tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35557709044402938122024-03-13T06:09:50.850-07:00Wandering Along Tales of this journey we call lifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-81902123670132058182015-04-30T19:42:00.000-07:002015-04-30T19:42:51.076-07:00The end is here...or is it?Day 30! I made it! Not a single crystal of sugar, not a drop of alcohol, no grains, legumes, or dairy. Last week I traveled 3 out of 5 days and still made it work. I went to a Mexican restaurant with my co-workers on one of the nights and did not join the others in having a margarita or chips and salsa. <br />
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Was it difficult? Honestly, most of the time it was an easy plan to follow, although admittedly it requires a lot of planning and creativity, especially while traveling. <br />
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Was it worth it? Yes, I really think it's a fantastic plan for me. I am sleeping better than I have for years and I feel good. I never experienced the great burst of energy that was supposed to occur in the second half, but I am not experiencing that daily 3 pm drop in energy anymore. And...I lost almost 8 pounds. <br />
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What's next? I think I'll keep going. Not as faithfully or as strictly as the requirements during the 30 day phase, but for the most part - yup. I like my vegetable "rice" and vegetable "pasta". I'm not having any cravings. I'm not missing any of the forbidden foods. Yet. <br />
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Will I join in the Friday happy hour tomorrow at work? We shall see. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-55182791840618028932015-04-16T19:41:00.001-07:002015-04-16T19:41:56.773-07:00Day 16Well, I've made it past the halfway mark without cheating once! Last night, I had co-workers over for a team dinner and despite the freely flowing wine, I poured myself a mineral water in a wine glass and didn't even feel deprived. Dinner was Greek themed - souvlaki, Greek potatoes, salad, baba ganoush, veggies, tzatziki, and pitas. I admit, it was really difficult to make the tzatziki sauce and not have any. I almost had a slip up when I did my normal taste test for seasonings and then suddenly realizing that I had just put dairy in my mouth, immediately spit it into the sink and rinsed my mouth out with water. Ok, maybe a bit drastic, but I feel pretty committed to the process. I can't say I have noticed any extra bounce in my step or fantastic surges of energy. It's difficult to say whether or not my allergies are any better either. One huge thing that I'll attribute to Whole30 is that I have had two nights of sleeping through the night (until 4:30 am) which hasn't happened in years. I could use a whole lot more like that! <br />
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Next week, I am traveling for 3 of the 5 workdays. I won't have much say in where we eat, so I might be eating a lot of plain salad and grilled chicken. I plan to have an emergency stash of nuts and Lara bars (some flavors are just fruit and nuts). <br />
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That's it for now - 14 days to go!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-39569474137727141282015-04-08T19:14:00.002-07:002015-04-08T19:14:50.102-07:00Waiter, I need a drinkOh, and a pizza, please. At least that's what I was imagining myself saying. I'm tired. It was a looooong day. For reasons unknown to me, I was wide awake at 4:30 am this morning. I decided to start my day with a 4 mile run, which it turned out was not very much fun because my legs felt like lead stumps (thank you squats last night for that lovely feeling). <br />
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I had a long, busy, day at work with clients sending in one request after another, extending my to-do list onto a new page. On my drive home, I had a lengthy debate with myself about whether or not I would be opening a bottle of wine. It was just one of the days, you know the kind, where you look forward to kicking back and relaxing with a lovely glass of Cabernet. Usually I find cooking relaxing, and look forward to the prep work, slicing, dicing, and chopping my way to a tasty meal. But tonight I was not in the mood to do anything.<br />
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I poured myself a wine glass full of...sparkling coconut water. Ok, it's not exactly the same as a glass of wine, but the ritual of sitting and sipping out of a wine glass <i>is</i> relaxing.<br />
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And, I cooked.<br />
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Thai Massaman Curry over rice (rutabaga rice, that is). Yes, you are reading correctly. Rutabaga rice made with my spiralizer and then chopped into small bits like rice with the food processor. It's mild and the texture is just like rice.<br />
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Check out the size and texture. It looks just like real rice!</div>
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Words simply cannot describe the absolute delicious depth of flavor. Warm and comforting and SO much better than pizza! My long day just got a whole lot better and I'm glad I stuck to it!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-59039219801435948662015-04-07T19:19:00.000-07:002015-04-07T19:19:17.551-07:00Day Six and SevenI got nothin'. <br />
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I know it's hard to believe that I have nothing to say. Keith is shocked.<br />
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That past two days were relatively uneventful, normal workdays. This morning I ran a 5k before work and did a leg workout after work. Breakfast this morning was an over-hard egg sandwiched between potato "cakes." It was delicious. Lunch was field greens topped with homemade chicken salad and dinner was pork chops, baked sweet potato fries and sauteed zucchini. I can't say I'm not eating well.<br />
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I feel good, but haven't noticed any changes or improvements yet. Apparently, great bouts of energy are headed my way; here's hoping!<br />
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Well, I guess that was a little something.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-60655915326976176242015-04-05T18:51:00.000-07:002015-04-05T18:51:06.138-07:00Day 5 - A day of interesting eatsDay 5 began with the leftover headache from last night. What the heck? I was beginning to wonder if I would or should keep up the program, but interestingly, after playing basketball with Keith for about an hour this afternoon, my headache just disappeared.<br />
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Breakfast this morning was sweet potato and blueberry waffles (from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Inspiralized-Vegetables-Healthy-Creative-Satisfying/dp/0804186839" target="_blank">Inspiralized</a> cookbook). I know it sounds odd, but it was warm, hearty deliciousness! Just a few simple ingredients and we had breakfast. Check it out:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFmMXXdxIs-4bXEIlvT4RCgpZtODCrtr9FvFWzRPuDIWovv3hIgwfQfmWjFpH26IW3gwtuPh6XbBtlRZmnv2NzKXnZ8pvVEg0tHZWsPVquxzJFr479FX4KcIG21Pory65QcG53J__zQ/s1600/20150405_100558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFmMXXdxIs-4bXEIlvT4RCgpZtODCrtr9FvFWzRPuDIWovv3hIgwfQfmWjFpH26IW3gwtuPh6XbBtlRZmnv2NzKXnZ8pvVEg0tHZWsPVquxzJFr479FX4KcIG21Pory65QcG53J__zQ/s1600/20150405_100558.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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Lunch was homemade chicken salad on top of field greens and veggies with a splash of olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper and basil. Also terrific!<br />
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We rounded out the day with triple coconut shrimp (dipped in coconut flour, eggs & coconut and then cooked in coconut oil), beet salad and kale chips. Life is pretty good!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-66106666874736366702015-04-04T19:37:00.001-07:002015-04-04T19:37:40.107-07:00Day 4 - headache, day twoI was hoping that my headache would be gone when I got up this morning, but unfortunately it has hung with me most of the day. Quite normal, apparently, headaches should be gone by tomorrow. <div>
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I spent a couple of hours this morning looking at ideas and recipes for meals that comply with the strict requirements. I always plan my week's meals out in advance to avoid the mid-week, "what the heck are we gonna eat" syndrome. I recognize that the only way to be 100% successful on this plan is to be completely prepared. So, armed with my list, I headed to the grocery store and had a bit of a shock at the end of the trip when I realized I spent quite a bit more than our normal budget. I am pretty excited about our menu choices this week though and will post results as I go.</div>
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For years, I have eaten smaller meals and snacked on fruit or yogurt in between, so I assumed it would be a struggle to adjust to the three meals a day, no snacking policy (strongly suggested, not a hard and fast rule). I admit that I have been pleasantly surprised that I can go 5 hours between meals without feeling famished. </div>
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I'll leave you with a picture of my breakfast this morning. It's not very exciting, but was pretty tasty.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-71645719591891558042015-04-03T19:12:00.000-07:002015-04-03T19:12:05.199-07:00Day Three Apparently right on cue, day three brought on a headache this afternoon; a constant dull ache, only moderately tempered by two aspirin. The eating plan has been relatively easy to follow and still no hunger pains. Breakfast was an egg scramble with leftover veggies from last night, and dinner was chicken cordon bleu (without the cheese), cauliflower mash (like mashed potatoes, but no milk) and green beans. The craving for gum wasn't as bad today, so perhaps I'm breaking the gum addiction. I even made it through our Friday happy hour at work by pouring LaCroix Sparkling Water into a wine glass. It's kind of a silly little trick, but it actually works.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-46969060261095119942015-04-02T19:01:00.000-07:002015-04-02T19:01:12.927-07:00Day 2 - Kitchen GadgetsAnyone who knows me well knows that I have a certain affinity for kitchen gadgets. So, to make meals a little more interesting while on Whole30, I bought myself a spiralizer. <br />
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It doesn't look like much, does it? Tonight I made zucchini "spaghetti" in place of soba noodles for the stir fry we had. Fantastic! <br />
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So, day 2 went smoothly. I didn't feel hungry between meals and my only difficulty (again) was the slight gum withdrawal I experienced after lunch.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-33415986971452911852015-04-01T20:02:00.000-07:002015-04-01T20:05:53.759-07:00Whole30 - Day 1<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; margin-bottom: 2.4rem; padding: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">For
those who don't want to be bored by my daily ramblings for the next 30
days...well, don't read this. As I said in my last post, I want to keep myself
accountable and committing to posting daily will help with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">If
you're still reading, you might want to know what<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://whole30.com/" target="_blank">Whole30</a> is and why I'm embarking
on this particular 30 day journey. The premise of Whole30 is that
"Certain food groups (like sugar, grains, dairy and legumes) could be
having a negative impact on your health and fitness without you even realizing
it." To find out if these foods are affecting you, you cut them out of
your diet completely for a full 30 days. No sugar, sugar substitute, grains,
dairy, legumes. NONE. Oh yeah, no alcohol either. Including
red wine, which prompted Keith to snort with a somewhat evil laugh "good
luck with that." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">OK,
"so why would you want to do such a thing?" you ask. Good
question. The main reason is the extra 30 pounds I've put on since the hike,
despite my best efforts, dieting, running, and working out. I also suffer from
terrible allergies that seem to be getting worse. And, I'm tired. I
haven't slept through the night in years. Will this cure all that ails
me? Maybe not, but I figure it's worth the sacrifice for 30 days to find
out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Today
was day 1 and so far, so good. I didn't have to modify the way I eat too
much, since lunch is usually salad and some kind of protein anyway. I
didn't feel like I was hungry between meals, so that was a nice change.
My only difficult time today came after lunch when I really, wanted a
piece of gum. It's like dessert to me. I admit freely that I'm
addicted to chewing gum. Hey, there are worse things. But, I'm
committed to the no cheating policy of the program, so I'll push through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">All in
all good day. Let's see how day 2 goes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-68301748506813304982015-03-29T18:59:00.002-07:002015-03-29T18:59:22.550-07:00It's been a whileSo folks, it's been a while since the last post about our Appalachian Trail thru hike. Quite a while. It's hard to believe that two years has passed since we started our hike. Just yesterday we pulled out the journal I kept and we read about our first days on the trail. What a longing to return to the trail! I can't explain the mystical pull of the trail, but for those who have been called it's a constant yearning, begging to be fulfilled. I remember back to when met others on the trail who were on their second thru hike and wondering why they would choose to do the same trail again. I understand now. For now, we satisfy ourselves with day hikes and a few overnight trips (breaking out the old tent).<br />
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We returned to Colorado and re-joined the working world and the land of busy once again. A lot has happened since our return: Keith returned to work with Natural Grocers, I got a job with a fantastic new company, my oldest daughter moved back in (with three cats) and we bought a house. Although we have settled down a bit, we are talking about a lot of exciting prospects for the future and are planning on next hike/walk on the El Camino in May 2016. In preparation, I have embarked on a daily routine of learning to speak Spanish. That's a story for another day.<br />
<br />
Our next camping hiking trip is coming up in June, where we will be joined by our best trail buddy Trouble and her fiance. It is a two-week road trip from Denver to the Grand Canyon and back through New Mexico, with plenty of stops along the way, My plan is to update the blog and post our daily stops.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I am about to embark on a 30 day lifestyle/diet plan called Whole30. I am going to use the blog to help keep me accountable, and will post daily updates about my progress.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-32646597838513839362013-10-01T12:21:00.002-07:002013-10-01T12:34:19.687-07:00Katahdin!!!The end has arrived. How surreal it was for us to reach the summit of Katahdin on September 29, 2013 after 193 days of hiking. This was our goal: 2185.9 miles to reach <em>this</em> summit. We made it.<br />
<br />
We could not have asked for a better day. We had clear blue skies and 75 degree weather. We could see for miles. The views of the mountains, the fall colors, and the myriad of lakes and ponds below was dazzling. As we reached the summit, we were greeted with cheers and applause from about two dozen of our fellow thru hikers who had already reached the top. Our friend Henry, who provided us with such amazing trail magic in New York, had joined us for the last fifteen miles. Trouble's boyfriend, Michael, also joined us for the hike to the summit and proposed to her at the top (she said yes). What a fitting finish to our long journey.<br />
<br />
Our first view of Katahdin<br />
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It is with mixed emotion that I write this post. As we hiked our last miles, I contemplated the parting words I should write that might adequately close the chapter. I don't think I have them. We were ready for the journey to end. We are ready to start a new adventure, like finding a new place to call home. And yet, it is with trepidation that we venture back into the non-trail world. I won't call it the real world, because life on the trail was real in a way I wish more people would embrace. Our community of hikers accepted one another unconditionally, offered friendship freely, and showed genuine warmth, kindness, and generosity. We laughed heartily every day, even those days when the weather was miserable and our moods were sullen.<br />
<br />
We didn't love every step, but we loved the whole adventure. It feels strange to trade in our tent and sleeping bags for a bed indoors. It feels strange to spend hours in a car instead of walking to our next destination. We have spent the last thousand miles and almost three months hiking with our friend Trouble and her dog Melkie. We have started every morning and ended every day with them. It was strange and sad to say our goodbyes and head to our separate non-trail lives.<br />
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I hope we can retain the life lessons we learned. I hope we will all continue to be more accepting and understanding. I hope we will focus on the good and offer others around us a taste of hiker goodness.<br />
<br />
To those who supported us and helped us, we thank you. Thank you to those who kept us fed and sent our food packages. We are ever grateful to those who offered us rides and opened their homes to us, complete strangers who were stinky and dirty. To all who left trail magic, you cannot know how much our spirits were lifted by coming across something as simple as an apple, a candy bar, or can of soda at a trailhead, and sometimes so much more. Many thanks. To my fellow hikers, you are all awesome! We love you all and will miss you. Thank you for your friendship. We have memories that will last a lifetime.<br />
<br />
I will sign off with these words: If you encounter mountains in your world, climb over them, one step at a time. And if life gets overwhelming, just head out for a walk in the woods. You just might see us there.<br />
<br />
Canadian Bacon a/k/a Dina<br />
p.s. in the coming weeks, I hope to put together a slide show of pics.<br />
<br />
Thoughts from Zen Master a/k/a Keith:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is it, I thought as we made our way along the trail
toward our summit of Mt Katahdin. This was the final day of our journey, and as
Dina said we could not have ordered up a more perfect day. I have so many
thoughts and feelings about this day and the rest of the journey that Dina has
already expressed that this may seem that it is coming from the same mind. For
those of you that know us best it comes as no surprise, we are so much in sync
with each other. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the past 193 days we have lived in the woods so to
speak, basically reducing our needs to their simplest level. All we really
needed was shelter, food, and water. While we carried our shelter, a tent,
there was always the need to find a location to pitch it. The food part, ditto,
we pretty much had that covered thanks to months of cooking and dehydrating our
meals. A special thanks to all of you who mailed boxes to us, keeping us fed
along the way. That only leaves the need for water which I kind of took to a
different level. So much so that Dina often said I was a water freak, as I
often carried more than what was needed. I’m getting off on a tangent here, so
I’ll get back to what the people and the trip meant to me. Going into to the
hike I did not really expect to become part of a group or think that so many bonds
would be formed so easily out here. How wonderful it would be if the rest of
society could be so readily accepting, and trusting of each other. While for
the most part the days would be spent hiking solo due to different hiking
speeds, it was always the breaks, or end of the day gatherings where you
realized just how much in common you each had with one another. You compared
feelings of how you thought the day was going or went, what were the high and
low points etc. or just shared time and space with someone out on the same
adventure. Everyone is quick to offer, or share with each other what they have
that might fill a need. To those of you that I have shared those moments with, I
will miss you all. How special it was to me to see so many of you gathered at
the summit, cheering us on for those final steps. Hugs were abundant. What a
great feeling of camaraderie and accomplishment shared by us all.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me this journey has been the fulfillment of a dream. One
shared by Dina, so yes how special it was to me to be able to share the journey
together. As I have told some of you it also goes deeper than that for me. My dad
often said in his later years that he wanted to live on a houseboat, but he
passed at a young age without fulfilling that dream. My daughter Stephanie,
whom I lost to cancer at the much too young age of twenty six, I’m sure must
have had dreams of things she would do someday, but never got the chance. We
all say it, one day I’m going to do this or do that, go here, or there. How sorry
and sad it makes me that they never got their chance. So in part this journey
was not only me fulfilling one of my dreams it was also for them. For all of
you reading this, as Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your
dreams”. Find a way to make your dreams come true. Take or make the time. Don’t
be the one later in life saying I wish I had done this or that. If only if I
had not worked so much I would have done…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It truly is the little things or gestures that were so very
meaningful and uplifting to us along the way. How enlightened our day was when
we came upon trail magic left for us. To those of you, I thank you so much. To
the other trail angels that seemed to go above and beyond, opening your homes
to us, picking us up road or trailside and taking us where we needed to go,
giving us free lodging or zero days when they were so truly needed, for you
words will not adequately express my feelings of gratitude. To all our trail
angels I can only promise that I will find a way to pay it forward. Again, what
a wonderful world it would be if everyone just did one random act of kindness
for another each day. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had such a great
time through it all. I love all of you that shared this journey with me making
it that much more special. I hope to see many of you again, who knows, maybe in
the woods, yes, I still love to hike. So as we parted so many times along the
journey I will close with the often heard “see you down the trail”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-76608993855381820572013-09-22T15:22:00.001-07:002013-09-22T15:22:55.405-07:00The Final StretchWe are now just a week away from our final steps on the trail. We entered the hundred mile wilderness today and slack packed fifteen miles, some through pouring rain. The terrain was typical Maine rocks, roots, and mud, but certainly gentler than what we experienced in southern Maine. <div><br></div><div>Our next post will tell of our summit experience!<br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXv3DCmM-ClsEIihS9aY3RE8YqwCl_z5LXO3cNbpxHp2gcSFhpfuwhFGeyaQXtRSauFpBooX5cwbIPNI9lQPC6EJofnEVawgFVDHY1noVvCvLjGz3aLftykhmQn1kkmGMHN7MLhPEoA/s640/blogger-image--1215252829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXv3DCmM-ClsEIihS9aY3RE8YqwCl_z5LXO3cNbpxHp2gcSFhpfuwhFGeyaQXtRSauFpBooX5cwbIPNI9lQPC6EJofnEVawgFVDHY1noVvCvLjGz3aLftykhmQn1kkmGMHN7MLhPEoA/s640/blogger-image--1215252829.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqDKPGuxlIUMGZsCDUChVfrDvBGI9VM842f5fuDLPLbuIP5aeyhyphenhyphenhCQYVJO0w97Euq-2CtoZPev1YyRDzftKeAKiu20vjuI-1ZJ61HqdJ2u076pk8LAWznU_d71YA9vJ-E15d249xww/s640/blogger-image--494410923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqDKPGuxlIUMGZsCDUChVfrDvBGI9VM842f5fuDLPLbuIP5aeyhyphenhyphenhCQYVJO0w97Euq-2CtoZPev1YyRDzftKeAKiu20vjuI-1ZJ61HqdJ2u076pk8LAWznU_d71YA9vJ-E15d249xww/s640/blogger-image--494410923.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKd2rk2rmdYqhVjfWWpRtaB_0OftTUhwc_8Oc24IRHoaQbDy3nmf7jk2J18Jwq5_vNPGxUdroKAN_ra-CRIAG5JTI0SZbNCvnoW_KxGGLdlPu8RX1q-yNxDAMLd_voO9A2kdX4q6V_A/s640/blogger-image--1179109542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKd2rk2rmdYqhVjfWWpRtaB_0OftTUhwc_8Oc24IRHoaQbDy3nmf7jk2J18Jwq5_vNPGxUdroKAN_ra-CRIAG5JTI0SZbNCvnoW_KxGGLdlPu8RX1q-yNxDAMLd_voO9A2kdX4q6V_A/s640/blogger-image--1179109542.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-46164363826714769342013-09-16T19:42:00.001-07:002013-09-16T19:52:41.790-07:00Maine<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well folks, I confess: I'm tired. Exhausted really. We are now only two miles from the 2000 mile mark, with 188.2 miles remaining. We are nearing the end and are looking forward to completing our trek. </div></div><div><br></div><div> Our journey through the Whites was slow and difficult. We are now in Maine, and the terrain, while different from New Hampshire, has been challenging and difficult. Imagine long, steep climbs up and down granite rock faces, some of which made us wonder if we should have rock climbing gear. Imagine hiking through days of rain and thunderstorms that roll in as you reach the peak of a mountain (truly not where you want to be in a thunderstorm, and yes, I shrieked like a little girl at the booming thunder overhead.) Imagine boulder fields and steep rocky descents. Imagine every size of tree root, all twisted and gnarled together in a path of mud and rocks, which are all treacherously slippery when wet. Imagine mud bogs, where you might sink to your knee in mud if you step in the wrong place <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">(yes, I did). </span>Imagine that you are gingerly proceeding down a rock face one baby step at a time only to have your feet suddenly come flying out from under you so that you land ungraciously with a thud on your ass. Imagine fording a river up to your thigh with a swift current. Imagine all of this while carrying a 35 plus pound pack on your back. At this point, you might be asking if we're crazy, or why in the world we continue. We ask ourselves the same questions from time to time. We are not always happy on our hike. And yet, we love it. The feeling of accomplishment when you conquer the worst possible conditions is part of what keeps us going. And, just when you need it, the most amazing views imaginable. We were descending a peak with gorgeous views of the valleys below the other day when I turned to Trouble and said, "Stop. Listen. It's so peaceful here." This is the answer to our why. </div><div><br></div><div>Next stop, Monson, ME, our last stop before the finish at Mount Katahdin. </div><div><br><div><br></div><div>Us, Two Socks, Trouble and Melkie at the Maine border. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hIbB3sR2Uhfc3khOTm_QZ8qsNw24zikdWekQ0xmLLcm8N-EvuXyygnz6ce6at_a1tGCm7JdfbvG4_D9bffoBQegpuSgvtx6atpb9r1J0c56zPJoPwUSdnBHN66amvKJhHNeE7abk2g/s640/blogger-image-1470892598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hIbB3sR2Uhfc3khOTm_QZ8qsNw24zikdWekQ0xmLLcm8N-EvuXyygnz6ce6at_a1tGCm7JdfbvG4_D9bffoBQegpuSgvtx6atpb9r1J0c56zPJoPwUSdnBHN66amvKJhHNeE7abk2g/s640/blogger-image-1470892598.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4kKqcEMRyk6phe_2JuOpGxnear-dCIxYpZVz2AhSZBejP8zn6eRaWjSl4inTCHzIoh0e6onWEBsTh8cfsTPf2E4uuiRlXhjHB_aoLUXagkO555zOvfl49jM1hv2DaJDgWX3DWhgQLg/s640/blogger-image-413700987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4kKqcEMRyk6phe_2JuOpGxnear-dCIxYpZVz2AhSZBejP8zn6eRaWjSl4inTCHzIoh0e6onWEBsTh8cfsTPf2E4uuiRlXhjHB_aoLUXagkO555zOvfl49jM1hv2DaJDgWX3DWhgQLg/s640/blogger-image-413700987.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSdtuTTu4U96fWy-sClxCnNpVanGVAA2xY4MGqB5ag5uYtDbBn8iWvfF0aqKFoRy0e-SbIcM0sprHcn7zHYIrT4C73RvNV44jOxHmGYwBtzQfzMZblFHKZJb911IOYQZznnpU8Brssw/s640/blogger-image-243106305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSdtuTTu4U96fWy-sClxCnNpVanGVAA2xY4MGqB5ag5uYtDbBn8iWvfF0aqKFoRy0e-SbIcM0sprHcn7zHYIrT4C73RvNV44jOxHmGYwBtzQfzMZblFHKZJb911IOYQZznnpU8Brssw/s640/blogger-image-243106305.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Two Socks fording one of the easier river crossings. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4Y4bheK6SJRJMfGsBjOr1nWAy4ZlEx2CT0ruQjEhavypppeGlIEx3g2LWuATmUO27-zjh6oGjfnjbw02_lTEH2G9N-00OofM4LkMXlWZ8bGFmUJkUB0buPX2_4hfpWhTxNogxfywYw/s640/blogger-image-668503416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnD5JGljzIm_qIthyphenhyphenu2MPXVxAaMFCnz-juhD6gdanaSEQ0f46hOm_iWgvTf4XYNCkDP8wQ-J2OF30T6tmjSXKEvPVLu6vzFrREsNjptMCTCBru328jzSz8ugDQ08yDtxtCahH8v6T2Q/s640/blogger-image--712265712.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHDZtQfnSuJwgm1aJqiduLpf3T33qrmnhLHiv_WSTwnk6NMK56ZsOk0GohoXJQsOpAkBEc9lzlkKZnsat2LGbz4gBreLXaIVgBR1wlVGIHxD9ot2ud35MONNoqsNz9nbhE_z_fmu8PQ/s640/blogger-image--656254063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHDZtQfnSuJwgm1aJqiduLpf3T33qrmnhLHiv_WSTwnk6NMK56ZsOk0GohoXJQsOpAkBEc9lzlkKZnsat2LGbz4gBreLXaIVgBR1wlVGIHxD9ot2ud35MONNoqsNz9nbhE_z_fmu8PQ/s640/blogger-image--656254063.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SaupftlEPHUcX2ABWucbuclBP46OcqSdjcv19N_YF61-mLLcgaV0UiBJUerf6WmW9H-2WKawtgpDJkutwuCLFqGxgD2nOlSZQcHndFFqS3pG-Z3P1mBfSxmTbJn5cYqG_9Vsk9zM4w/s640/blogger-image--2103368546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SaupftlEPHUcX2ABWucbuclBP46OcqSdjcv19N_YF61-mLLcgaV0UiBJUerf6WmW9H-2WKawtgpDJkutwuCLFqGxgD2nOlSZQcHndFFqS3pG-Z3P1mBfSxmTbJn5cYqG_9Vsk9zM4w/s640/blogger-image--2103368546.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZbZWe2d5lfwOON_WwjqH3LTi8pzFnw8bphSJR8iNaBTbvbUl7QxHKyYAMlTqcQBI9DWcVtI7NSNcJUnWcZYASH1Ppfuycnpsfsq1n35ofcNuMvWyHVNgdlh4IlrMBu1r0YHz3mNvFA/s640/blogger-image-1119792360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZbZWe2d5lfwOON_WwjqH3LTi8pzFnw8bphSJR8iNaBTbvbUl7QxHKyYAMlTqcQBI9DWcVtI7NSNcJUnWcZYASH1Ppfuycnpsfsq1n35ofcNuMvWyHVNgdlh4IlrMBu1r0YHz3mNvFA/s640/blogger-image-1119792360.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkHwQc09STj643ovoyq-u86qxfAbrdG7FiQwGq1SYvqeUmFpg0aZsaUDAA4hT-dwjIdrzxCVDrY-xjO1Lunq1E0JS0z8V9370sWqicD_RJUwS1jVWQKusMldeE7y_j2_4pXcFV7fbBA/s640/blogger-image-216930414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkHwQc09STj643ovoyq-u86qxfAbrdG7FiQwGq1SYvqeUmFpg0aZsaUDAA4hT-dwjIdrzxCVDrY-xjO1Lunq1E0JS0z8V9370sWqicD_RJUwS1jVWQKusMldeE7y_j2_4pXcFV7fbBA/s640/blogger-image-216930414.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Happy to be in town for resupply, laundry, showers, and lunch of a half pound burger. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo0kQBVQ2gbUr-wnKHleSG9sec-sR2h4Od-YF-4pKd9gAB5r_ILLi8O9juvK8DKb264ojS_rxxWjU-8ZMwjRDEaU-0e8Q6iGB4nH_-7dgeh0Q4jV47cn_QBDjgeqDBAtZigOJe9Mi_w/s640/blogger-image--1691303284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo0kQBVQ2gbUr-wnKHleSG9sec-sR2h4Od-YF-4pKd9gAB5r_ILLi8O9juvK8DKb264ojS_rxxWjU-8ZMwjRDEaU-0e8Q6iGB4nH_-7dgeh0Q4jV47cn_QBDjgeqDBAtZigOJe9Mi_w/s640/blogger-image--1691303284.jpg"></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVSKcCmFJts5NH_JD-hn5wLewk07ywl91WMqzl2kEmpggghTfryVytZN2pCrNYiTILlFQ4gZMFx5CRrQSZldPp5gZ6gpWieT9F2NrutA2vIRWrYoeD5QsHjTU0pk_rUM1_81h8MtKFA/s640/blogger-image-1700920205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVSKcCmFJts5NH_JD-hn5wLewk07ywl91WMqzl2kEmpggghTfryVytZN2pCrNYiTILlFQ4gZMFx5CRrQSZldPp5gZ6gpWieT9F2NrutA2vIRWrYoeD5QsHjTU0pk_rUM1_81h8MtKFA/s640/blogger-image-1700920205.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-13461449745601983262013-08-31T13:14:00.001-07:002013-08-31T13:14:40.934-07:00The Whites<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Since my last very short post, we have made slow progress through the White Mountains. The terrain is the most difficult we've encountered thus far, but also the most beautiful. We have had to readjust our mileage, finding that our longest day in the Whites has been twelve miles, a far cry from our previous 17 to 20 mile days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is difficult to explain to others how slow and difficult our hiking has been the last several days. Two days ago, it took four and a half hours to travel a mere three miles, and we were so exhausted that we set up camp instead of pushing on the extra five miles we had originally planned on doing. The day was cloudy and misty, and the pouring rain that we had hiked through the day before left everything slick. Most of our hike was over a jumble of rocks which when wet were treacherously slippery. Everyone in our group of four slipped and fell, and I was incredibly anxious that someone would be seriously injured. The day left us mentally and physically spent. We all decided a day off was in order, and are taking a much needed rest day in Gorham, NH. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are looking forward to crossing the border into Maine in a few days. Our last state! We have heard reports that the terrain is even more difficult than what we are currently traversing. That thought is a little daunting, but we will press on with our slow, steady pace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Internet and phone service has been intermittent, but hopefully we can post another update soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The waterfall beside the trail while climbing Mt. Moosilauke</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODSCuY56T7qCm9yCxHW9q5jJx_M2Ni9QnEKlD8GZQlHvbaEJJryQLg2ae8sD861RRDSZu90E0W2udEggEJjzNoZ5xbYeppj8NG0rCG34v0oDt6yDNDe0HYEqWRzifN6E7_-kPV0KyPw/s640/blogger-image-513001900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODSCuY56T7qCm9yCxHW9q5jJx_M2Ni9QnEKlD8GZQlHvbaEJJryQLg2ae8sD861RRDSZu90E0W2udEggEJjzNoZ5xbYeppj8NG0rCG34v0oDt6yDNDe0HYEqWRzifN6E7_-kPV0KyPw/s640/blogger-image-513001900.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy6KUzSed7d7tdfqh-fed9OZbE8JCZV3uGBs0xKyD3s-3HU6OxKL_QVzp3RTntr-jfHar-dcDU0zvjGntJGsssvzb9V8z-uYi3VDG72Aw_cVQOcTml7scScOrAMNFeFtDCFwg_hrDfA/s640/blogger-image-1748316341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy6KUzSed7d7tdfqh-fed9OZbE8JCZV3uGBs0xKyD3s-3HU6OxKL_QVzp3RTntr-jfHar-dcDU0zvjGntJGsssvzb9V8z-uYi3VDG72Aw_cVQOcTml7scScOrAMNFeFtDCFwg_hrDfA/s640/blogger-image-1748316341.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">View across the Franconia Ridge. This was our best day on the trail, hands down</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7TgrUm8IPSbUWzVWXN0v7EdKmRLI10vsdD2bjkvaDRN3HOKzRRQzAZDAbEaQNqSJ5ntjZdXlPMvS9F1dsG7kRKXiWLhD6i1V3lL9uNWH5n7bejfyvKNjLt66pAOviZmyzj2uShKQTw/s640/blogger-image-1830711664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7TgrUm8IPSbUWzVWXN0v7EdKmRLI10vsdD2bjkvaDRN3HOKzRRQzAZDAbEaQNqSJ5ntjZdXlPMvS9F1dsG7kRKXiWLhD6i1V3lL9uNWH5n7bejfyvKNjLt66pAOviZmyzj2uShKQTw/s640/blogger-image-1830711664.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNGFn8C6pHdMOEIg3Jh6w6uKeUEXK0y-LlTHv0ghIsYbkKjh6g3K54ZGEoaK1kaVE21eGneyeuj9NzUu6dvMdCCPgaj-rQibF-avxWmOEzLBWVzVlO6ySUzo8aXZDRxcCMv_S23Zmvw/s640/blogger-image--37988741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNGFn8C6pHdMOEIg3Jh6w6uKeUEXK0y-LlTHv0ghIsYbkKjh6g3K54ZGEoaK1kaVE21eGneyeuj9NzUu6dvMdCCPgaj-rQibF-avxWmOEzLBWVzVlO6ySUzo8aXZDRxcCMv_S23Zmvw/s640/blogger-image--37988741.jpg"></a></div>One of the huts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7Y-mYQ-1EWLLOcaig6rGgpSfWGG0Lj5-MCI9RqEGVqSWjv4KDt1dAt5bI_B51pJHAOrPmD7pYQUohivzhWpzCLMZJp6Vkqs6lFzl4XIhWxp4_XFeXH7e4eff64qRTzpM_kITvPXhmQ/s640/blogger-image-938603968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7Y-mYQ-1EWLLOcaig6rGgpSfWGG0Lj5-MCI9RqEGVqSWjv4KDt1dAt5bI_B51pJHAOrPmD7pYQUohivzhWpzCLMZJp6Vkqs6lFzl4XIhWxp4_XFeXH7e4eff64qRTzpM_kITvPXhmQ/s640/blogger-image-938603968.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee2LEMwowrix5UHNpFmd4918FBSXOrV5ctrIj7Y9chkdUoFZRPU5Cs7if-gB68hQ5MUbv-zAI9ak2Lk8dt53mia-oUiHiz8YNnAwtzTuHyMLqtwB-_9bZu1jRL9132pCJm-EWT6lvNQ/s640/blogger-image--628135150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee2LEMwowrix5UHNpFmd4918FBSXOrV5ctrIj7Y9chkdUoFZRPU5Cs7if-gB68hQ5MUbv-zAI9ak2Lk8dt53mia-oUiHiz8YNnAwtzTuHyMLqtwB-_9bZu1jRL9132pCJm-EWT6lvNQ/s640/blogger-image--628135150.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were surprised by this sign at the visitors center at the summit of Mt. Washington. We thought perhaps there might be showers or something else to distinguish it as a hiker restroom. Nothing. I, exhibiting my usual rebellious nature, promptly used the regular restrooms meant for the tourists. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy3-IHE80MrzTCOkWUefkn-E_d3Bf7dry8yTR25ooLdE0RIZgOniZ02_yoWo5p79umXl67TvxVl9k2WuAaWMX0rIvDNKOQOn4COUT6M2Zj-OxskUm-nNS139V4H918UxNnc7gVEIEVg/s640/blogger-image-176054550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicy3-IHE80MrzTCOkWUefkn-E_d3Bf7dry8yTR25ooLdE0RIZgOniZ02_yoWo5p79umXl67TvxVl9k2WuAaWMX0rIvDNKOQOn4COUT6M2Zj-OxskUm-nNS139V4H918UxNnc7gVEIEVg/s640/blogger-image-176054550.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of the difficult , rocky terrain we have encountered. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXIOX9lvVlc1aSmm_WfMiss93pvuadw_DNVAE0mPs8pfNZPIzJz4A-0eJCd_N5Qjk-OploQZv-2wCsC-ndrhTH3dZtgYSUhlvtVejbnKz9mhbP5YHaPOQdIQGlpMZ_UfyNtInOIQWXg/s640/blogger-image-1101019864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXIOX9lvVlc1aSmm_WfMiss93pvuadw_DNVAE0mPs8pfNZPIzJz4A-0eJCd_N5Qjk-OploQZv-2wCsC-ndrhTH3dZtgYSUhlvtVejbnKz9mhbP5YHaPOQdIQGlpMZ_UfyNtInOIQWXg/s640/blogger-image-1101019864.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The lake at Lake of the Clouds hut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yiwtOAM70RDl2lVtjvRUQaRRZaTgaFkPloPngFXc0gJPIhG1Ho6N6O9fMetLX8QW_Cd0rIn6pTP675jiEp3Kj9w_m7f67aXla2r2RQADEr__WBrUbItcn74O-aaVRMd9ivS4VE8g1w/s640/blogger-image-1698172760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yiwtOAM70RDl2lVtjvRUQaRRZaTgaFkPloPngFXc0gJPIhG1Ho6N6O9fMetLX8QW_Cd0rIn6pTP675jiEp3Kj9w_m7f67aXla2r2RQADEr__WBrUbItcn74O-aaVRMd9ivS4VE8g1w/s640/blogger-image-1698172760.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-71599717156970883712013-08-26T18:48:00.001-07:002013-08-26T18:48:48.048-07:00New HampshireI have so much to share and so little time! I am lying on my sleeping pad on a cot in a guy's garage: someone we just met this afternoon. We hiked into Crawford Notch this morning and then spent the afternoon doing our town chores. <div><br></div><div> I am sleepy and not in the mood to spend the hour or so typing on my phone to update the blog. However, I also know that there are folks our there wondering where the heck we are. We are currently making our way through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which are breathtakingly beautiful. 345.2 miles to go until we summit Mt. Katahdin! I promise more details when we take a day off. For now, a picture of us at the summit of Mt. Moosilauke. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1qOtP-NKhR8y0GeWfYS_C8nTSqDAp0loYAI3nNq2zTaZdMAGONcXtAmrDA1SoRvwzjrOWZPBan7H1eGjqkQe-2ipHZeHkKIumSlt-k9Mza2d5QfaqgVB_3HMnSbbxddxVCpPglInVQ/s640/blogger-image--798712974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1qOtP-NKhR8y0GeWfYS_C8nTSqDAp0loYAI3nNq2zTaZdMAGONcXtAmrDA1SoRvwzjrOWZPBan7H1eGjqkQe-2ipHZeHkKIumSlt-k9Mza2d5QfaqgVB_3HMnSbbxddxVCpPglInVQ/s640/blogger-image--798712974.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-24202208913934701842013-08-13T12:58:00.001-07:002013-08-13T14:19:15.170-07:001700 miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sadly, I have not written in my journal for a week, which means this post will be fairly short. We are still in Vermont, in a little town on the trail called Killington, at mile 1701.5, currently waiting out another rain soaked day at Mountain Meadows Lodge (view from the sitting room below).</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1wYvIh9AW0qyNtYDU7e1xP4Sl3dnETkUY8GWjG9__LbWfgPGmJtzkrlx22m9-E11I_ZAs0AGSoALXg5P4DfBpUxqL-J2Bi6Z5zCe0x4dTR-q5Jj9rL01FqAYlAuuM7WSN5jLAIaaoA/s640/blogger-image--1275753779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1wYvIh9AW0qyNtYDU7e1xP4Sl3dnETkUY8GWjG9__LbWfgPGmJtzkrlx22m9-E11I_ZAs0AGSoALXg5P4DfBpUxqL-J2Bi6Z5zCe0x4dTR-q5Jj9rL01FqAYlAuuM7WSN5jLAIaaoA/s640/blogger-image--1275753779.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Vermont has earned its reputation as the mud state. The trail will be dry and hard packed, and then out of nowhere we find ourselves trudging through thick patches of squishy mud. </div><div><br></div><div>Vermont has also been a reintroduction to climbing mountains again. We climbed Stratton Mountain, which is where Benton MacKaye conceived the idea for the Appalachian Trail, and the next day Bromley Mtn. which is host to ski slopes. </div><div><br></div><div>Below is a collection of photos for this week. Perhaps next week I'll be more detailed. </div><div><br></div><div>These two girls were working on the trail as we climbed Stratton Mtn. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgzE-MmGTNNTI-SEsAksCggPdgaAX55U2V9WOFcwE6n2TA4iRcerv2ORXLfmVdvxgrb7pNXMrLdB2MR-PmDqrmSD2FCcRvCQRnIDFXsqUcjRh4nQYeIQChw77yhtqG2iNz7H50Df2og/s640/blogger-image--495728695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgzE-MmGTNNTI-SEsAksCggPdgaAX55U2V9WOFcwE6n2TA4iRcerv2ORXLfmVdvxgrb7pNXMrLdB2MR-PmDqrmSD2FCcRvCQRnIDFXsqUcjRh4nQYeIQChw77yhtqG2iNz7H50Df2og/s640/blogger-image--495728695.jpg"></a></div></div><div>View below from atop the fire tower. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKperDx3eUk6J_rQdneSM04XFDCRWspROYPpkzgIUkQ1suHzbMpagPwLhf0KVo9kZ8W06oUVFXoM0RY1eXCrKe9xXgvYLeFFUg86w7BKB9icp2w_3ODbM2YsHnCm3m7G1GDprfJ8KRQ/s640/blogger-image-1355840645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKperDx3eUk6J_rQdneSM04XFDCRWspROYPpkzgIUkQ1suHzbMpagPwLhf0KVo9kZ8W06oUVFXoM0RY1eXCrKe9xXgvYLeFFUg86w7BKB9icp2w_3ODbM2YsHnCm3m7G1GDprfJ8KRQ/s640/blogger-image-1355840645.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Stratton Pond shelter. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilauVnJbKOBLx4Wok-tlPEZzo5XwY4LZDbUDFvND7R8pgU_C2uCs4B0KpAda87G7p09BihAB71SY6e25Gu4bLQv-JLWOZgEDsgbUOhe04P4xaBfBVaeryCQZKXxchbB4SgOz770jeeg/s640/blogger-image-815419366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilauVnJbKOBLx4Wok-tlPEZzo5XwY4LZDbUDFvND7R8pgU_C2uCs4B0KpAda87G7p09BihAB71SY6e25Gu4bLQv-JLWOZgEDsgbUOhe04P4xaBfBVaeryCQZKXxchbB4SgOz770jeeg/s640/blogger-image-815419366.jpg"></a></div>Stratton Pond. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ1_k8yqwF3rVu_LHc543xWuYYhE7VrUuAEUxWmaX330c0S3F8mzCuz2MnFcWvGNWKs0t1SE76oqIuvKW_qnat5qXXovsPhog5ZeOJ4vNhDilAK_YMTygDb1goNlRcwbizwLPzQvVTw/s640/blogger-image-1787441312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZ1_k8yqwF3rVu_LHc543xWuYYhE7VrUuAEUxWmaX330c0S3F8mzCuz2MnFcWvGNWKs0t1SE76oqIuvKW_qnat5qXXovsPhog5ZeOJ4vNhDilAK_YMTygDb1goNlRcwbizwLPzQvVTw/s640/blogger-image-1787441312.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>View of sunrise from Kid Gore Shelter</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EDXc2_gpgbfXRlXyL1J5ukp213Jhnl4joofgXvteA0Jd7BajHAdjLMFBhIcNt7BLtij0vNYRFAEWS6B7aI52YinXk5l4L1oRoOcHvjtuIw4wRt4TQZF-T5W7-x2kq3Lk86g6lFfvww/s640/blogger-image--606871246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EDXc2_gpgbfXRlXyL1J5ukp213Jhnl4joofgXvteA0Jd7BajHAdjLMFBhIcNt7BLtij0vNYRFAEWS6B7aI52YinXk5l4L1oRoOcHvjtuIw4wRt4TQZF-T5W7-x2kq3Lk86g6lFfvww/s640/blogger-image--606871246.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Our stop at Green Mountain House in Manchester Center. The owner, Jeff, hung a Canadian flag in Trouble's and my honor. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlYkrWEEJeDz4YbbWmixxgjioAs4sGDQZYILS9_FWwv1i_ppZFX96buoQc5ZrbDTp8LZJN_uSDGypnUcb9pQzEzjON1z4-IRiGULd6zcR34qX6VBF-0-nPSMSnqqvDDlyqYFP-B2iAA/s640/blogger-image--675787157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlYkrWEEJeDz4YbbWmixxgjioAs4sGDQZYILS9_FWwv1i_ppZFX96buoQc5ZrbDTp8LZJN_uSDGypnUcb9pQzEzjON1z4-IRiGULd6zcR34qX6VBF-0-nPSMSnqqvDDlyqYFP-B2iAA/s640/blogger-image--675787157.jpg"></a></div><div>Zen Master made salads to go with our lasagna and garlic bread. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y1jv0G4YveRb20vu4A56WOplU006OBHFUJKVjsLKuRFCwUfYiqML00dnru0SjMua3kQ_uwOmVgx46YBgSSe0af72SAIeu86UlyECp4uAR06_F3K7_5PI5SCeUDsmRsqBiHiyjqQi4g/s640/blogger-image--931508832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Y1jv0G4YveRb20vu4A56WOplU006OBHFUJKVjsLKuRFCwUfYiqML00dnru0SjMua3kQ_uwOmVgx46YBgSSe0af72SAIeu86UlyECp4uAR06_F3K7_5PI5SCeUDsmRsqBiHiyjqQi4g/s640/blogger-image--931508832.jpg"></a></div>Two Socks and Melkie</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeC5ZTuTm4YCcsETFPjVZ8P5_rt5_QECTdnOy93bjsAqlDY3ozNK2lilkJR6v2n-8heKd_2eSYWMjMyEzxxGKZmOY7EKlXbx6YgX5WFVReMzR18RPRDqVVmyUvg2W7QxaTfYrxd0MiA/s640/blogger-image-638328082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeC5ZTuTm4YCcsETFPjVZ8P5_rt5_QECTdnOy93bjsAqlDY3ozNK2lilkJR6v2n-8heKd_2eSYWMjMyEzxxGKZmOY7EKlXbx6YgX5WFVReMzR18RPRDqVVmyUvg2W7QxaTfYrxd0MiA/s640/blogger-image-638328082.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Me on the ski lift atop of Bromley. A ride up would have been nice. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLBhKonzWsQLDvPAvP2OG7RItSkeQzX_FNdeubmSvUqEXRK6_h14gu7SEOJBk4aHTxwab9FIEiyE8bz6dqYJZicGFDM-PTqdX3cuKXl6dw_fRkMFwZmVSmeFbSRTleCyzUI_9Nx9klw/s640/blogger-image--1189490483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLBhKonzWsQLDvPAvP2OG7RItSkeQzX_FNdeubmSvUqEXRK6_h14gu7SEOJBk4aHTxwab9FIEiyE8bz6dqYJZicGFDM-PTqdX3cuKXl6dw_fRkMFwZmVSmeFbSRTleCyzUI_9Nx9klw/s640/blogger-image--1189490483.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Zen Master found a little friend. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD3iwtpimPCJfYFswcmWJRQ19-nvhN8D2hY_DhjxQDeSzos1WB-PeK4u9E1HC7x-JrucbN8N4OpPtFTqCrTx3ydUXVvn_JkvdbjFO75XqwJc5tFbe92JxB92eBV1swasBdMeFi68SBw/s640/blogger-image-1190860849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD3iwtpimPCJfYFswcmWJRQ19-nvhN8D2hY_DhjxQDeSzos1WB-PeK4u9E1HC7x-JrucbN8N4OpPtFTqCrTx3ydUXVvn_JkvdbjFO75XqwJc5tFbe92JxB92eBV1swasBdMeFi68SBw/s640/blogger-image-1190860849.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We came across two areas filled with hundreds of cairns - amazing!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkSTm9CV9DV99imwXd8gdkcfFmxHhIMrJsljAGOrzDUC2qva0hRVLxorZ8QWBzzx3U7epAfk1TQgGCmAuMrdOi5NrjXtSkNZ_7VW7fqVSzmqp4RUxSL-LyPUR8uaAzej6zw_j3kQh9A/s640/blogger-image--1874487540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkSTm9CV9DV99imwXd8gdkcfFmxHhIMrJsljAGOrzDUC2qva0hRVLxorZ8QWBzzx3U7epAfk1TQgGCmAuMrdOi5NrjXtSkNZ_7VW7fqVSzmqp4RUxSL-LyPUR8uaAzej6zw_j3kQh9A/s640/blogger-image--1874487540.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrFMlaW-vY7zj43p8itfVY1ccqn67pfggLRQf2Hu3P3RJ_kz03Bngq_Qd_-Naw6z8plBMTecrHAzeMjkjzPXcvpar9MglARmuBy0e6M75MiMvXt0JTghPmVW7a3YAmb_iG0zAXETIOQ/s640/blogger-image--623313165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrFMlaW-vY7zj43p8itfVY1ccqn67pfggLRQf2Hu3P3RJ_kz03Bngq_Qd_-Naw6z8plBMTecrHAzeMjkjzPXcvpar9MglARmuBy0e6M75MiMvXt0JTghPmVW7a3YAmb_iG0zAXETIOQ/s640/blogger-image--623313165.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Maneuvering around a fallen tree on the trail. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHmpaoWaNywuTXy7vD7RaXLVJ-_8rX99GTRZTLLArWgrxmi8QzhjtPBf_zYxtk8scBioYjyosJ1i2NZz7v7JhpXFkl0Pa_f7AlkxpAsHRfDOUO0PW03jx3Oxd3mEagH7p4uvBI8-s9Q/s640/blogger-image--795043488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHmpaoWaNywuTXy7vD7RaXLVJ-_8rX99GTRZTLLArWgrxmi8QzhjtPBf_zYxtk8scBioYjyosJ1i2NZz7v7JhpXFkl0Pa_f7AlkxpAsHRfDOUO0PW03jx3Oxd3mEagH7p4uvBI8-s9Q/s640/blogger-image--795043488.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Here we are at the marker for 500 miles left. Two Socks, Trouble, me, Zen Master, and Melkie. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0IPiR61jRSNUUbGJUsmnaZ7lrOiKhT-CNFg59GaV86cOj2-ltkNcPPjARn0K63pZlzbP5sY6nqN1UzZqUsEHh8BFDrwfiMsoCnnWpoSq26An9U26kEJbTjQ9_pDm-rwraAhTYZbYfA/s640/blogger-image--2094709397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0IPiR61jRSNUUbGJUsmnaZ7lrOiKhT-CNFg59GaV86cOj2-ltkNcPPjARn0K63pZlzbP5sY6nqN1UzZqUsEHh8BFDrwfiMsoCnnWpoSq26An9U26kEJbTjQ9_pDm-rwraAhTYZbYfA/s640/blogger-image--2094709397.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Melkie shows his happiness by rolling in his back. I thought it would be fun to do the same. Melkie approved. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6g-6HZcxXqI2TXdFgvIN_ChrfJsd4tdiy1zdFzjxujnLDsdRD6pYUwmgwZnhEwPZENyc4RYKsgTbApGHT555iCfUHTJCs4kr8y6jh_x5-xERpxfnD1njbSj6TqK418R8-pjQ48FJz8g/s640/blogger-image--650782637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6g-6HZcxXqI2TXdFgvIN_ChrfJsd4tdiy1zdFzjxujnLDsdRD6pYUwmgwZnhEwPZENyc4RYKsgTbApGHT555iCfUHTJCs4kr8y6jh_x5-xERpxfnD1njbSj6TqK418R8-pjQ48FJz8g/s640/blogger-image--650782637.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Crossing a stream. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP5YQMZQXixR2MeJquPwiTe9wQ0Em4iB3Ly2XQzb5t1JY2lPjajsu5G1hmycDecIeFhyphenhyphenMbIASiby4cOSmD9ZCy38s7-VZi1HSfYJ8otC_VcTSU1NHR-p7LK5PhVZwGom9b8GdoLhM6A/s640/blogger-image-1709914313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP5YQMZQXixR2MeJquPwiTe9wQ0Em4iB3Ly2XQzb5t1JY2lPjajsu5G1hmycDecIeFhyphenhyphenMbIASiby4cOSmD9ZCy38s7-VZi1HSfYJ8otC_VcTSU1NHR-p7LK5PhVZwGom9b8GdoLhM6A/s640/blogger-image-1709914313.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We're a few days from Hanover, New Hampshire, our second to last state. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Till next time, Canadian Bacon out. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-65188345462447327392013-08-04T13:36:00.001-07:002013-08-04T14:27:15.315-07:00Vermont<div>Our hike through Massachusetts was a reintroduction to some higher elevation, which we haven't seen for awhile. After a long climb a few days ago, we were treated to some magnificent views of Massachusetts. My phone pictures can't adequately capture most views, but I liked this picture of the morning clouds over the valley. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbQ0mYuckvr49YFOaVALYZsKadMUc-qR2N-_41bgyUQsxpQN4CCvFHqZtRdQpHh5SUzC3mLTbYumMaijacdt6082ZbkTQOEl2qY0IQLv9T6m2t4A-6vxNkEitJ9d1PY-v-J9Cu6fm8A/s640/blogger-image--718062158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbQ0mYuckvr49YFOaVALYZsKadMUc-qR2N-_41bgyUQsxpQN4CCvFHqZtRdQpHh5SUzC3mLTbYumMaijacdt6082ZbkTQOEl2qY0IQLv9T6m2t4A-6vxNkEitJ9d1PY-v-J9Cu6fm8A/s640/blogger-image--718062158.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We camped one night at the site of an old Shaker settlement. It was interesting to read the history of the site and see a stone wall remnant from the settlement. </div><div>The next day, we had a shorter hike of ten miles and spent the afternoon relaxing at the Upper Goose Pond cabin. The cabin host volunteers treated all the hikers to a breakfast of blueberry pancakes and coffee. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicudPFjvk2q9goA39Kp4J2ygmLM_I5ueuUxj4MenxVU7y48cAstR4FmTw2zDOS84kCmb9P5zbBsZRiSQ3DiWQiHuREcVCZgxkI1xJOcc1RwObz2AMrPr7ZFH-CWCO5YsdjFj3nrKYEpw/s640/blogger-image--425839661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicudPFjvk2q9goA39Kp4J2ygmLM_I5ueuUxj4MenxVU7y48cAstR4FmTw2zDOS84kCmb9P5zbBsZRiSQ3DiWQiHuREcVCZgxkI1xJOcc1RwObz2AMrPr7ZFH-CWCO5YsdjFj3nrKYEpw/s640/blogger-image--425839661.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The trail took us through the small town of Dalton, MA, where we passed Crane & Co. the factory where the paper for all US currency originates. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M0HwmuipCq9oOhYaaXOSUxwCcsZ7ejgSz8_Fw9thLTJTxZJDd5CCBY1n-0lR5RsjQQDg1ygBjUxDSQr8NJkABii6ns-l1LnzA7Ixnwk6AFTx14WzOg1t7E87v7gxb7TfZI95dz4bZA/s640/blogger-image-1531611838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M0HwmuipCq9oOhYaaXOSUxwCcsZ7ejgSz8_Fw9thLTJTxZJDd5CCBY1n-0lR5RsjQQDg1ygBjUxDSQr8NJkABii6ns-l1LnzA7Ixnwk6AFTx14WzOg1t7E87v7gxb7TfZI95dz4bZA/s640/blogger-image-1531611838.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Goofing off a bit on the trail, some of us stopped to climb a tree. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_f99GhG_D1Bth8xsWeTx-pMVpTsE1Q4aCj5i8aOmRU50TivpcAzXdG0AO7zlkVsZ1BOvYScbUd-ZDiBrAw8Nq7j8C2YnjdMRXhWHsQQTh5YEwfOdy5uVMEUaGZHSAsBbxg0NTaYUAw/s640/blogger-image-712209350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_f99GhG_D1Bth8xsWeTx-pMVpTsE1Q4aCj5i8aOmRU50TivpcAzXdG0AO7zlkVsZ1BOvYScbUd-ZDiBrAw8Nq7j8C2YnjdMRXhWHsQQTh5YEwfOdy5uVMEUaGZHSAsBbxg0NTaYUAw/s640/blogger-image-712209350.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>We climbed Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in MA at 3491 feet. There were terrific views of the Green, Catskills, and Taconic mountain ranges. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnntZUKW8kSEabDbR5WCyEFFh0ifbu0F0Lv5XJ4tu66izff17YmWDL2FSmtOr-CsEcLnASxa8VbJApnWuxBBklkGwUhw28v9XPr31yYH0gNDEZyyOegEtVYubMYc0HMCWvLzTGhq1ORA/s640/blogger-image-103396425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnntZUKW8kSEabDbR5WCyEFFh0ifbu0F0Lv5XJ4tu66izff17YmWDL2FSmtOr-CsEcLnASxa8VbJApnWuxBBklkGwUhw28v9XPr31yYH0gNDEZyyOegEtVYubMYc0HMCWvLzTGhq1ORA/s640/blogger-image-103396425.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Veterans War Memorial Tower at the summit. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmHG6YxWgYa5WcEyTWmOXURXJuEuIDQ7U7nrCphdrEYn4ZyaUidEFbQ91Pqim2nFDZxz1w9g0w_yayOeBVw75Kz2EPlDUa3dLL-FD2R3sWn8X2Vrk20jKeEgpkhyCIAt6W4Mn1Fj3JA/s640/blogger-image--1657490947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmHG6YxWgYa5WcEyTWmOXURXJuEuIDQ7U7nrCphdrEYn4ZyaUidEFbQ91Pqim2nFDZxz1w9g0w_yayOeBVw75Kz2EPlDUa3dLL-FD2R3sWn8X2Vrk20jKeEgpkhyCIAt6W4Mn1Fj3JA/s640/blogger-image--1657490947.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We have entered Vermont and realized quickly why it is nicknamed "Vermud."</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); clear: both; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTLv4mmtV68Y3begk6y1FSM0jNJsTELteQPvJt1z8X-ng0VYpQLM4O_j1wViPXWj0zZRlJswKof7l1SHtz9FySynknlxdSnASk8K7EMcE_5MMi9b4mCzm_qqUGFaSYJDu4MFSWIg2YQ/s640/blogger-image-1672256271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTLv4mmtV68Y3begk6y1FSM0jNJsTELteQPvJt1z8X-ng0VYpQLM4O_j1wViPXWj0zZRlJswKof7l1SHtz9FySynknlxdSnASk8K7EMcE_5MMi9b4mCzm_qqUGFaSYJDu4MFSWIg2YQ/s640/blogger-image-1672256271.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div>Although we still have almost six hundred miles to go, we are fast approaching the last quarter of the trail and are beginning to feel the pull of Katahdin and the end. Of course, we have the Whites to contend with before then, and as we get closer each day, the excitement of being back in some real mountains is mixed with a little fear of the challenge. Our legs and backs are stronger, but also tired from the wear and tear of 1600 miles. I've developed a nagging foot pain in my left heel that I am trying to treat with stretching and massage. We also slack-packed for two days (hiked without packs, which Miss Janet, a true trail angel brought forward for us). I'm hoping that getting new insoles in a few days will help too. <div><br></div><div>As I reread my last post, I realized that I had forgotten to mention some trail magic that I received which has been a true blessing: Beth, many thanks to you and Joe for loading and mailing an IPod the same day I asked you. Your response was above and beyond, as always. We miss you!</div><div><br></div><div>Next stop Manchester Center, Vermont. </div><div><div><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-44943395066964287522013-07-28T13:17:00.001-07:002013-07-28T14:27:52.541-07:001500<div>We have crossed another milestone 1500 miles! Less than 700 miles to go. </div><div><br></div><div>When I wrote my last post, we were sitting in a laundromat in Pawling, New York. I had written about our previous "trail magic", but little did I know that we were about to be the recipients of more New York generosity. When we finished our town chores, we headed back to the local garden center, where the owner allows thru hikers to camp for free. Coincidentally, an event was being held at the garden center for thru hikers in the "Warrior Hike Walk off the War Program." <span style="text-align: justify; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The “Walk Off The War” Program is designed to support combat veterans transitioning from military service by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. We were invited to the event and the barbecue being held after at a local farm. We were treated to a delightful dinner, and then were invited by a local couple to spend a night at their house. We have been so grateful for the kindness of complete strangers. It truly warms the soul. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our hosts in Pawling, Hugh and Valerie. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hugh thru hiked the AT in 1976</span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4m3SPYBoJqV1vknMG3oJZFr6y_6WwvLRerMvVWYD96aog0N9vjdbqnesx_FUAqHkjhSzSQFT2k2rw4xrpmmB2pS1fIks8_Ks6mJtZOO-vKKZva-jBPZ_WqPkQOR25O6JxsOaHVKydg/s640/blogger-image--1663618116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4m3SPYBoJqV1vknMG3oJZFr6y_6WwvLRerMvVWYD96aog0N9vjdbqnesx_FUAqHkjhSzSQFT2k2rw4xrpmmB2pS1fIks8_Ks6mJtZOO-vKKZva-jBPZ_WqPkQOR25O6JxsOaHVKydg/s640/blogger-image--1663618116.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div>We entered Connecticut and started to meet southbound or SOBO thru hikers who started in Maine the end of May and early June. It has been exciting for us to meet the SOBO's and ask them questions about our upcoming terrain. </div><div><br></div><div>One day our hike included a difficult descent down steep rocky terrain that would have been more fun without a backpack. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK13VwEH6YoZAh9_H3lRKmJArRCH0z-LFxRDrZ6ZKhQxmDTlxbIwloKTokYM5veOiA3SZeDbqqri7UkjG_amNPMleSTKszJdIOKxlLlkMCDr4qbbeKzJoV33CJorbs_7-WTtAFRERVjQ/s640/blogger-image-1550473514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK13VwEH6YoZAh9_H3lRKmJArRCH0z-LFxRDrZ6ZKhQxmDTlxbIwloKTokYM5veOiA3SZeDbqqri7UkjG_amNPMleSTKszJdIOKxlLlkMCDr4qbbeKzJoV33CJorbs_7-WTtAFRERVjQ/s640/blogger-image-1550473514.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>But, We came out to the Housatonic River where we sat and had lunch. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9D_tAF1B0qxO97Rwodi93Rq0MhQQKd0VMDhnU1zZPMh5cOReiBDaw_oXvbL2FoWAPJoZ87kgTU8bMXMsa9sVTRNZQqr5DkvV56pRACFjB6-dupYo2ULg6sgJdSmSkl8BVK7pxNceSfw/s640/blogger-image-1551016222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9D_tAF1B0qxO97Rwodi93Rq0MhQQKd0VMDhnU1zZPMh5cOReiBDaw_oXvbL2FoWAPJoZ87kgTU8bMXMsa9sVTRNZQqr5DkvV56pRACFjB6-dupYo2ULg6sgJdSmSkl8BVK7pxNceSfw/s640/blogger-image-1551016222.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8_mO4PyX8ruX1FCLddmqytKdvFaymHTVyBhf-GkLfj4aPs3tpZX3xlf5BzIB9VzX0Qw9kwmd2mUPdFMEVz6HYFlV4jLvLOuelrB_wmhqaUHjCbrTE9kgPbW6VAEeBJVv_B9R4it4GA/s640/blogger-image--624762546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8_mO4PyX8ruX1FCLddmqytKdvFaymHTVyBhf-GkLfj4aPs3tpZX3xlf5BzIB9VzX0Qw9kwmd2mUPdFMEVz6HYFlV4jLvLOuelrB_wmhqaUHjCbrTE9kgPbW6VAEeBJVv_B9R4it4GA/s640/blogger-image--624762546.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A couple of days later, we came into Falls Village, CT. I had my first experience of being discriminated against for being a thru hiker. Our group of four went to Falls Village Inn where there is a bar in the back. Although there was no one else in the bar, it was evident that we were not wanted. We witnessed three other hikers who were met at the front door and asked to wait out on the porch, even though they told the hostess they had a room reservation in the Inn. As we left, we saw a Maserati, a Ferrari, and a Porsche parked out front. Clearly, money abounds in the area and we were out of our element. If only we had been wearing white pants like all the other ladies in town! On the flip side, a local toy maker</div><div>allows thru hikers to camp for free on his property. He and his wife have a cafe in the ground level and we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and coffee before heading back out on the trail. </div><div><br></div><div>Our hike took us up to the highest peak in CT, Bear Mountain, at 2316 feet. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP7muzOwabE-e5WMODAfnMLsSNbX3e-5KHEMB6IDJb1XquBsdL7zo25_fjjuRF0gncNj0GFCvNFtG2fmFWBsg7ODHlNUnpSqtm0oBclw_ftawPyoUkaAzryM9OIXTJ6bqXKEf4hWgPw/s640/blogger-image--1626858617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGP7muzOwabE-e5WMODAfnMLsSNbX3e-5KHEMB6IDJb1XquBsdL7zo25_fjjuRF0gncNj0GFCvNFtG2fmFWBsg7ODHlNUnpSqtm0oBclw_ftawPyoUkaAzryM9OIXTJ6bqXKEf4hWgPw/s640/blogger-image--1626858617.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>That evening we crossed the state line into Massachusetts. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxENEna5SmEk-7gVKMJCYVzNO1bY5eQjkp5QV12qNLor22R7E28q-72ohCUpp7yFsDL75paOC9s05RZGWk1-mripIYdTKyvfEtUH8akMsWz0rzjOT6cMQJ3glm9CmUk7qtggJFSh6SJQ/s640/blogger-image-1417890205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxENEna5SmEk-7gVKMJCYVzNO1bY5eQjkp5QV12qNLor22R7E28q-72ohCUpp7yFsDL75paOC9s05RZGWk1-mripIYdTKyvfEtUH8akMsWz0rzjOT6cMQJ3glm9CmUk7qtggJFSh6SJQ/s640/blogger-image-1417890205.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Waterfalls near our campsite. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDAWHaSwnb8Ti4z453TyrglfLdlqLY8WfpbE0SW1WE06vuDF-G2Vd1TR7pT1bYVMxpEi_uMjcFLxTrPIooX0qnpqh86viGtz2daZvsWbWeUUeYD2KamrsHQaThyphenhypheno0NYnHj83Hj4TA7A/s640/blogger-image--783660275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDAWHaSwnb8Ti4z453TyrglfLdlqLY8WfpbE0SW1WE06vuDF-G2Vd1TR7pT1bYVMxpEi_uMjcFLxTrPIooX0qnpqh86viGtz2daZvsWbWeUUeYD2KamrsHQaThyphenhypheno0NYnHj83Hj4TA7A/s640/blogger-image--783660275.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We expect to get through Mass. in another five or six days and then on into Vermont. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'll sign off this post with a fitting quote:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">"The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there"</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Robert M. Pirsig</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-91283979878110016092013-07-19T19:03:00.001-07:002013-07-22T10:51:50.257-07:00Heat Wave!The past six days we have been in New York and enduring a heat wave that included heat indexes of 111. Crazy hot hiking weather. I must confess that were it not for the generosity of Henry and Lola, our hosts for four days, hiking would have been unbearable. More details below. <div><div><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">New Jersey started with the same rocky trail that PA had, but gradually became more "trail" like. We had an interesting portion of trail about a mile long which was a boardwalk over a swampy marsh area. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLHn2viEm1WgL3bzXbex4Pz1o4gjBSBZN6_LlWyc7ZKKzdkBaawf2KinCsVGSl_e9tpx3GZuWePDeNwmt40x5UkcXJweEmDG9T76dYAZJt2xe4EeKrptuc7pzLPgmoigj9_u_KNx9eQ/s640/blogger-image--1587527146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLHn2viEm1WgL3bzXbex4Pz1o4gjBSBZN6_LlWyc7ZKKzdkBaawf2KinCsVGSl_e9tpx3GZuWePDeNwmt40x5UkcXJweEmDG9T76dYAZJt2xe4EeKrptuc7pzLPgmoigj9_u_KNx9eQ/s640/blogger-image--1587527146.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">We were surprised by the many swampy areas we hiked through in NJ. As you might imagine, there are an incredible number of swarming blood thirsty mosquitos and we have already started on our third bottle of bug spray. </span><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); ">Since we missed our opportunity in the Shenandoah National Park to see bears, we had hoped we would have better luck in NJ. We did indeed! Keith has now seen three bears, one of whom he startled as we came up over a small ridge. The bear, apparently frightened by the new pirate look Keith is sporting, took off at a gallop down the trail and then off into the woods. <br><div><br></div><div>We stayed two nights in the basement of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Vernon, NJ, which has a room set aside as a hiker hostel. We were glad for the day off since we had done several 19 and 20 mile days in a row. Our evening off included sharing a pint of ice cream and watching Beauty and the Beast. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQhEPz9NgORFvnvvBNXMScaogolwDxH3Ar0_4z7NrF21163n-X8pZrMuZgpnHIlxuzZOJxzow8kfAHzCeEdxZ4PBWJAc36RAgo8uNpb1iYOVwwYTAKRQG6pnsTihapqgRUDUdjpMgyg/s640/blogger-image-1519655944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQhEPz9NgORFvnvvBNXMScaogolwDxH3Ar0_4z7NrF21163n-X8pZrMuZgpnHIlxuzZOJxzow8kfAHzCeEdxZ4PBWJAc36RAgo8uNpb1iYOVwwYTAKRQG6pnsTihapqgRUDUdjpMgyg/s640/blogger-image-1519655944.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We started out of Vernon with a big climb. It was very hot and muggy and the climb included lots of big rock steps. We were rewarded with a scenic view of where we had come from that morning and the previous day. The rest of the morning was pretty nice and we stopped for lunch by a small creek and rested for over an hour. Since it was Sunday, there were lots of day hikers enjoying the trail. We spoke with a group of four who were on their way to a local swimming hold called Surprise Lake. It was really hot and cooling off in a lake sounded quite appealing, so we asked another group that passed how to get there. Unfortunately, we came across both groups about thirty minutes later, and no one seemed able to find the correct trail. We had about eight more miles to reach the shelter and the terrain looked relatively flat on our map, so we figured we would get into camp in about three hours and relax for the rest of the evening. Ha! Instead, we entered New York and were in for a surprise. The terrain was a series of ups and downs over large rocky areas and in several areas, the trail was not clearly marked or well defined. After four hours, we had only traveled four miles and were hot, exhausted, and physically and mentally worn out. I was so discouraged that I sat on a downed tree at the side of the trail and had myself a good cry while Keith watched, not knowing what to say or do to help. We elected to cut our day short and head into the town of Greenwood Lake, NY to an inn called Anton's by the Lake for the night. It turned out that the area was under a heat advisory and would be for almost a week. We heard from our friends Trouble and Two Socks that they had encountered the same difficulty over that part of the trail and were feeling so awful that they both thought they had Lyme disease. It made me feel better to know that others were struggling as much as we were. </div><div><br></div><div><div>The next day, we caught up with Trouble and Two Socks about three miles in. The grade and terrain of the trail was more moderate and we were able to cover seven miles without too much difficulty before lunch. We stopped for lunch, and Trouble told us about Henry, a Section hiker she had met earlier, who lived in the area. Despite the fact that he had never met me or Keith, Henry generously offered to pick us all up from the trail and let us stay at his house. We were on board already, but the fact that there was a pool made it that much better. </div><div><br></div><div>Trouble asked if we thought we could ten more miles and we all agreed that we could. Once again, how wrong we were! The terrain after lunch became rocky once more, and included more difficult rock climbs. New York does not have high elevation on the AT, but the trail goes up and down alot, so the elevation changes are tiring. The temperature soared and we again could not seem to manage a pace that would be conducive to hiking ten more miles. It took us four hours to cover the next five miles and once again, we were exhausted, but happy to know we would have the opportunity to cool off in a pool. Henry showed up with his wife, Lola, and had a cooler full of cold drinks. You can't imagine how amazing it was for us to be treated to such hospitality. They took us to their home, fed us barbecued chicken, sausage, corn on the cob, and salad. </div><div><br></div><div><div>The next day we had a rest day at Henry and Lola's house. We swam in the morning, read and took a nap, and then went to the grocery store and EMS. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGjQ6YQdpzhHZpOEf_oJRSbOQPq4FbSNBteMM292WkxPFYOund87Eu_KwbdYn45fSwNlNw8EwgZOq2JE0Jyjm3yOEw7oN2b8BYEsnjCwRixenfA0zjTGB8UQ0dPgziS9uHJdp4sG57w/s640/blogger-image-1586265182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGjQ6YQdpzhHZpOEf_oJRSbOQPq4FbSNBteMM292WkxPFYOund87Eu_KwbdYn45fSwNlNw8EwgZOq2JE0Jyjm3yOEw7oN2b8BYEsnjCwRixenfA0zjTGB8UQ0dPgziS9uHJdp4sG57w/s640/blogger-image-1586265182.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Keith picked up a new shirt and I got new hiking pants - size four ! I didn't realize that my size had gone down since my weight hasn't changed much. We made dinner - spaghetti , meatballs, Caesar salad and garlic bread. Really nice evening. </div></div></div><div><br></div><div>As if that weren't enough, Henry drove us to the trailhead and picked us up for two more days so that we could hike without our packs in the worst heat. </div><div><br></div><div>We had views of NYC and picked wild blueberries from the side of the trail. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB650Y3s9BJUehciMelUzCOIQDVp0zp2yUEQJtAYaS-pkm1WeQcT5PE8WE2lid53fh5a513vpof7hsWivPXJYrn-jp3p4rCcuXj2E5WlM3DaxPA1dPQdCnI8gd5clm_WqIMuYc4sdj5A/s640/blogger-image--1617021547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB650Y3s9BJUehciMelUzCOIQDVp0zp2yUEQJtAYaS-pkm1WeQcT5PE8WE2lid53fh5a513vpof7hsWivPXJYrn-jp3p4rCcuXj2E5WlM3DaxPA1dPQdCnI8gd5clm_WqIMuYc4sdj5A/s640/blogger-image--1617021547.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We are now in Pawling, NY, at mile 1444, about to enter Connecticut. Tomorrow we will be finished with two-thirds of the trail. </div><div><br></div><div>Next update from Massachusetts. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-20040726465123487662013-07-10T05:11:00.001-07:002013-07-13T11:32:56.820-07:00New Jersey<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well folks, we survived the trek through Pennsylvania and are at mile 1300.1 in New Jersey. I will admit that the rocks in PA made this section physically and more particularly, mentally challenging. Both Keith and I fell, and the long hours of looking down at rocks was somewhat disheartening. Most of the other hikers we have talked to agreed that they were getting the Pennsylvania Blues and were happy to get the hell out of PA. </div><div><br></div><div>One highlight was our brief stop in Palmerton, where we stayed at the "jailhouse" hostel in the basement of the municipal building. We made it into town early and Keith's brother Brian drove 3 1/2 hours with his wife, Laura, daughter Amber, and granddaughter, baby Evelyn, to spend the afternoon with us. We had a great visit and it was a definite mood booster. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL34SdhYonlCiEwLpYTgDoHATjJIdm7avSlL-28i2CCZInyPPCCy1sGvJpuISTDEWDrNjTokFO9WegIEUpnkJuhgsNhSvHgbP9Aed3r8G2TOiE_M6qgO_3d2uIcOfndZTy55rOZdCAyg/s640/blogger-image--155868293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL34SdhYonlCiEwLpYTgDoHATjJIdm7avSlL-28i2CCZInyPPCCy1sGvJpuISTDEWDrNjTokFO9WegIEUpnkJuhgsNhSvHgbP9Aed3r8G2TOiE_M6qgO_3d2uIcOfndZTy55rOZdCAyg/s640/blogger-image--155868293.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>When we left Palmerton, we had a 1000 foot rock scramble up the superfund site. Because we had sent our backpacks ahead, the climb was actually fun. We've been told to expect more climbs like that when we get to New Hampshire. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnmO_6wpJl86zf3Hc0XVYuVKOvGpjbLHh83eijzsABS_-PNAGA7kT3bUGPSNfXrMxQdsXA2VlpiN8HafSddeIrnIDgaU5zF7YYJDzO4txX5n_E8_Cm0eWJPZWGQajOG96X3EW-Ps-cg/s640/blogger-image--1840196382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnmO_6wpJl86zf3Hc0XVYuVKOvGpjbLHh83eijzsABS_-PNAGA7kT3bUGPSNfXrMxQdsXA2VlpiN8HafSddeIrnIDgaU5zF7YYJDzO4txX5n_E8_Cm0eWJPZWGQajOG96X3EW-Ps-cg/s640/blogger-image--1840196382.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3uM2o09lPIONypPWoBrzIzCP2GvzMe8fN9B5Q9fYvZnBPnKfr5KsO5BZAomlTRvyOlNAl7TgZ1WDN7nMFobPh2__4wE0sTg_XbLqQ5ChmxBUEKzZ5nSVpDUrk0Ty2tsl9Au8UAlLng/s640/blogger-image--1221233631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3uM2o09lPIONypPWoBrzIzCP2GvzMe8fN9B5Q9fYvZnBPnKfr5KsO5BZAomlTRvyOlNAl7TgZ1WDN7nMFobPh2__4wE0sTg_XbLqQ5ChmxBUEKzZ5nSVpDUrk0Ty2tsl9Au8UAlLng/s640/blogger-image--1221233631.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We tented two nights ago on a grassy overlook with a fantastic view and watched the sunset. </div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday, our walk into New Jersey included a road section where construction was going on. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahvRFeJA_VpIzVk5eVQ_bfWCcznI-4ljKYY8RPTdH85DdnSybOrwMtKxesRpeAR6PPOMVc50DzwVvUHIaIuO9LjvgHxl1Pxl2x5a7RTEAro_3jhGWGkt4ChLq_syUT9_NnvhdP336rA/s640/blogger-image-1333071606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahvRFeJA_VpIzVk5eVQ_bfWCcznI-4ljKYY8RPTdH85DdnSybOrwMtKxesRpeAR6PPOMVc50DzwVvUHIaIuO9LjvgHxl1Pxl2x5a7RTEAro_3jhGWGkt4ChLq_syUT9_NnvhdP336rA/s640/blogger-image-1333071606.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Next up New York!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-29559131744275554912013-07-04T07:30:00.001-07:002013-07-04T09:38:41.463-07:00Pennsylvania (a/k/a Rocksylvania)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After spending many weeks in Virginia, it was odd to hike through West Virginia into Maryland in one day, and then into Pennsylvania two days later. </div></div><div><br></div><div>The trail passes by Washington Monument in Maryland. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlyQI5Bru6UmBCcpdSno_qt0MAt4jU5byiCjqBIhBlnIQ33DeC8GBdehiCbg3jy9BEsswlO0V3uABYZhitiv8rDutE6h3QsYtnXOVlQMuWvB67ToSjjcfjinOu-BVPG7DK8cOyJNHoQ/s640/blogger-image--1932029059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlyQI5Bru6UmBCcpdSno_qt0MAt4jU5byiCjqBIhBlnIQ33DeC8GBdehiCbg3jy9BEsswlO0V3uABYZhitiv8rDutE6h3QsYtnXOVlQMuWvB67ToSjjcfjinOu-BVPG7DK8cOyJNHoQ/s640/blogger-image--1932029059.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxhjULPr-UBzYHW6TUCQEnF3x7yzlQIfaE2kKQWXGDGz6P4C1AnwHST4cVpvlLWKcaPAjGK8gqIR9CfzU1enembQFsf0GnSCKPLeh12F29Fm6pwPrJO2KYW40HPTW4QdigdwEHkpJlg/s640/blogger-image-958381770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxhjULPr-UBzYHW6TUCQEnF3x7yzlQIfaE2kKQWXGDGz6P4C1AnwHST4cVpvlLWKcaPAjGK8gqIR9CfzU1enembQFsf0GnSCKPLeh12F29Fm6pwPrJO2KYW40HPTW4QdigdwEHkpJlg/s640/blogger-image-958381770.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhCkq2oewp-tLPz0Ve-td5FpztpC4W8URlrP8N5_yencD6nO7wJ1YVJaUZRmDutjAM-5J127rI7WQi8sgSaihSXLrdXm-JG7-OqeBWmX1b1lairG39TBHeuvMAsdKlnveuSzYOFcg2A/s640/blogger-image-1846608936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhCkq2oewp-tLPz0Ve-td5FpztpC4W8URlrP8N5_yencD6nO7wJ1YVJaUZRmDutjAM-5J127rI7WQi8sgSaihSXLrdXm-JG7-OqeBWmX1b1lairG39TBHeuvMAsdKlnveuSzYOFcg2A/s640/blogger-image-1846608936.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>We passed the official halfway point on June 24th, right before reaching Pine Grove Furnace State Park. In celebration, the General Store in the park has a half gallon challenge where hikers attempt to eat a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting. Keith and I passed on the challenge, preferring not to incur the wrath of our stomachs. The others in our group were braver and successfully devoured their half gallon of ice cream. </div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfszES27Sd-z0K2hAaDffuIkvgMNbbJnMdhPNWKcxybiHrhHjT2nA0BssrXr62jL9JeMCp2th4lArxPZ15YKJmKOfzzEZl-DGiHdhEvsWZO27BqFcuUvyzrYVRPBn29MD_6yCCSF4LQ/s640/blogger-image-867862598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfszES27Sd-z0K2hAaDffuIkvgMNbbJnMdhPNWKcxybiHrhHjT2nA0BssrXr62jL9JeMCp2th4lArxPZ15YKJmKOfzzEZl-DGiHdhEvsWZO27BqFcuUvyzrYVRPBn29MD_6yCCSF4LQ/s640/blogger-image-867862598.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gNJ8AKGIN2NojTwiXM__Hn_LfXIqwTOOvmy7Uf4POWMt8P7yGMpeoET_oHv-VUkjEbOFpHBVIHDbvXvz6YF2Lg36JrMql7vk7c0sRBsgGXUYYKon-kuF5swTS8somp138Qdfp8GZbg/s640/blogger-image--1173184933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gNJ8AKGIN2NojTwiXM__Hn_LfXIqwTOOvmy7Uf4POWMt8P7yGMpeoET_oHv-VUkjEbOFpHBVIHDbvXvz6YF2Lg36JrMql7vk7c0sRBsgGXUYYKon-kuF5swTS8somp138Qdfp8GZbg/s640/blogger-image--1173184933.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Eating so much ice cream can make you feel less than stellar. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUD-rQYCNOh1ZntALOoaNmGZi0i4k1T0o9EvlKtC6zRpwYnLw1imDeY0Hi8wXqSTwVG4IWOmsMkzSv69XvhkaWCoqkVAel5fNOaHcWvhVBhSJ7iOKav0yI1PoaW6tdf9S_3sQPZPxmhw/s640/blogger-image-868664097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUD-rQYCNOh1ZntALOoaNmGZi0i4k1T0o9EvlKtC6zRpwYnLw1imDeY0Hi8wXqSTwVG4IWOmsMkzSv69XvhkaWCoqkVAel5fNOaHcWvhVBhSJ7iOKav0yI1PoaW6tdf9S_3sQPZPxmhw/s640/blogger-image-868664097.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We visited the AT museum and were inspired by the stories of the early thru hikers. </div><div><br></div><div>We spent a night in Mount Holly Springs where we sadly said goodbye to three of our hiker family members. We had a lovely dinner with them followed by line dancing. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCMznPBqe7cp_P-SLgaGTQaEdNTa350T9wKo27yWnJfY2I7XwpKTjWgkPI6M5fgyRDBubdTScLfggiaYDU5E94X_rlksa5xNCT7AzXkAuyekrZDOXDlJ6TiYq4kZU4naB-Fy1KFd_-A/s640/blogger-image-1068400290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCMznPBqe7cp_P-SLgaGTQaEdNTa350T9wKo27yWnJfY2I7XwpKTjWgkPI6M5fgyRDBubdTScLfggiaYDU5E94X_rlksa5xNCT7AzXkAuyekrZDOXDlJ6TiYq4kZU4naB-Fy1KFd_-A/s640/blogger-image-1068400290.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o4airlSBGHha9-QNFNstwtXwPrsxeoD3Hvl8xMps3ik2FaArgb69Tvd7hOYO6cFKyaMcN05vezz8E6ltrBQJan4pUxC2T6X6pBRNkod8rjiYDcKDERqUqqSsTZTDewYEsMl2gHgXug/s640/blogger-image--2012798925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o4airlSBGHha9-QNFNstwtXwPrsxeoD3Hvl8xMps3ik2FaArgb69Tvd7hOYO6cFKyaMcN05vezz8E6ltrBQJan4pUxC2T6X6pBRNkod8rjiYDcKDERqUqqSsTZTDewYEsMl2gHgXug/s640/blogger-image--2012798925.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We passed through the town of Duncannon, which felt a bit like entering the twilight zone. The town is rather run down and sad. The hostel we stayed at was dirty and had exposed wiring.</div><div><br></div><div>Our room in Duncannon</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ht2HRXDBHBs5llYJmcXDe0Q_EM-9qdvsMcxbyy_UqsTwpB9UUDZZe9DeFxqOjigISDV5-jX6tiuaCH4_jEgbGsp4I-HjQVM9i-b-83-sQYXfGnGNFny52FFAwkFuRFM27TGnVNckmg/s640/blogger-image--1549073275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ht2HRXDBHBs5llYJmcXDe0Q_EM-9qdvsMcxbyy_UqsTwpB9UUDZZe9DeFxqOjigISDV5-jX6tiuaCH4_jEgbGsp4I-HjQVM9i-b-83-sQYXfGnGNFny52FFAwkFuRFM27TGnVNckmg/s640/blogger-image--1549073275.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The following morning we had breakfast at the local cafe, which was full of strippers and the security guards from the strip joint down the street. We overheard lots of interesting conversation, including the comment, "I'm not smart. That's why I do what I do." We were glad to leave. </div><div><br></div><div>One day we came down off the ridge and out of the woods right into fields of corn. What a change of scenery! We traveled through fields for a few miles into the town of Boiling Springs, a scenic and quaint town. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We had been mentally preparing ourselves for the rocky terrain of Pennsylvania, which we knew we would not enjoy. However, our first few days lulled us into believing that it might not be as bad as we had built it up to be in our imaginations. WRONG! PA has been very challenging because we continue to endure an abundance of rainy weather, which is mentally challenging and an obstacle course of rocky terrain, which is very hard on the feet.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-X5DlR650mykyZD9b0LlyFDSn8VFY9NBfXtgLec6OTvpCC52emz1Ju0krjsjLkDw0Nti0BYCu2UP9sDK1X4MWNWZCxLjvCDc17I0gicvDXZyJoa9eogWZpLzl4qg20xereftqs6tIA/s640/blogger-image--549286558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-X5DlR650mykyZD9b0LlyFDSn8VFY9NBfXtgLec6OTvpCC52emz1Ju0krjsjLkDw0Nti0BYCu2UP9sDK1X4MWNWZCxLjvCDc17I0gicvDXZyJoa9eogWZpLzl4qg20xereftqs6tIA/s640/blogger-image--549286558.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">It has rained so much that about a mile or so of the trail was flooded and we had to navigate as best we could around the trail. Rubber boots would have been handy!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Attempting to dry our boots. <br></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxFtWVEII2fdje1Tm_DGTC7fM0IE39dUrl_YVPqs_GPrO-0hek26pxO9v-o_-5Cg9sLrvTKsnlHgMBAAc4Wlb2gw8wQPkLYX72WgXbupnMsdXbcQmUfJR6wOHGQVj2asT3hzAFlNH3g/s640/blogger-image--1403435827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxFtWVEII2fdje1Tm_DGTC7fM0IE39dUrl_YVPqs_GPrO-0hek26pxO9v-o_-5Cg9sLrvTKsnlHgMBAAc4Wlb2gw8wQPkLYX72WgXbupnMsdXbcQmUfJR6wOHGQVj2asT3hzAFlNH3g/s640/blogger-image--1403435827.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> We are now at mile 1212 and have started the 1000 mile countdown to the finish. We are setting out in sunshine today and hoping that we get a few days without rain. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Next up New Jersey!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-76341501929715082012013-06-20T18:54:00.001-07:002013-06-20T19:03:11.202-07:001000 Miles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>But I would walk 500 miles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I would walk 500 more...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, we have walked 1000 miles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHBjedWS6ysJJs0uq1-j6l27KdC_UbQ3v3ZCbzyZGSzafKNnDBVmS73BhOLoLxnM0yDR43wDrInnxcbYUrJjjgtyVsbyCx-rWbWiJuW4EVg7Yf3fmaJu72jqHFe-DHgBzCrmQQ2OcoQ/s640/blogger-image-2078312043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHBjedWS6ysJJs0uq1-j6l27KdC_UbQ3v3ZCbzyZGSzafKNnDBVmS73BhOLoLxnM0yDR43wDrInnxcbYUrJjjgtyVsbyCx-rWbWiJuW4EVg7Yf3fmaJu72jqHFe-DHgBzCrmQQ2OcoQ/s640/blogger-image-2078312043.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our thru hiker family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_QiARr0HqNFf23ccsdgWrnpFCgbn9BD_7qM1R3-RmQadsB_wCaMSZEHSvVQdRPojmdlFDdtrjitzl1g5W0oub1mAht20c8jlHBoFsd4RM2Vs7I7wlNyPxE_1W3GDEu4Ddmf4_pxirw/s640/blogger-image--6894213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_QiARr0HqNFf23ccsdgWrnpFCgbn9BD_7qM1R3-RmQadsB_wCaMSZEHSvVQdRPojmdlFDdtrjitzl1g5W0oub1mAht20c8jlHBoFsd4RM2Vs7I7wlNyPxE_1W3GDEu4Ddmf4_pxirw/s640/blogger-image--6894213.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are now in Harpers Ferry, the unofficial halfway point on the trail, at mile 1018. Only 1168 miles to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our last section included a 100 mile section through the <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Shenandoah National Park where rumor has it there are bears to be seen everywhere. Apparently that was true for everyone else. <i>We</i> didn't see a single bear. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had wanted to go canoeing for a couple of days on the Shenandoah River, but because of all the rain the river was flooded. Maybe another trip next year. We have had more than our fair share of rain on this trip. We heard today, that this has been the rainiest season on the AT since 2003. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The SNP was an interesting experience. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">There is a saying that the SNP is like a vacation on the AT. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">The terrain and grade of the trail was much more moderate than we have had thus far. Plus, t</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">here are several waysides and camp stores on or close to the trail, and we were able to enjoy burgers, sodas, milkshakes and other junk food on an almost daily basis. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were serenaded at a shelter in the Shenandoah National Park by a section hiker named Bo, who played the mandolin for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV366S24jM3hWhCMEA3Kupp3V_kAG1O-pZzZBkCM2tCtnG9yWmBFZ3MKkRs63dWpeP3Hc-zso9JRxovhwLvtpD3EKDsShmTlI44i3GCVxmpJIUzBz3IOdkzq0MNIyrO2Sj2UEEygsMcQ/s640/blogger-image-1714621037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV366S24jM3hWhCMEA3Kupp3V_kAG1O-pZzZBkCM2tCtnG9yWmBFZ3MKkRs63dWpeP3Hc-zso9JRxovhwLvtpD3EKDsShmTlI44i3GCVxmpJIUzBz3IOdkzq0MNIyrO2Sj2UEEygsMcQ/s640/blogger-image-1714621037.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Beautiful mushroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_QVg9Rg091R79e4_LxWYSoy9vfo9bzglpooOLVzhl6hjNlJNCL536iAF1IA52Y3EoOk-OXBCbq-iCFq3UNSfGWTbe213XwHkuPqomG3bBoFHLPwc6UJ0rjy_U3TijwwSt6TRxHA9yg/s640/blogger-image-975433461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_QVg9Rg091R79e4_LxWYSoy9vfo9bzglpooOLVzhl6hjNlJNCL536iAF1IA52Y3EoOk-OXBCbq-iCFq3UNSfGWTbe213XwHkuPqomG3bBoFHLPwc6UJ0rjy_U3TijwwSt6TRxHA9yg/s640/blogger-image-975433461.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Playing games outside of Bear's Den Hostel. Our hiker family is now known as "Front Royale with Cheese." Non AT hikers will think we're all crazy, so don't ask. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wD95jZDXGc_u8TRbpu3V4r8PmOMV37Cm8G7k8O77YXcDFe7PZZOgdknsBS6Qv3-DL7sMV9mNsGKbihrnZtseiHK61B6IcPCD1qJLwWfzCrEvwZURQ54TdxbdSE_U76npVCpicbU3zQ/s640/blogger-image-1756349936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wD95jZDXGc_u8TRbpu3V4r8PmOMV37Cm8G7k8O77YXcDFe7PZZOgdknsBS6Qv3-DL7sMV9mNsGKbihrnZtseiHK61B6IcPCD1qJLwWfzCrEvwZURQ54TdxbdSE_U76npVCpicbU3zQ/s640/blogger-image-1756349936.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We took a train into Washington, where we played tourist for the day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Goofing off at the Capitol with our hiker family. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6m8INhCZwWQFllegWzz_Clbi0ODVoeV6rWw13-PpTMvWRo25fF0tr4lb-xMGd97qDhduHA1mgFP6FC4TpWYP_QCiiI2cOy2czYQI-Zg03wX4lZ3KjMBOaSNLMsg6yThlPId3NvFmyw/s640/blogger-image-1618742719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6m8INhCZwWQFllegWzz_Clbi0ODVoeV6rWw13-PpTMvWRo25fF0tr4lb-xMGd97qDhduHA1mgFP6FC4TpWYP_QCiiI2cOy2czYQI-Zg03wX4lZ3KjMBOaSNLMsg6yThlPId3NvFmyw/s640/blogger-image-1618742719.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">One of our hiker family members left to go back home today, as her section was done. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Houdini, we miss you already.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We finally left Virginia, our fourth state, and entered West Virginia ( for a very brief 2.5 miles). Next up Maryland and then Pennsylvania. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">See you down the trail!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-54236873581587291582013-06-06T10:03:00.001-07:002013-06-06T13:23:00.360-07:00Vampire gnats and other fun stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>The last couple of weeks we have been slowly eaten alive by mosquitos, as expected, and these minuscule gnats, no bigger than a dot, (we call them vampire gnats) which land on one, mysteriously dissolve the skin without notice, then leave a small pool of blood behind as evidence of their visit. Shortly thereafter, furious scratching ensues in an attempt to alleviate the nagging itchiness. Every hiker we've met recently looks like they have chicken pox. Apparently, they enjoy deet, since liberal application hasn't slowed down the little blood-sucking jaws with wings. <div><br></div><div>We've had several days of hot, muggy weather, and took the opportunity to enjoy swimming when we came across the James River. If you look closely at the picture below, you can see me standing on the outside trestle of the bridge before I jumped in (about 20 feet high). We later found out there is a $125 fine for doing so, as another hiker was fined - not for jumping, but for climbing the trestle. Oops. </div><div><br></div><div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphkKzWo6pAxfCBRThEkMsqpU7QfkoQZnlus1hMTdzBDAvlfcxUjh4Eos97fnm61XAA8m4STVACJn2MNwOQBZGhlpiNugTRmTlPFKiseKHS0HwpQ8DsPJEAfzAX6IZ8oh27TeMogob7Q/s640/blogger-image--1001070047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphkKzWo6pAxfCBRThEkMsqpU7QfkoQZnlus1hMTdzBDAvlfcxUjh4Eos97fnm61XAA8m4STVACJn2MNwOQBZGhlpiNugTRmTlPFKiseKHS0HwpQ8DsPJEAfzAX6IZ8oh27TeMogob7Q/s640/blogger-image--1001070047.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfewg3vLdGX5Tip5CCMUyE2hGVeTvMYoaNIYpm6_IViofiwOYa8IWPSA6nyz0MYIsdtle_7JjYlMs2_R2G02_ahvmfsp6BkBBFnvXpUWmSow89Gbd2nRz0XIbjiGD5_E-9oc_LpQPHw/s640/blogger-image--424621990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfewg3vLdGX5Tip5CCMUyE2hGVeTvMYoaNIYpm6_IViofiwOYa8IWPSA6nyz0MYIsdtle_7JjYlMs2_R2G02_ahvmfsp6BkBBFnvXpUWmSow89Gbd2nRz0XIbjiGD5_E-9oc_LpQPHw/s640/blogger-image--424621990.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A few days ago, we stopped in for resupply to the Dutch Haus in Montebello, VA. Our stop happened to coincide with their trail days celebrAtion and we were treated to a cookout by the townspeople when we got in. We had a great stay and felt very welcome. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEP_PBlnXntcTHCiVjOf7XoZcTdE2U3XvR0886_Q8Gvr3gDfOJuXTwQs9ouUIGakjz8mKgTHcp7oyps6fPydm2PBM9tDBidZ6XAPNgiwJ10wLvzQKtE9Mj_IkTwrvcnqQwBoicVUdsQ/s640/blogger-image-250679027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEP_PBlnXntcTHCiVjOf7XoZcTdE2U3XvR0886_Q8Gvr3gDfOJuXTwQs9ouUIGakjz8mKgTHcp7oyps6fPydm2PBM9tDBidZ6XAPNgiwJ10wLvzQKtE9Mj_IkTwrvcnqQwBoicVUdsQ/s640/blogger-image-250679027.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>After 800 miles, our gear is beginning to wear down. Our shirts are full of holes, and inner soles worn down to nothing. Replacing the inner soles has helped a lot with foot and knee issues we were experiencing. Keith's pack had to be replaced because the straps were almost completely pulled away at the seams from the pack. REI has a great warranty policy and sent out a new pack right away, along with replacement boots for me, which were falling apart at the inner seams. </div><div><br></div><div>We are about to enter Shenandoah National Park and plan to hike a few days forward to Elkton and then get shuttled back to Waynesboro to do a two day canoe trip down the river and back to Elkton where we'll resume our trek. Next stop Harpers Ferry and the unofficial half way point!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3tmL3ZWVHEZ_DgUNpqZRxFuO0rsweRgxpcFkZ6Fd-8cZ7poeNF0BCuSdxTV32r_L8odjJWxEsJG5z05Oc46dG6DtcvoL2SdcHXVNDIcZGIVz2SDj7d4joeWJ4zgjiO92BmsFjLpsNA/s640/blogger-image-807617974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3tmL3ZWVHEZ_DgUNpqZRxFuO0rsweRgxpcFkZ6Fd-8cZ7poeNF0BCuSdxTV32r_L8odjJWxEsJG5z05Oc46dG6DtcvoL2SdcHXVNDIcZGIVz2SDj7d4joeWJ4zgjiO92BmsFjLpsNA/s640/blogger-image-807617974.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLOwOa4ANr6_dwSvsLBNSYOJauyJAIIx5qlnmpXmUukvIMXPqf4iVdPBucedjs3fL2Cps-phhPevra1RvDxgk_fpqPkoazdIhvyP75GlRPNCEl-IvBcOvNpJ0zADKqCZg5b1sgINuBQ/s640/blogger-image-8545743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLOwOa4ANr6_dwSvsLBNSYOJauyJAIIx5qlnmpXmUukvIMXPqf4iVdPBucedjs3fL2Cps-phhPevra1RvDxgk_fpqPkoazdIhvyP75GlRPNCEl-IvBcOvNpJ0zADKqCZg5b1sgINuBQ/s640/blogger-image-8545743.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxdtSKAQ1GlnYQBYComihX4a4Fjp1xWxVhbXmgm9JJ02py5sXxP5U9hu6OAr2yvZNT9jNlZG3OTQkhSMt3DS-M08vjP8xT2TCGr86G94auIejsSZFuiSRO6pLGJgMXmX21EpKrcDnhw/s640/blogger-image-60016945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxdtSKAQ1GlnYQBYComihX4a4Fjp1xWxVhbXmgm9JJ02py5sXxP5U9hu6OAr2yvZNT9jNlZG3OTQkhSMt3DS-M08vjP8xT2TCGr86G94auIejsSZFuiSRO6pLGJgMXmX21EpKrcDnhw/s640/blogger-image-60016945.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gPNT3mba8lCt5lWbt3WXdlkmdYAhI2uH5PJ-f9stM2Q_lu-z-0hFC1VgYJDdAmdaVCzk3cnihjlJvpWXZbEtbvHtmAvckn4cC9kGNyuYIwn_regqzCPQdrpPzvfhWKe0Qr6hCzsaXQ/s640/blogger-image--329008193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gPNT3mba8lCt5lWbt3WXdlkmdYAhI2uH5PJ-f9stM2Q_lu-z-0hFC1VgYJDdAmdaVCzk3cnihjlJvpWXZbEtbvHtmAvckn4cC9kGNyuYIwn_regqzCPQdrpPzvfhWKe0Qr6hCzsaXQ/s640/blogger-image--329008193.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-30389149893197101212013-05-25T13:23:00.001-07:002013-05-25T14:05:40.234-07:00Virginia: Rocks and snakes.We are still hiking through Virginia, and are now at mile 723.5, just shy of completing one third of the trail. Whoever told us that Virginia is flat clearly has not hiked this portion. We were also surprised to encounter some very rocky terrain, which, aside from being tiring and slow going, presents a new issue of being on the lookout for snakes. We have seen a few king snakes, garden snakes, a rattlesnake, and a copperhead. I have never before encountered a poisonous snake on such up close and personal terms. Call me crazy, but I want to give them very wide berth; Keith is more adventurous. The other day, we were hiking along in the late afternoon, when I saw the rattler a few feet in front of me. I stopped dead in my tracks. Keith had somehow hiked right past without noticing. I'm not sure how, since it was right in the trail, which was fairly narrow, but it's easy to daydream a bit while hiking, so I'll cut him some slack. <div>I called Keith back to look at it. The snake wasn't rattling, but was hissing his tongue a bit. I thought it prudent to go off trail and around. Keith threw a small stick right on top of it trying to move if off trail so those coming behind wouldn't accidentally step on it. The snake didn't move. What does Keith do? He grabs his hiking pole and proceeds to pick it up to move it off the trail, while I watch with horror envisioning some super-powered snake move where the rattler darts forward with lightning speed to sink large fangs in Keith's chest. Thankfully, the rattler simply curled up on the pole and allowed itself to be moved off trail. We later learned from a hiker ahead of us that the snake was probably so docile because it had just devoured a chipmunk and was full. Keith has agreed to not use his hiking pole anymore to move poisonous snakes. :-)</div><div><br></div><div>Virginia has been quite beautiful and we've enjoyed many scenic views of green valleys and farms below. We're looking forward to hitting Shenandoah National Park in about ten days. </div><div><br></div><div>Until the next post, Canadian Bacon out. <br><div><br></div><div> Keith lounging on a hillside at lunchtime. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNyQ3RbeImnh1kfKscJ5dhOIXFEC7qLASvEf32QRPw4baXjKA6dpCqBH9qYT8heTEKiDGYFX_bRRJLmjqKTmUXlNw8EhCe1NHMFuTnZIbcOdN3MgCgEXOXen40W4M1taU41OvUNwVew/s640/blogger-image-107449529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNyQ3RbeImnh1kfKscJ5dhOIXFEC7qLASvEf32QRPw4baXjKA6dpCqBH9qYT8heTEKiDGYFX_bRRJLmjqKTmUXlNw8EhCe1NHMFuTnZIbcOdN3MgCgEXOXen40W4M1taU41OvUNwVew/s640/blogger-image-107449529.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaqRBTFZinENamx596r0FFisGK1EdrfudAgBzp3hcwJOG8iqYgWBrQ_NBkVRH7nBAWVdvFUCInLAnDYfzNJ_8Dwjjxsdd59NZnFAPFNmF3r69RK__11je45pc4vUtFiCaKSSDEmgvFA/s640/blogger-image--1367924125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaqRBTFZinENamx596r0FFisGK1EdrfudAgBzp3hcwJOG8iqYgWBrQ_NBkVRH7nBAWVdvFUCInLAnDYfzNJ_8Dwjjxsdd59NZnFAPFNmF3r69RK__11je45pc4vUtFiCaKSSDEmgvFA/s640/blogger-image--1367924125.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJj5A9-6adXiKew73QVnJltWaNcH6k0LAJHz_itQM5Hq6FO1CQAE8LvI2MwVksNdr9hn8GuJs6-P5J9nxXatntPRjFh_AZh5HMPW0bcwWZ1Ib8yRi5VVpk5P5V11NWm-_iyxccTUsqA/s640/blogger-image--1420413897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJj5A9-6adXiKew73QVnJltWaNcH6k0LAJHz_itQM5Hq6FO1CQAE8LvI2MwVksNdr9hn8GuJs6-P5J9nxXatntPRjFh_AZh5HMPW0bcwWZ1Ib8yRi5VVpk5P5V11NWm-_iyxccTUsqA/s640/blogger-image--1420413897.jpg"></a></div>Keiffer oak. The largest tree in the south on the AT. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVPZ0tmsiTZRv8sPMuEEbryIs3gl2qJRLGOh75ab5XYjVJmZIsUpYyGVsUcMd_sPeycTvCQE0N3lK9h2zUr95BOu8l_87pNSU0aTYB7Rra64sJC8_ulCCk7hCFK-fXzT3pBVDw5T1sA/s640/blogger-image-2031773556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVPZ0tmsiTZRv8sPMuEEbryIs3gl2qJRLGOh75ab5XYjVJmZIsUpYyGVsUcMd_sPeycTvCQE0N3lK9h2zUr95BOu8l_87pNSU0aTYB7Rra64sJC8_ulCCk7hCFK-fXzT3pBVDw5T1sA/s640/blogger-image-2031773556.jpg"></a></div>Us on top of McAfee knob. Awesome views. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuhvmt-TUTyRN_J058kt24oKNIWchDwPcGuaWvdbTYQD0WAM3JbAF1qXGAgYkA5tmXNYMh60E62g4qUeIc5Z-84bLkOlNBpn9LuWjLFqlZRENrOMF7cS87k6PAGu2zUCzSXEqfU6BRg/s640/blogger-image--1997246098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuhvmt-TUTyRN_J058kt24oKNIWchDwPcGuaWvdbTYQD0WAM3JbAF1qXGAgYkA5tmXNYMh60E62g4qUeIc5Z-84bLkOlNBpn9LuWjLFqlZRENrOMF7cS87k6PAGu2zUCzSXEqfU6BRg/s640/blogger-image--1997246098.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3eSNgsmRqIiaNisOv95ADoADDk7G1M-uTdg0KXHC01wglPnsLnA2KJ_JuElJUG7mPnl4b8TuAf2pIqjzYxgxGpMMkNY3MXg6S4tevetQDfldphUdwPKbaOzTAhyGuASYZnjwluF2Bg/s640/blogger-image--781687843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3eSNgsmRqIiaNisOv95ADoADDk7G1M-uTdg0KXHC01wglPnsLnA2KJ_JuElJUG7mPnl4b8TuAf2pIqjzYxgxGpMMkNY3MXg6S4tevetQDfldphUdwPKbaOzTAhyGuASYZnjwluF2Bg/s640/blogger-image--781687843.jpg"></a></div>The rattlesnake Keith moved off trail. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42Rbr9XFpOddOZhW82FT5NPHPnoSZF6-Kia4wcv1Uh71H8ACHRZ3K_yWLDvx4NUiuy7lmMO4UeGB2gbp0unQhqAy6MXMhPjmf0NlQz9z5wjVTRc8R6_p9FMcoWSsjILhhu4lbR0rk3Q/s640/blogger-image--666993461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42Rbr9XFpOddOZhW82FT5NPHPnoSZF6-Kia4wcv1Uh71H8ACHRZ3K_yWLDvx4NUiuy7lmMO4UeGB2gbp0unQhqAy6MXMhPjmf0NlQz9z5wjVTRc8R6_p9FMcoWSsjILhhu4lbR0rk3Q/s640/blogger-image--666993461.jpg"></a></div>Copperhead on the trail. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoEXSi53ESYWPULgE25hJ3AE-UDDfR8y1xin8Caq0gTKh21tdaZgslLM73oTsyCdZVivMMzEDL9YqaRMimmuvexCgDmX0X2VlJEyxmTrzdWvtOTKGLqyzHu6srTn1yU94eKhXzsqvgA/s640/blogger-image-699337695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoEXSi53ESYWPULgE25hJ3AE-UDDfR8y1xin8Caq0gTKh21tdaZgslLM73oTsyCdZVivMMzEDL9YqaRMimmuvexCgDmX0X2VlJEyxmTrzdWvtOTKGLqyzHu6srTn1yU94eKhXzsqvgA/s640/blogger-image-699337695.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3555770904440293812.post-49575318858581121552013-05-11T13:29:00.001-07:002013-05-11T14:30:55.555-07:00Oh Weather!We are now at mile 542, just outside Atkins, Virginia. Our travels since Damascus have included many days of rain and lots of slippy, slidy mud. The trail had so much flowing water that we joked we were hiking the Appalachian river, rather than a trail. On our second day back out, we climbed Whitetop mountain, about a four mile climb, which has a large bald (grassy, treeless bare top). Starting out the weather wasn't too bad, although colder than one would expect for May, and it was raining lightly and a little windy. Right before we got to the top, the winds started to pick up. We met up with some other thru hikers Quohag and Oreo who had been ahead of us. They warned us that the winds were about 55 mph at the top. They had left their packs on the other side and come back to assist Quaker since he was behind us and they were concerned about him crossing the bald without assistance in the high winds. <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Little did we know what was in store for us at the top. Our first steps were shocking with the difference in wind, rain, and temperature. The closer to the top we got, the worse the weather became. The rain/sleet/ice we were pelted with was unlike anything I've experienced before. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">These were not 55 mph winds. I've stood outside in category one hurricane winds. This was worse. We had to literally inch our way along the trail while digging our poles in and struggling to stay upright. Keith was blown over when he took a misstep on a rock just as a huge gust of wind blew. We were blown several feet off the trail constantly, and although we knew it was only a couple hundred yards to the other side, I was very scared we would not make it across. We later discovered that the winds were 80 mph sustained, with 100 mph wind gusts. By the time we finally made it to the other side, everything was soaked through and we were freezing. We debated briefly about waiting for the others, but decided we couldn't be sure how long they would be and we were risking hypothermia if we didn't keep moving. We found a spot to set up camp (pic below) about a mile or so further and set about quickly putting up our tent and getting into dry clothes and warming up. We worried about the others but later learned that they went past us another mile to a trailhead/parking area where nine hikers huddled in a small bathroom while they waited for hours for someone to pick them up and take them into town. We spent the next day in our tent while it rained. The experience was the lowest point of our trip and more than a little disheartening. However, the following day we set out again, reaching Grayson Highlands State Park and a treat that made up for the previous misery. Right after lunch, we came across a herd of wild ponies, including two babies, who came right up to us and licked the salt off our sweaty clothes. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We were rained on yet again, and cut our day short to spend the night in the closest shelter with a group of others. A couple of pics below show the interesting food combinations hikers were putting together that day. In one, there is peanut butter and honey on one half of the tortilla, and salami, cheese, chips, and hot sauce on the other half. Yum. </span><div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We hiked a fourth day in the rain, which oddly, ended up being our first 20 mile day. The next day, we finally saw sunshine and our spirits improved greatly. We came into the Mount Rogers visitor center where we had burgers and fries delivered, which really made the day. We are both losing weight (Keith way too much) and try to eat as much as possible since we burn about five to six thousand calories a day. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Our section into Atkins was one of the prettiest so far. We had moderate terrain through green meadows full of wildflowers and smelled fragrant trees and flowers the whole way. Thankfully, we made it into town right before the rain started again. We are warm and dry tonight and ready to start out tomorrow in the sunshine. </span></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJqSyjTh2pEXlsv8LWwnCUntzoMYqskDl8RB4tz8WbRV_4wJDeMiedyUYwDKFoDuZ9eZqAdgzC_mK1-5P4PIqoG05yRryO8-B8Sm0GAKZh_97xai-ojrtrwBXCpvWxh5t68rM1wnGEw/s640/blogger-image--451834869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJqSyjTh2pEXlsv8LWwnCUntzoMYqskDl8RB4tz8WbRV_4wJDeMiedyUYwDKFoDuZ9eZqAdgzC_mK1-5P4PIqoG05yRryO8-B8Sm0GAKZh_97xai-ojrtrwBXCpvWxh5t68rM1wnGEw/s640/blogger-image--451834869.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXx0BNnfaOZEdwAVbe5jSc1dnrWNAZOXkOo6DAHjjLIA640rMVjmZ2HhIFp021tVanJUZZshyphenhyphenlcujbw3Vrf4FgtTne7VLi8eThnUzldAr9PXqeq6vp6twAACW5TGF1WiazA3VnD3aJ5A/s640/blogger-image-1438322472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXx0BNnfaOZEdwAVbe5jSc1dnrWNAZOXkOo6DAHjjLIA640rMVjmZ2HhIFp021tVanJUZZshyphenhyphenlcujbw3Vrf4FgtTne7VLi8eThnUzldAr9PXqeq6vp6twAACW5TGF1WiazA3VnD3aJ5A/s640/blogger-image-1438322472.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBHnICcVHHau7DpLyXXRnIVpivwx1GaRla4LX5E0UACHuR0HCDIAE0t87c2tRpVRp1qk090vUdN0qbEXiGT79lTZ2hm3fJkad52xYpN9wqYCD1rfbBR-4alEGeDdNzLJetS-546nwvA/s640/blogger-image-360973892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBHnICcVHHau7DpLyXXRnIVpivwx1GaRla4LX5E0UACHuR0HCDIAE0t87c2tRpVRp1qk090vUdN0qbEXiGT79lTZ2hm3fJkad52xYpN9wqYCD1rfbBR-4alEGeDdNzLJetS-546nwvA/s640/blogger-image-360973892.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLkb6zcjMm3Y3eya7_onEFJOM6n_ajhaH4NxjuCSdOVy6DlY9yiKdXKzzuDSIKtdEvF9nottHzQq5Lu0p6Z3bYgcLzYqswOXoL-0E1r2wYYeCCid2Xk6UnA7TBCnqRO1rRWsvXu92lg/s640/blogger-image--1303463335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLkb6zcjMm3Y3eya7_onEFJOM6n_ajhaH4NxjuCSdOVy6DlY9yiKdXKzzuDSIKtdEvF9nottHzQq5Lu0p6Z3bYgcLzYqswOXoL-0E1r2wYYeCCid2Xk6UnA7TBCnqRO1rRWsvXu92lg/s640/blogger-image--1303463335.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwTVQlnuiWyFxUtb02C2hdxcyedkwwV3UysuxD-SPfQk3DysWKwgZaELtmeK3rR4EJIyQHjiYHyBblk6lLMUotODqvqeDuVlOWyfhZ6V3fdeCQijkPmHpiQ1v3zoMGzIQpm9vhCr5xA/s640/blogger-image--1781414993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwTVQlnuiWyFxUtb02C2hdxcyedkwwV3UysuxD-SPfQk3DysWKwgZaELtmeK3rR4EJIyQHjiYHyBblk6lLMUotODqvqeDuVlOWyfhZ6V3fdeCQijkPmHpiQ1v3zoMGzIQpm9vhCr5xA/s640/blogger-image--1781414993.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwqVlzeqtb324uxSf53nFICVSh6D3aUhEUpa13gmI05858EAPMD9VzNDQBX41I92yWobCBjJBZd15ESRrlaWPoTvzPf8hxbdSOL3LKCGINw-wRw2qbQ4gOExIGZBfV0GEeYF-k5WQ6w/s640/blogger-image-464052212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwqVlzeqtb324uxSf53nFICVSh6D3aUhEUpa13gmI05858EAPMD9VzNDQBX41I92yWobCBjJBZd15ESRrlaWPoTvzPf8hxbdSOL3LKCGINw-wRw2qbQ4gOExIGZBfV0GEeYF-k5WQ6w/s640/blogger-image-464052212.jpg"></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11703163392740836671noreply@blogger.com0