Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Virginia - Check; West Virginia - Check; Maryland - Check; Pennsylvania - Check

As you can see, I've hiked through and completed Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. There are less than 900 miles to go. I'm currently in New Jersey or New York depending on the step since we're on the border. Actually, I'm in Unionville, New York staying at the Mayor's house tonight (like most things out here - it's a long story).

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I did get a fabulous present ... Jogle and I pushed hard so that I got to have a shower on my birthday in a really bad roadside motel. It may have been one of the best showers I've ever had regardless of the ambiance of the accommodations.

I'm happy that it seems the rocks may have come to an end. Pennsylvania is notorious for its rocks. I've been staggering over them for miles and miles and some more miles - dozens of big boulder fields that make you look drunk as you try to keep your balance and then all of those medium and small stabbing rocks that bruise the bottom of your feet. It can be a bit spirit-killing, which is why usually the last bunch walk off the trail there. From here on out most of those of us who are left should make it barring injury or home emergency. I only fell knees first over the rocks once and busted my knee up a bit, but luckily it resulted in just a few scratches. Today I fell again when I slipped on a wet wooden board over some wetlands and fell off. Oops. It is amusing, though, as you feel like an upside down turtle because of the pack and it takes a while to roll over and get up. Still happy and moving forward. It looks like we may make it to the end sometime around September 20th or 25th. Wish us luck!

Sorry no pictures this time, but there are others who want to use the computer and I don't want to monopolize the time. My next zero will be in Kent, CT at the end of the month and I'll try to put up a bunch of pictures then.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rock on birthday girl! Stay safe. Wish we could chat. - M & D

Anonymous said...

Wow, New York already! What a birthday present! We're pulling for you. AB

Anonymous said...

Hey, I'm so impressed with you. I had no idea you would have made it all the way to New York by now. Hope you don't have anymore upside down turtle moments anytime soon. I'm glad you got a shower on your birthday, and I hope you are enjoying some friendlier terrain these days! -Tara

Anonymous said...

Holy smokes, gf! Hard to believe that you are on the 'downhill' portion of your journey. Your pictures certainly show the more peaceful you. I am so glad that you made the decision to make this trek. Keep on Cruisin ~LAC

Anonymous said...

Hey Becca, it's Sudoku from the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast campsite. How's it going? I was lucky to meet you and Jogle there, because I really had no idea what my plan was as far as sleeping somewhere (legally and safely)... and I had a very pleasant evening instead!

Unionville to Kent in one week? I guess the trip does take forever, but it seems like you are just booking it! I enjoyed reading your posts a lot. I have two friends on the trail this year and neither one is courteous enough to keep a blog!

Well, I hope you're enjoying your deli sandwiches and ice cream... keep having a good time out there (and enjoy yourself for me too, because I am so bored out here in the "real world"!). Say hello to Jogle for me. Take care,

- Sudoku