Mileage Highlights & Trail Life

Hey everyone! Here are a few mileage highlights and an update of how life is going on the trail.

1. Passed the halfway point at mile 1094.6
2. Finished off 4 more states: VA, WV, MD & PA (only 7 more to go)
3. I've only got 895 miles left, yeah!

Currently I'm enjoying the finer things in life near the Delaware Water Gap at my Aunt Andrea's home. I took a couple of rest days to let my body recoup and let my mind decompress. I've been eating numerous homemade meals and even had an afternoon of drinking beer and floating down the Delaware River. 

One of the biggest observations I've had currently on the trail is that there seems to be less and less hikers. Maybe it's because I've started to pick up miles and I've gotten ahead of the bubble or maybe people are starting to jump off trail, who knows, but there is definitely a lack of hiker trash. Which makes it harder on the tough mental days as you can't share in each others misery or help each other get distracted from it.

The halfway point was bitter-sweet as it marked a great accomplishment but then the realization that I still have lots of miles left began to sink in. It seems that the mental game is really starting to kick in.

A past thru-hiker once told me that his favorite part of the trail was the first and last 500 miles. And I'm beginning to see why. The middle section of the trail has lower elevations, views are less frequent/less epic and there hasn't been much variation in terrain. Plus Pennsylvania's rocks really are just not enjoyable to hike on. Sorry PA, you're my least favorite state thus far.

Now after review, this post seems to be very much on the negative side, but I'd like to reassure all you wonderful peeps that I'm still loving the journey, soaking up every moment and living in the now.

I'm still mostly hiking solo and occasionally with someone else for a few days. Today I had a wonderful hike with my cousin Ryan.  I don't see him very often, but a 24 mile hike was definitely a great way to catch up and really learn about each other.

Also I've had multiple people ask if they can get in touch with me without having to post comments on the blog. You most certainly can, feel free to text, email or even leave a voicemail.

Again thanks for all the support! Happy trails!