesome and the highlands have stole a chunk of my heart. Saw longhorn cattle..hiked some smooth trails and climbed some neat climbs...and finally got to see the ponies! Today is one of my favs so far...sunset was incredible.

   

                                Day 127

Day #127 - Oct 19 , 2011 - Thomas Knob shelter to Damascus - 28m

                Raining hard today..saw more ponies on the way out then a wet walk into Damascus. Met up with a Sobo pack and went out for beers and dinner. Everyone's stuff is soaked so it should be interesting tomorrow. Passed out!

                                   Day 128

Day #128 - Oct 20 , 2011 - Damascus to Double Spring Shelter- 18.5m

               Amp & I hiked out late and i played catch him all day in the rain, hail, and snow. Everythings wet and it's really cold. Got to shelter and they had it all set up with rainflys covering the front. sharing the shelter with Amp,casper,Bob & "L". I am not made for cold weather! 

                                   Day 129

Day #129 - Oct 21 , 2011 - Double Spring Shelter to Vandeventer Shelter- 14.5m

               Today was miserably cold and wet. Ended up at shelter with JTT,Wit,Avalanche,Bob,& L. Saw an amazing sunset then crawled my wet cold but into my lil summer bag shoes and all. 

                                   Day 130

Day #130 - Oct 22 , 2011 - Vandeventer Shelter to Kincora - 17.5m

               Woke up to the most beautiful sunrise yet...makes everything worth it. Nice views today and smooth sailing. Got to Kincora and everyone rolled in soon after. Sleeping in warm.

                                   Day 131

Day #131 - Oct 23 , 2011 - Kincora - 0m

                Took a zero to work on gear, do laungry, and eat! Gang all slacked and then came back and we had a big family mexican dinner. Once again my fire building skills have us relaxing in 70degrees. Good times...

                                   Day 132

Day #132 - Oct 24 , 2011 - Kincora to Abby"s - 12m

                Had a killer southern family breakfast to start the day then we all strapped on our orange and headed into some prime hunting grounds for a hike. I slow rolled all day and got to Abby's early and had some moonpies and beer. Was told today my bats look like antlers if you were drunk on shine...that's refreshing to know....

                                   Day 133

Day #133 - Oct 25 , 2011 - Abby"s to Apple House shelter - 13m

                Slow pokin day today...rolled out slow and played a lot. Got a nice text that had me skippin down the trail. Somethings been in my head 1,000 miles. Did a resupply then hit the shelter and built a huge fire..i'll stay warm one way or the other... 

                                   Day 134

Day #134 - Oct 26 , 2011 - Apple House shelter to Greasy Creek - 25m

                Got my hike on today...some spring in my step...down to the shorts...feeling good! views were nice today..and lots of them. Crashed at Greasy Creek friendly.

                                   Day 135

Day #135 - Oct 27 , 2011 - Greasy Creek to Uncle Johnny's  - 24m

               Busted out miles to get the Uncle Johnny's and met up with Bean pole & Mismatch. Hung out and did the usual hikers in town stuff. 

                                Day 136-137

Day #136-137 - Oct 28-29 , 2011 - Uncle Johnny's  - 0m

               Typical hiker in town kinda stuff...eat a lot, drink a lot, smoke a lot, and watch some movies in a warm cozy spot. Saw a few of the other Sobos...looks like most have game faces on and are pushing hard.

                                   Day 138

Day #138 - Oct 30 , 2011 - Uncle Johnny's to Hot Springs  - 0m

                Happy Bday Dominique! Today i'm a yellow blazer...no shame...hit Ashville with Grim and stopped at a bar for beers...interesting...then to Hot Springs and to the Duckett house (which is closed) and stealthed. 

                                   Day 139

Day #139 - Oct 31 , 2011 - Hot Springs  - 0m

                Happy Halloween! Helped frank move the Duckett house some...banks suck! Met some locals and it turned into a party fast...and i mean party! Big a$$ fire...unlimited booze...illegal fireworks...cops..and a mayor hopeful in drag....what else could you ask for?

                                Day 140-148

Day #139 - Nov 1-9 , 2011 - Hot Springs  - 0m

                Zero fest in Hot Springs! gained 9lbs and had fun hanging out with the locals and helping Frank move the Duckett house. Glad i got to experience a lil bit of the majik. Watched just about every Sobo behind me catch up and pass me. Good cuz i don't really want to be on Springer with a crowd. Nice to see them all though. Enjoyed Hot Springs...good people here...but i have always liked NC. 

                                   Day 149

Day #149 - Nov 10 , 2011 - Hot Springs to Groundhog Creek  - 26.2m

                 Off to hike again...and the legs were well rested. So cold i had to move fast today. Max Patch was awesome but frozen and the visibility wasn't great. Neptune is running...and so am I. Hunkered down.

                                   Day 150

Day #150 - Nov 11 , 2011 - Groundhog Creek to Stealth - 9m

                Lazy day...rolled to standing bear and charged up then to a stealth spot.

                                   Day 151

Day #151 - Nov 12 , 2011 - Stealth to Fontana Dam "Hilton" - 1.1m

               Played around bunched this morning till noon. Then went and laid on a hill and got some sun and made a dream catcher. Wiggles & Ava came and we went to Fontana Dam and hiked in 1.1 to the "Hilton". 

And yes i did skip the Smokies...we will be doing them early spring when it's nice and we can enjoy them. Stayed up late having drinks and smores. Sleeping under the stars. 

                                   Day 152

Day #152 - Nov 13 , 2011 - Fontana Dam "Hilton" - 0m

                Woke up to a beautiful view! Had to hike back to the car for vital supplies we forgot...then back to camp to collect fire wood and hang out. Nice day hanging out...Scotch came thru...met the Aussie whos doing a 15,000 mile trek. Up late under the stars enjoying my company. 

                                   Day 153

Day #153 - Nov 14 , 2011 - Fontana Dam to Brown Fork Gap - 12.7m

                Hung out 1/2 the day with Wiggles & Ava before they left. then picked up my mail drop and hit the trail. Got to shelter did the usual fire,eat,sleep...

                                   Day 154

Day #154 - Nov 15 , 2011 - Brown Fork Gap to NOC - 17m

                Rain hiking in my shorts again...pushed the the NOC. Saw part of the 7pack & had a brew, then sold them some of my extra food and got a room. Dried everything, shower, eat, now warm sleep... 

                                   Day 155

Day #155 - Nov 16 , 2011 - NOC to Franklin, NC - 26m

                Today i got picked up by a wacko on a hitch...got back to the trail asap and blasted miles...to Franklin and then met up with Jtree,Whiskey & Link and floor surfed their motel room.

                                   Day 156

Day #156 - Nov 17 , 2011 -Franklin, NC to Stealth - .1m

                Finally got to introduce Scotch to Shoney's AYCE breakfast buffet...and he's a fan big time! Hung out in his room watching talk shows and eating crap food. Wiggles and Ava came & BamBam joined them to come out for a few days for his Bday. We all night hiked .1 in and made camp...and it's freezing...literally. 

                                   Day 157

Day #157 - Nov 18 , 2011 - Stealth to Rock Gap Shelter - 3.8m

              Happy Bday Bam! Freezing...that's what it was this morning. Ava's water bowl was frozen..water bottles..frozen..and my socks are either really crusty..or frozen. Hiked slow and chilled...stopped by the big tree...played...got to camp and made fire and had wine for Bam's Bday. 

                                   Day 158

Day #158 - Nov 19 , 2011 - Rock Gap Shelter to Big Spring shelter - 5.3m

                Up and lazy slackin around camp. Played down the trail today in no hurry at all, took a lot of pics. Got to camp and there's a few others here. Chilly willy tonight. 

                                   Day 159

Day #159 - Nov 20 , 2011 - Big Spring shelter to Carter Gap - 6.8m

                Hangover crew stopped in first thing then Wiggles & co. took off this am and i'm off to hike in the wet coldness. Got to shelter and there's a few others here who hung out and provided some trail majik. Feeling the end is near...

                                   Day 160

Day #160 - Nov 21 , 2011 - Carter Gap to Plumorchard Gap - 20m

             Up and out early...stopped to talk to a family for awhile & then played a bunch at the creek. Jammed the afternoon to a shelter where this family had the whole spread ready...booze,fire,food...perfect cuz i had to do nothing but hike here to enjoy it

           

                                   Day 161

Day #161 - Nov 22 , 2011 - Plumorchard Gap to Blue Mt - 23m

                Hit my last state line crossing this am and it was kinda sad and exciting at the same time. Got to the shelter and met some bros who come do sections together once a year. Did a little interview for a documentary they're making then showed how to build a proper fire.  

              

                                   Day 162

Day #162 - Nov 23 , 2011 - Blue Mt to Neels Gap - 19m

                 Out early and into town for mail drop and a free haircut then back to the trail to get to Neels gap. Arrived a little before dark and found a stealth spot. Wiggles and Ava in after dark...had a lil whiskey and dinner and huddled around the fire.  

                                   Day 163

Day #163 - Nov 24 , 2011 - Neels Gap to Dan Gap  - 8m

                Had an awesome Thanksgiving today!  We dumped gear in the car and our packs are feeling good. Stopped to play a bunch today...Wiggles did some hooping on Blood Mt. & we talked to a lot of cool people today. The pictures that the guys took were incredible and are posted under my pics...

 

                                          These pictures are simply amazing...thanks Micheal! 

                                   Day 164

Day #164 - Nov 25 , 2011 - Dan Gap to Justus Mt  - 10m

                Got up and played in the creek some before breakfast. Then played all day with some hiking in between. Hung out and had dinner at a shelter and then had some whiskey and night hiking till we got to the top of Justus Mt (fittingly named) and found the perfect camp under an overhang....could easily be called home! Someone dropped a sleeping bag off the mountain but i wont name names.

               

                                   Day 165

Day #165 - Nov 26 , 2011 - Justus Mt to Stover Creek - 9m

                First thing is climbing down the side of a mountain to recover the sleeping bag. Then lay around some and enjoy the Justus loft condo and my lovely company.Today's pace was set early and the day was great all the way thru. We did a little dirty retro hiking and ran into Sausage Fest 2011 where Wiggles was the first ever girl to be allowed into camp. They shared food, booze, music, and fun times...we spent most of the afternoon there till it was dangerously close to dark...then hiked on. After dark we enjoyed some chocolate & puddled our giggly butts down the trail to the shelter where we set up camp away from the shelter so we could be us without disturbing others.  Couldn't have asked for a better last full day on trail!

                                   Day 166

Day #166 - Nov 27 , 2011 - Stover Creek to Springer Mt - 2.8m

               So we thought we were further from the shelter last night...opps. Got up and laid around some then got our morning hike prep on and packed up. Ran into my parents about 2miles from the summit and they hiked it with us. We got to the top of Springer at 1pm and enjoyed champagne my parents got us and took pictures and videos and had our moments. And my Mom & Wiggles got their hoop on. 

              Thanks to everyone who made this journey possible. And to everyone i shared moments with along the way i will always cherish the times we had and things we experienced. This has been the greatest thing i have ever done for myself and i look forward to my new future whatever trail it takes....