delware water gap – wind gap

80 deg  sun / humid

9:30 am – 4 pm

16 mi

got a late start but had a good breakfast,started up and out of delware gap and climbed for 30 mins. was soaked with sweat due to the temps and humidity. had a long stumble in a jumblepile of rocks and boulders all day and barely managed 16 mi. Into wind gap and a hiker friendly motel. the manager hauled me to town for laundry and groceries. really nice people here!

sept 25

wind gap – geo w. outerbridge shelter

75 – 80 deg sun

8:30 – 6 pm

21.4 mi

got a late start seeing as I was in a motel for the second straight night. I could get used to this! I packed up and climbed right off. was a nice clear and cool morning. trail conditions still difficult. jumblepile stumblefest! one huge downhill into leigh gap, just a mile from my shelter destination. not as large an uphill climb on the other side. have company tonite , a young dad and his daughter , about 10, are camping for the night.

sept 26

geo w outerbridge – allentown shelter

70-75 deg sun/rain

8 – 4 pm

17 mi

got a great night sleep and was up at 6:30. after breakfast and packing I continued the climb out of leigh gap. trail was so – so until I hit the knife – edge and bear rocks. then life was another massive jumblepile stumblefest. I pulled up att this really nice shelter and patched up the toes of my boots and found a stash of food left behind jsut for me! going to be a cool night and a wet stumble tomorrow, 221 mi to go!

sept 27

allentown shelter – port clinton inn

8 am – 5:30 pm

rain 50-65 deg

23 mi

it rained all night but I was snug in the shelter with 2 section hikers. had a great night sleep, after breakfast and packing had a good climb to start. after several jumblepiles in the rain, footing was iffy. managed to knock out 23 mi and found the old port clinton inn right off the trail in port clinton . hope to eat and sleep well and get a good breakfast before climbing almost 1500 ft out of here for another 23 miler tomorrow.

sept 28

port clinton inn – rt 501 shelter

7:30 – 5 pm

70 – 75 deg sun

23.7 mi

got a pretty early start , there was no breakfast to be found, and climbed easily and steadily for 30 min. pretty easy day as the trail was flat and not too boulder strewn. made great time and got to the coolest shelter ever! a huge ,by shelter standards,building able to sleep at least 15 . large octagonal skylight in the center and I had the place to myself!

sept 29

rt 501 shelter – rausch gap shelter

8:15 – 4 pm

70 -75 deg sun

17.4 mi

got a great night sleep and a big breakfast. went short today as the next shelter is out of reach and rain threatens. will push some tomorrow as preparation for a nero into duncannon. getting close! 151 mi to go, I crossed the 2000 mi mark today.

sept 30

rausch gap shelter – clarks ferry shelter

8 am – 5:15 pm

65 – 70 deg

24 mi

great night sleep and had a long pull today. I’m about out of food and with a light pack I hammered the 24 mi here. easy and flat with few stumbles. still some steeps but mostly flat with a few stumbles,tomorrow I feast!

oct 1

clarks ferry shelter – darlington shelter

8:30 am – 5 pm

60 – 65 deg NICE!

16 mi

got a late start and a fter a short 3 – 4 mi I was eating my second breakfast! there was a truck stop right off with a nice diner. had my fav breakfast of frenchtoast and eggs and bacon. met a guy there who was hiking in the south half and quit to go back to truckin. small world , huh? hit the road and after just 2 more miles stopped in the post office to mail home my stove and cookware,assorted clothes, the tent. dramatically lightening my load. a short hike down the road and there is the legendary doyle hotel which I had heard so much about. eventhough I had just had 2nd breakfast I stopped in for a beer and a burger. again an unexpected act of kindness by the owner of the doyle, he volunteered to take me to the nearby grocery for my final resupply, and off I went to the shelter. tomorrow I hope to hook – up with the blues, my ex-inlaws, and a home visit with them.

oct 2

darlington shelter – mike and becky blue home

8:15 – 12 pm

60 -65 deg nice!

10 mi

short night sleep. was in a foursome and someone snored bigtime! BUMMER! short flat trail today and at the home of mike and becky at 12. just in time for lunch, I’m such a lucky guy! just a short 106 mi left! with a light load I plan on hammering out some big days ahead.

oct 3

blues home – pine grove furnace hostel

8 am – 5:30 pm

70 – 75 deg

23 mi

after a big breakfast with the blues I hit the trail on one of the most beautiful days of the trip so far. perfect conditions for hiking. easy trail and clear skies with cools temps. excellent hike. am at the hostel after a big snackbar supper of cheeseburgers, hotdogs , chips,sodas,and icecream sandwiches. life is good!! hot shower for the 2nd night in a row,a full tummy, and indoor plumbing!!

oct 4

pine grove hostel – rocky mtn shelter

8 am – 5 pm

70 – 75 deg NICE!

23 mi

great night sleep, had a quick breakfast and hammered 17 mi by 1:30. easy ! am at shelters (2) with 6 people. one sobo and sectioners. 56 mi to harpers, looking to end tues or weds.

oct 5

rocky mtn shelter – ensign cowall shelter

8 am – 5:45 pm

70 – 75 deg

23 mi

up early to head out. pretty easy hike,pretty day! in shelter with 8 people, big crowd and everyone excited for me, several sobo’s that started in maine the 20th of june! they will have a long haul in the smokies if they don’t flip , weather is coming to the upper elevs soon. tomorrow will be my last day on the trail!!!

oct 6

ensign cowal shelter – HARPERS FERRY!!!

7:15 am – 7:30 pm

70 deg

31.1 mi

with best intentions I planned to stop at mile 25 and shelter for the night. but my legs were still juiced and I wanted to motel and shower before catching the train home, so off I went from that point on I was like a horse to the barn. I knew that the last 5 mi were on the c + o towpath so what better venue for a possible night hike? easy walking all the way to harpers , even in the dark. but I never had to breakout my headlamp, the trail was easy to follow. I landed on the streets of harpers ferry at 7:30, just as they had rolled up the sidewalks. I walked uphill past the AT headquaters and rejoiced !! I’d made it back to the start of my journey. I’d been here so long ago, mar 31/apr 1 to start my trek south. now to finially return and complete my hike was a great relief. I had done it! I went on past the HQ and found the liquor store still open and got myself a sixpack before heading on to the motel. I’d have a shower a pizza and a sixpack to celebrate.

oct 7

ZERO DAY IN HARPERS FERRY

who cares about the weather???

all day in harpers ferry starting at the ATHQ at 9:30 am and hung out with the staff and fellow hikers. bought pizza for the staff and anyone else there, took pics and got stuff for everyone at home. saw grizz for beers and chatted the afternoon away while waiting for the train. got aboard amtrak for the final leg of this trip, a long sit on the train and a transfer in chicago and I’M HOME!!!!!! boy is it great to have my own bathroom again! and a fridge,and a bed I don’t have to pack up and move everyday.so nice to be home.

pa jumble pile

this is the trail

leigh gap

jumble pile stumblefeststumblerama

10 miles

75 – 80 degrees sun

8:30 – 5 pm

Got a late start mostly cause I slept like a log for 12 hours.  Had a lazy breakfast and then a 3 mile road walk . from there the trail went straight up.  What was named, “The Ledges”, which was a big cliff and was about 900 ft above the river where I was camped.  Made it in to Kent for a stop at the Lib, grocery, laundry and hamburger joint before hiking the mile or so back to the trail.   Pretty day with some good steeps.  I hope the weather stays like this!

Day 148 – Sept 15 Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite – Telephone Pioneers Shelter

18.2 Miles

75 – 85 degrees Sun/humid

8 am – 5 pm

Had a rather late start but made good miles anyway; Some good sharp steeps to keep me honest.  Easy woods walk for the most part.  3 Miles ago crossed a road and found Hot dog stand , had two brats and 3 sodas for late lunch early supper.  Supposed to rain tonight / tomorrow.

Day 149 – Sept 16 Telephone Pioneers Shelter – RPH Shelter

17 Miles

8 am – 4 pm

70 – 75 degrees partly cloudy

Had an ok day nothing to steep or long.  Pretty easy hike but pulled up at the shelter when the rain clouds came in.  This is the last shelter for 30 miles, so this was it.  Trying to keep the food to a minimum so I’m looking ahead for each stop.  Hiking seems much easier.  So I’m having a good time.

Day 150 – Sept 17 RPH Shelter – Anthony’s Nose Camp

24 Miles

8 am – 6 pm

70 – 75 Degrees Rain / Sun

Had a easy hike with a couple of steeps thrown in to keep me honest.  Hit the 20 mile mark at 4:15 and had dinner in a C-Store Moseyed on for 4 more miles to Nero outside Fort Montgomery, NY in to town for breakfast.

Day 151 – Sept 18 Anthony’s Nose Camp – Ft Montgomery BR Motel

2 Miles (NERO)

Had a lousy night sleep with to many trains passing directly below.  Got a good view from the Nose and got to the motel by 10.  Good eats and a shower!

Day 152 – Sept 19 Ft Montgomery – Little Dam lake Camp

22 miles

70 – 75 degrees and clear – Saw NYC!.

8:30 – 6 pm

Got a good start up Bear Mountain ,easy.  It was about 50 degrees this morning and clear as a bell.  Saw the New York Skyline all day and according to one Highway sign it was 34 miles away.  Got a good day in and just got to bed at 8:30 – Late and Dark!

Day 153 – Sept 20 Little Dam lake Camp – Wawayanda Shelter

20 Miles

7:30 – 6 pm

70 – 80 degrees Sun

Had a great day, easy.  Nice short ups.  Some good views even.  Met a couple day hiking and they clued me in to the “Creamery” Ice Cream Shop on a short ¼ mile blue-blaze.  Had a banana split for lunch.  Great Stop!  Stopped here and had company for dinner.  Another section hiker going south is here.  He’s only on the trail for a couple of days so we won’t be chumming any.

Day 154 – Sept 21 First day of Fall!  Wawayanda Shelter  – High Point Shelter

24 Miles

70 – 80 degrees

8:30 – 6 pm

Had a late start, (cold morning and someone to talk to. But made up for it with some hustle.  Couple of downhill steeps, slowed things considerably.  Am here with 3 others, section hikers and will have company for breakfast!

Day 155 – Sept 22 High Point Shelter – Brink Rd Shelter

20 Miles

7:30 – 5 pm

70 – 75 degrees

Got a early start and climbed to new Jersey’s highest point.  Easy flat hike with a ton of rocks in the trail making footing a bit iffy.  Talked with a couple at a view point and they told me about a Deli at the next road.  As I walked in the owner promptly announced “were closed”, and ushered me out the door.  Disappointed I geared up and hike ¼ mile down the road to Gyps Tavern where the barmaid curtly told me to doff my pack and toss it out back, all before I had the chance to ask if the Grill was open!  So far New Jersey is shaping up as a Hiker “unfriendly” state!

Day 156 – Sept 23 Brink Road Shelter – Delaware Water Gap

24 Miles

Deer Head Inn

75 – 80 degrees partly cloudy

8 am – 5:30 pm

Really got a move on this morning.  The trail was partly on a forest service road and I was moving.  Then abruptly on to a jumble pile of boulders and I had to go really slow.  I can imagine that the part of PA everyone complains about being just like this.  Slow and tedious, even when you want to make some miles.  Am going to zero here and get some rest for the next 274 miles through PA and MD.  Then I’m done! Looks like 15 days, 20 at the most and I’ll be walking into Harpers Ferry!

14 Miles

10:30 – 5 pm

80 degrees Sun

Took an hour to get a ride out of TOWN!  Even with my, “Hiker to trail” sign.  Tons of traffic on this Friday before Labor Day.  Finally got a ride and started to climb out of the Rt 9 Notch.  Only took 20 minutes and the rest of the day a series of short ups and downs, no views Loads of mud but sunny and a bit warm.  Tomorrow Massachusetts!

Day 138 – Sept 5 Vermont State Line  – Mark Noepel Shelter

14 Miles

75 – 80 degrees Sun

Mt GreyLock

7:30 – 4pm.

Took 3 hours to climb mountain Grey Lock a 5.8 Mile steep ending a beautiful tower, a tribute to Massachusetts war dead.  Had a burger and hustled down.  Haven’t been feeling well all day.  Slow and tired.  Big steep Didn’t help any. note*** I was coming down with the giriada,a water borne protozoan that is the scurge of backpackers everywhere.

Day 139 – Sept 6 Mark Noepel Shelter – Kay Wood Shelter

60 – 75 degrees

16.7 miles

2 Steeps

7:45 am – 4 pm

After a horrible night sleep tossing and turning.  I was sick with the flu, achy and fevered, my stomach in my mouth all night.  I didn’t sleep got up at 6 and ate something.  Was a beautiful day for a hike, but I felt like crap.  Went through a couple of towns, but it was Sunday and everything was closed!  Hiked with 2 guys section hiking so I had some company.  The shelter has two groups of 10 kids on “Freshman orientation” never head of that one!  I think I passed the half-way point of this part of the trip!

Day 140 – Sept 7 Kay Wood Shelter – Washington Mountain Road

60 – 70 degrees

7 Miles

7:45 am – 12:00

Had another bad sleep.  Was fevered and almost tossed my cookies.  Got up at 6 and was still sick.  Barely made the seven miles to a road crossing and hitched to the hospital.  Sat there all afternoon.  When they were done with me I had a prescription for Giriadia.  Hopefully my days of fevered tortured hiking are over.

Day 141 – Sept 8 Lenox Quality Inn – Zero

Took a hike to town testing my legs and my antibiotic in system for 12 hours.  Got to the library, got groceries, ate some yogurt.  Rode the bus home to motel.  50 % ok.

Day 142 – Sept 9 Rt. 20 Goose Pond – Mountain Wilcox South Shelter

Had a good test of my power today running at 80 percent and had 2 good steeps to test me.  Seem to be doing much better.  Had a good breakfast, ate during the day and had some dinner.  Everything staying with me so far.  Have a SOBO for company, with me for a least 1 more day,  He’s from Conn and heading home for the weekend.  Looks like 520 Miles to Harpers. 

Day 143 – Sept 10 Mountain Wilcox Shelter – Blen Brook Shelter

21.5 Miles

60 – 75 degrees Sun

7:30 – 6 pm

Two good climbs today.  Handled them well.  Had long day and everything feels great.  Under 500 Miles!  Cool tonight, supposed to rain.  Bummer!  Conn. tomorrow.

Day 144 – Sept 11 Glen Brook Shelter – Bassie Brook Shelter (Connecticut) 

9 miles

50 – 60 degrees, Cold Rain

God a good night sleep and late start.  Climbed Mount Everett first off and walked some ridge top in a cold wind and rain.  Fell twice and crossed the Mass – Conn border over a pretty stream.  Took off my rain jacket in preparations for the climb up Bear Mountain (Connecticut’s highest point) Two thirds of the way up in pours down rain and the wind is howling.  I put my jacket back on and am now soaked and frozen.  So I called it a day and am dry and wearing all my dry things snuggled into my sleeping bag.  It’s only 2:30 but the trail is a river and I was getting hypothermic.  Hope tomorrow is better.

Day 145 – Sept 12 Bassie Brook Shelter – Belters Campsite

16 Miles

8 am – 4 pm

Had a late start due to rain.  But got going and had a 2^nd breakfast in Salisbury Ct. Had to restock and town was .8 off.  So I had breakfast and got fruit in the grocery store. Then back to the trail hauling only 4 days of food along with fresh fruit.  Hope to see more civilization the rest of the trip so I’ll carry less and hopefully do more miles.  We’ll see how the terrain is.  Seems to be getting easier.  Rained off and on all day, but much warmer.  Hope to be in Kent Monday morning and resupply again as well as check the post office for my remaining maps.

Day 146 – Sept 13 Belters Campsite – Stewart Hallow Shelter

15 miles

70 – 75 degrees humid

7:30 – 4 pm

Had a couple of steeps climbs today.  The sun popped out and the humidity few as the afternoon wore on, I wore out.   Still 7 miles to Kent, but evening clouds looked like rain so I took advantage of the last shelter before town and called it a day.

14 Miles

11 am – 4 pm

70 – 80 degrees partly cloudy

Had a quick breakfast at the motel and packed up.  Hit the bus for a ride to Norwich Vermont.  Walked about a mile on the road into a subdivision and off into the woods.  Had a pretty easy hike, but humidity was high and there were some good steeps, but no views.  Pretty much walking in a fog.  Lots to think about.

Day 129 – Aug 27, Thistle Hill Shelter – Chateauguay Road Campsite

16.8 miles

7:30 – 4:30

65 – 70 degrees and sun

Beautiful cool day with no humidity. Great day to hike.  Pretty good steeps, but no views.

Supposed to go down into the 30’s tonight.   Was pretty cool this morning.  Trail is nice  I am in a campsite by a stream alone tonight.  Should sleep great!

Day 130 – Aug 28 Chateauguay Road Campsite Long Trail Inn (RT 4 Rutland)

14.7 Miles

65 – 70 degrees

7:45 am – 4 pm

Some pretty good climbs anxious to get to the pub for beer and food.  Also to got a room!  Showers!  Rained all night, cold & rainy. 40 – 50 degrees and big wind.

Day 131 – Aug 29, Long Trail Inn – Cooper Lodge Shelter

6.3 Miles

Cold /Rainy!

10 am – 2 pm

Climbed up Mt Killington In a cold rain. Windy.  Had to take off my rain gear as I was climbing and sweat too much in it.  Cold and rainy here at the shelter.  Will be cold night but at least I’m under cover.

Day 132 – Aug 30 Cooper Lodge Shelter – Green wall Shelter

19 Miles

7:15 am – 5 pm.

60 – 80 degrees and sunny

Got an early start from Mt Killington.  It warmed up overnight I had a good mud fest for about 10 miles then the trail became firm and the hiking was easier.  Two steeps but noting too difficult.  Alone in the shelter so far.

Day 133 – Aug 31 Green Wall shelter – Mad Tom Notch

19 Miles

65 – 70 degrees and Sun

8 am – 5 pm

Had another Vermont Day.  Stumbling, slipping and sliding through acres of mud.  Two good steeps with good views, no shelter tonight.  Passed the last one at 2:30 and the next is over 6 miles away.  Tomorrow is a big climb up Stratton Mountain.  If I get that far.

Day 134 – Sept 1 Mad Tom Notch Campsite – Stratton Mountain Campsite

23 Miles

60 – 65 degrees Sun

7:30 – 5:15 pm

Had a great day with near perfect temps during the day.  Froze last night as temps overnight have been in the 40’s.  Seems warmer tonight so far and its still 2 days to Bennington and my mail drop with warm gear.  My zero bag and long Johns.  Almost out of food.  I’ll have a pretty meager dinner tomorrow night of snickers & beef Jerky and GORP.  Whatever is left over for tomorrow?  I’ll be really close to town tomorrow night and hope to be in before lunch….. Maybe breakfast!

Day 135 – Sept 2 Stratton Mountain Campsite – Melville Nauheim Shelter

21 Miles

 7:30 – 5:15

65 – 75 degrees Sun

Pretty easy day with few Views.  Walking all day seeing few NOBO’s and No SOBO’s

I must still be behind the pack.  Catching up though.  4^th day of 20 or nearly 20 miles.  I could be done in a month or so. 

Day 136 – Sept 3 Melville Nauheim Shelter – Bennington VT.

1.5 Milles (NERO – Nearly zero)

In to town for mail and food, food, food!

Shower and Beer too!

valley way campsite – Nauman campsite

12 mi 7:30 am – 4 pm

60 – 80 deg sunny (except mt washington peak)

Had to climb every president since madison thru eisenhower! Pretty , pretty huge views. up mt washington , into the clouds! saw the cog railway, at the peak was dissapointed to find that there was not a video camera for a quick wave to everyone back home. sorry guys, wished to blow everyone a kiss. saw the finish of a bicycle race up the mtn. the winner came in in under an hour! had a good lunch in the mt washington snack bar, mailed a letter home, and motored on. had a few good climbs and the afternoon was nice. saw many tourists out for a saturday hike up the mtn , which cleared off , just my luck!

aug 16 day 119

nauman campsite – ethan pond shelter

9.3 mi  7:15 – 12:15 

70 – 90 deg mostly sunny

had an early morning wake-up call by some idiot at the hut banging out his favorites on a bagpipe!! must have gone on a full 15 mins. at 6:15 am!! I was already up but became angrier as the noise continued. was not in a good mood to start. had a couple of quick climbs and then settled into a long downhill which was crawfords notch. it got pretty hot and I found a nice swimming spot near the shelter and set up camp,did some laundry and snacked the afternoon away.really a welcomed short day after yesterdays epic climbs.