Connecticut, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     I awoke in the morning at Ten Mile River Shelter, excited at the fact that I had arrived in New England. The forests here are already changing, as more pine and moss overtake the vines of the southern Appalachians.
     I would learn later that a man was found dead near this shelter the night after I stayed. He was discovered in his tent by a hiker. I don't recall a tent there the night I was at the shelter, so I assume he arrived after I had left... Either way, a tragedy and an unfortunate moment for the hiker who found him.
     The trail followed along a river for some time, proving to be about as easy as the A.T. ever gets. After crossing a road, I took back to climbing hills, and at one lookout, I stood on Native American reservation land, the only time the trail crosses such.
     I was excited to learn that some friends would be coming to visit me in Kent. They weren't going to arrive until late in the day, so I talked to another hiker, Whitewater, and we agreed to split a room at The Fife 'n Drum Inn.
     Showered, I went to the laundromat to throw my laundry in with some other hikers. While there, I ran into Dundee, and hung out with him for a while. I told him he was welcome to spend the night in our room, and he took us up on the offer.
     Once my friends arrived, we all hung out in the Inn for a while, sharing stories and laughs, and then we walked to the restaurant for dinner. It was a great time, I enjoyed delicious food and great company.
     The old man whom owned both the inn and restaurant arrived that eve, and played some beautiful piano music. He used to play professionally, and even played with Frank Sinatra. He had dreamed of owning a fine restaurant in which he could come and play his piano, and it was nice to see he had lived out his dream. I shook his hand and thanked the old man before leaving.
     It was late, so I said goodbye to my friends and retired myself. It is always sad to say goodbye to a familiar face, since I typically walk alone, and camp with strangers. But I hope to see them again someday, as with my other friends; I have been thinking a lot of how I would like to spend more time with people, and do better at keeping in contact... I am lucky to have met so many wonderful people throughout life.
     The following morning, Whitewater informed us he would be taking a few days off, so Dundee and I ate some breakfast and walked back to the trail.
     We walked together for the day, and I enjoyed the company. Dundee is a pretty cool guy, with a good sense of humor. We camped at Pine Swamp Brook, and walked together the following day. We did some good miles, which was pretty impressive considering a very extended break we took midday.
     We had arrived, in mid afternoon heat, to "Great Falls". It was a beautiful waterfall. What started as an exploration, with us climbing the falls and checking out the scenery, quickly turned to swimming and fun. We stood beneath the falls, climbed and jumped in the water, and then sat and enjoyed the warm sun.
     We swung into Salisbury to resupply, and I needed fuel. I have to say, I felt a little out of place in these Connecticut towns, walking in, sweaty and dirty, when everyone around were clearly wealthy and well off.
     I walked into the grocery store, to find Dundee holding a huge chocolate cake, and wearing a large smile. Needless to say, we demolished that cake for lunch.
     That night, we slept in Riga Shelter, opting not to tent because the eastern view from the shelter was nice, and I looked forward to the sunrise.
     The morning ended up being cloudy, and I missed my desired sunrise view unfortunately. It was a nice morning nonetheless.
     I climbed Bear Mountain, the highest peak in the state, and a mile later on the descent, I crossed into Massachusetts. I was excited, as I always am at a milestone! Another state completed!
     Being a former resident, I looked forward to hiking some familiar ground. I was anticipating some of the interesting places to stay in the coming days. This trail has been so exciting, and I was eager to see what I would find around the next bend.

New York- The Open Road, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     Waking up in my lone campsite, I rose, packed and ate my breakfast quickly. I was excited and anticipating the interesting trail ahead.
     After passing over Black Mountain, I crossed over a four lane highway, and then climbed Bear Mountain.
     Bear Mountain was fairly tall with many steps. In fact, they are working on creating more steps on the northern slope, due to the heavy traffic this area gets. It still amazes me how much volunteer work goes into this trail.
     The mountaintop opened up to expansive views, and I could even make out NYC in the hazy blue skyline. There was a stone monumental tower, which I walked to the top of. Many people were here, and one can even drive to the top.
     The descent was long, and I came out near a lake, by a park. It was strange being around so many people, after being in the woods so much. I felt a little out of place. I even caught a few people snapping my picture, probably amused at the novelty of a thruhiker in their presence. I don't blame anyone; I was always fascinated by the concept prior to this trip.
     The trail at this point actually passes through a small zoo. Thruhikers are allowed free admission as they are walking the trail. The zoo was interesting, and its focus is on plants and animals that are native to the area. When I entered, workers were introducing an orphaned coyote cub to the current adult coyote residents. It was an interesting sight.
     There is a Walt Whitman statue in the center of the zoo. It was very inspiring, and felt very relevant to my journey! There was a passage carved in stone:
"The Song of the Open RoadAfoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
Strong and content I travel the open road.
Camerado, I give you my hand!
I give you my love more precious than money,
I give you myself before preaching or law;
Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me?
Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?"

     I passed the lowest point in the trail elevation-wise, which happened to be just in front of the bear den area. It gave me a strange feeling, Seeing these bears in captivity. To me, the bears I have been so lucky to witness along the trail have signified just how wild and free it was in this wilderness. To see them in captivity now before me disposed the significance I had felt.
     After the zoo, I went into the town of Fort Montgomery to retrieve a package at the post office, containing food my brother graciously mailed me to aid in my journey. I then crossed the Hudson River via Bear Mountain Bridge. When Earl Schaffer, the first thruhiker, crossed this bridge he was required to pay a nickel. It is now free to cross for those on foot.

Hudson River

     The trail reentered the forest, and I then took a side trail to Anthony's Nose. The trail once passed over this feature, but they closed the area during the second World War due to its proximity to the city, and a military base. It normally offers views of the city in the skyline, but had become to hazy by the late afternoon to offer much views.
     I arrived at Peekskill, NY and stopped in at a small convenience store for a snack. I met a hiking couple here, known as the Lion Killers. we sat down to eat, when a former thruhiker pulled up beside us, introducing himself as Bud Heavy.
     Bud Heavy had hiked last year, and told us of how the experience was life changing. He insisted he needed to offer us some form of support, but we didn't need a ride anywhere, and didn't need anything from the store, so he gave us a little money. He insisted, because he had received so much love from people on the trail, and was compelled to "give back". He was a very cool and generous person. He plans on attempting the Pacific Crest Trail next year, and I am sure he will succeed.
     I camped that night in a field provided by a monastery. It was a large gathering of thruhikers, and I was happy to see some of the friends I have made, but haven't seen in a while. The camaraderie on the trail amongst hikers is amazing.
     The next day I hiked over some small mountains. It began to rain by the afternoon, and I equipped some rain gear and continued along. I camped that night at the Morgan Stewart Shelter with a few other hikers, Q...Man, Jackrabbit and WhiteWater.
     The next day, I hiked past Nuclear Lake, called so because it was the site of a nuclear fuels processing facility. they say it is safe now... i still chose to pass through with a quick pace.
     I crossed train tracks, arriving at the official "Appalachian Trail Train Stop". A hiker could theoretically take the train into the city from here on weekends! It was a nice spot for a quick break.

A.T. Train Stop

     The road just passed the tracks had a little pizza stand, where i enjoyed a slice (or 3) of NY pizza, my last chance to do so. It was an early celebration, because I was just a few miles from the state border.
     I also hit up the garden center there. The owners are very hiker friendly, and they provided me with a free shower. I don't pass up free showers often, because they are easily one of the most pleasant experiences along the trail. They also gave me some good, clean water before I pressed on.

Garden Center

     I crossed Hoyt Road, and officially entered Connecticut. I walked just a few more miles, and stopped at Ten Mile River Shelter. I was accompanied by White Water.

Connecticut!

     I sat at the shelter, and ate a special dinner given to me by my brother, for crossing the border. I then relaxed in my sleeping bag, and looked out into the field before me; I was blown away by an unbelievable display. Before me was the most dazzling firefly display I have ever witnessed before in my life. I cannot express to you how I feel in these moments. I can only try to describe it: It feels, at times, like I am truly alive for the first time.
     So, I had hiked since Georgia, and now stood in New England. I am doing this.... living this, and I appreciate every minute more than any words can express. I am Walking Home.

New York- Ice Cream to Bears, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     After crossing the state line into New York, I soon walked along the highest point I will within the state. The trail in this area proved tough, with some solid climbs and lots of rocks.
     I crossed a road soon after crossing the border, and walked up the road to a creamery. I rewarded my completion of another state with a delicious ice cream sundae.
     My first night in NY was spent near Wildcat Shelter, where I pitched my tent. It was crowded, very crowded... But not a thruhiker in sight. Everyone here were just out for a night or a couple of nights.
     I sat by the fire, and talked. The folks camped here were intrigued by my journey, and their questions led to my stories of my trip so far. They were all wonderfully friendly, and we joked and laughed throughout the eve.
     The next day, I walked up a staircase next to a waterfall, as voluntary workers were continuing to build them. I talked with them for a bit, and thanked them for the amazing work they are doing.
     I climbed several small mountains, and then crossed a Turnpike, and entered Harriman State Park, home of some of the oldest original Appalachian Trail.
     The trail started as a roadwalk, and as I passed a parking lot, I was called over by a man standing by his truck.
     It turned out to be Padio, with his Paddywagon, who has been giving out trail magic for over a decade. He cooked me a lunch consisting of brats wrapped in bacon and soda! I ate several, and he also gave me some snacks to go. I was extremely grateful for this pleasant surprise!
     I was thankful that I had these extra calories, as the trail climbed steeply. I came to a spot called the Lemon Squeezer, which was a very tight path through split rock. Then, there was a difficult section, where I had to toss my bag overhead and climb up and over a steep cliff.
     The trail here passed through stunning forest, and I saw more deer than I can count. It sure was something. I imagined how it was in the days that Earl Schaffer, the first thruhiker, passed through here on his walk to Maine.
     Once I made it to where the trail crossed the paved road in the park, I took a side trip down the road to a lakeside beach.
     I spent a good amount of time here. I sat and stuck my bare feet in the sand, enjoying how good it felt on my sore feet. I swam in the warm lake. I also sat at a picnic table and cooked my dinner, with the benefit of pumped water nearby. I then walked the couple miles towards the next shelter.
     Before I could make the shelter, as I was distracted in watching deer along the trail, I rounded a corner and saw black fur before me.
     I hadn't comprehended the situation yet, when I saw two bear cubs suddenly shoot very quickly up trees. As the severity of the situation sunk in, the mother black bear rose to her hind legs, hovering tall over the brush. She did not appear happy.
     I was scared. I knew this was a bad scenario, made much worse by just how close I was. I frantically tried to remember what I should do in this situation. I knew it so well, always reciting the steps to people in other moments. But in this moment, it was hard to recall anything, as I literally shook from fear.
     I took a few steps back, trying to do so slowly and calmly. The large, fearsome bear didn't like my choice of actions apparently, as she bolted in my direction. I thought for a moment I was about to experience great pain. I assume that it wouldn't take much difficulty for her to do serious damage with her large paws.
     To my good fortune, she stopped short of me, and instead circled the tree one of her cubs had taken cover in. So I proceeded to back into the corner of the trail.
     I was as far back as I could go from the bears. The cubs chose to seek refuge in trees that my trail skirted in both directions. So I stayed in the corner. It was an awkward moment, where I couldn't move because of mama bear, mama bear wasn't leaving her cubs, and the cubs wouldn't come down because I was there. The mother bear was making loud noises, making her irritation obvious.
     Finally, I stepped back off the trail, and into the thick brush. It was painful, but it gave the cubs just enough room to lower themselves down the trees, and all three bears scurried away.
     With my heart still pounding hard, I continued to walk, this time talking and making noise. It would be dark soon, so I rushed to William Brien Shelter, and set up my tent by headlamp. I was camping alone once again.
     I made sure to hang my bear bag very carefully and very secure that night. I was shook, admittedly. I was lucky to walk away from such a close encounter with a protective mother. As I laid out to sleep, my fears slipped away, and I thought to myself how amazing it was to witness a family of bears. This brings my total bear sightings on this trip alone to ten, if you include the cubs.
     I desired a fellowship with the wilderness, and I was finding just that.
    

New Jersey, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     New Jersey began with a walk through Delaware Water Gap National Park. It then took me on a climb up on a ridge line, past a perfect backpacker campsite area. It was a nice place, complete with views, and had a privy. It was much to early in the day though, so I continued on.
     The trail looped around Sunfish Pond, a beautiful glacial pond. I stopped and took in the sights here, enjoyed the wildlife, and snapped a few frame-worthy pictures.

Snake

Frog

Sunfish Pond

Sunfish Pond

      Nake caught up to me, and we walked and talked together for a while. We stopped at the AMC-run Mohican Center for a sandwich for lunch, and I pressed on alone.

     There was a fire tower along the trail. Climbing high above the trees, I could see it was raining both to the north and south, but it was sunny sky above me. Once again, I find myself lucky along the trail.

     After passing a few remote lakes, I climbed Rattlesnake Mountain, which required some actual climbing. Walking along the ridge, I heard thunder as clouds drew near, and I decided to set up camp. It turned out to be a very nice campsite, and I found serenity as I sat and enjoyed my dinner by my tent. A few rain showers occurred that night, and I fell asleep to the sounds around my tent.

     The following day, I enjoyed yet another fire tower more exquisite views on my lone walk. I climbed Sunrise Mountain, and took a short break on the benches at top. I took time to reflect on my life, and realized my outlook on things has changed. Having time to think on the trail has given me a chance to find out much about myself; who I am, and my desires. I've realized, for example, how a simple existence can make me much happier than any amount of possessions. I understand now the preciousness of life, and just how short it is. I want to see and spend much more time with friends and family... how fortunate I am to have so many wonderful people in my life! I also have decided that I would like to direct my career focus towards something more; to challenge myself, and to maybe make a positive impact.
     That night I spent the night in a shelter alone. It was a half-mile off the trail. It was a peaceful evening, watching fireflies and listening to crickets.

     The shelter itself was simple, constructed of old wooden logs. Someone with a sense of humor had climbed up and attached a satellite dish to the roof! It made me smile.
     That night, I awoke to sounds coming from outside. I turned on my headlamp, and found that there was a bear walking in the fields just outside the shelter. I watched him for a moment, then laid my head back down and fell asleep once again. Funny how I have become so accustomed to bears!
     Morning came, and I climbed back to the Appalachian Trail after breakfast, and continued on. I arrived at High Point State Park, and I spent a little time at the visitor center. I sent out a few post cards that the rangers were kind enough to see to it they would get sent.
     The trail came to a wooden platform, which gave views of the monument located on the highest point in New Jersey. The A.T. does not go to this point, however. I chose to take a side blue-blazed trail to the top, a short but steep climb.

     I was glad I did. The views from the top were breathtaking. I have to say, coming into New Jersey I didn't know what to expect. I am pleasantly surprised... this section of trail has been very nice. It isn't too difficult, at least in comparison to the rest of the trail, but it is very rewarding.

     I stopped in to the Jim Murray Property, home of the Secret Shelter, for a break. This man has built a heated cabin for hikers to use, complete with a water pump and a shower. It was a little slice of hiker paradise, and it was unfortunate I was only stopping in for a break.
     I pushed on, and ended up walking along a long boardwalk through bogs. It was an easy, quick couple of miles through bog, a very unique environment. I love the variety along this trail! It ended with a wooden footbridge over a creek.

Boardwalk

View of the bog boardwalk

     After passing through some farmland, the trail dumped me onto route 94. There was a farm stand, and I gorged on fresh fruit! I had been craving nectarines, and was pleased at the delicious juiciness. One learns to appreciate the littlest things when one is backpacking this long!
     Back at the road, a kind person stopped to give me a lift to the church hostel up the road in Vernon, where I could shower and rest for the night. There was two other hikers there, Trotter and a southbounder.

St. Thomas Church

     The next morning, I climbed Wawayanda Mountain, and enjoyed some of my final views in Jersey. A few miles later, I was posing for a picture at the NY/NJ state line, with a huge smile on my face. I feel good... real good. And not just physically; I am truly happy. Life is just amazing.

Made it to NY!

    

Pennsylvania: Duncannon to Port Clinton, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     I followed Dundee out of Duncannon. It started off with a couple miles of road walking. We walked on a long bridge over the Suquehanna River, where we were attacked by a falcon! Yes, a falcon was attacking us, swooping in and diving toward us, then pulling away at the last second. It was making a lot of noise as well! I can only assume it had chosen to nest on the bridge, and we were seen as a threat. I would learn later that this bird of prey had attacked other hikers as well.
     We crossed train tracks, and took to the woods as the path went steeply up and over rocks.
     I slipped on some rocks, and took a spill. It was a clumsy fall, where I couldn't catch myself, and the weight of my backpack threw me off balance.
     I was now bleeding, filthy and sore, but I wanted to try to keep up with Dundee, so I pressed on.
     I slipped again. This time, my foot became caught, and my fall resulted in a lot of damage to my mesh trail runner shoes. I sat down, looking at my shoes. I was very glad I had a new pair waiting for me in a post office not far ahead. I got back up, and continued on.
     The trail crossed a busy road via a pedestrian bridge, and emptied into a parking lot. In the parking lot was a sign, that read "MEMORIAL DAY TRAIL MAGIC! THRUHIKERS WELCOME", so I followed the arrow.
     There were many, many people. It was a very large family, and it was very overwhelming at first. People ushered me along, showing me to the countless tables of food. I saw Dundee in the corner, and felt a little less overwhelmed. I was also joined by Spider, another hiker. I grabbed some food and took a seat, and began talking to this family that has so kindly taken me in to their holiday celebration. I immediately felt at ease, as I learned several members of the family are past thruhikers.
     Looking around the room, I began noticing ATC socks, hats, and shirts. I saw pictures of hikers on the wall. I began to realize this was a family that cared very much about the A.T. and those of us on it, and I was able to loosen up and enjoy good food, good company and a nice rest. Who knew I would get to celebrate Memorial Day after all?
     I made my way to Clark's Valley Creek that night, with intentions to enjoy a nice swim. As I was setting up camp, I was approached by a man from a group camping nearby.
     It turns out he is a teacher, and was with a group of high schoolers and other teachers out on a senior trip. He said they had never met a thruhiker before, and was wondering if I could do a q&a by the campfire. I didn't mind.
"How long have you been out?"
"A little over two months so far." I replied.
"Don't you get lonely?"
"Certainly, pretty often." Said I.
"What do you eat?"
"Everything I can," I responded jokingly.
     The questions went on for some time, and it was getting late. I said I needed to get some sleep, and as I walked away, the students gave me a round of applause. It caught me off guard, but made me feel good.
     A late start the next morning had me scrambling to make it to a decent destination that day. The trail took me up a mountainside, following an old mining road. Taking side trails a short distance brought me to the entrances of old abandoned coal mines. The history of this mining community was made even more apparent as the trail passed through several former mining towns, complete with old foundations, walls, and even family burial grounds.
     I ran into a woman doing maintenance on the trail, and we ended up conversing for a while. It turns out she is the president of a local hiking club. I was fascinated in her dedication to hiking.
     Storm clouds rolled in and the thunder began booming. She told me she felt bad that she kept me, and that I may not make it to the shelter before night. She said there wouldn't be a place for my tent before the shelter. I insisted that it was fine, I can hike really fast now. I continued north.
     The rain came hard and fast. I threw on my rain gear, and faced the storm.
     A few miles later, the trail came to a road. There she was, in her van, calling me over. I hopped in. She insisted she bring me to town and give me a place to stay. I looked at my book... In this rain, it wasn't going to be an easy eve. I finally accepted her invite, and she put me up for the night, and returned me to the trail the next morning. People who associate with the trail have this special personality, a connection with all who have love for it.
     As I walked Pennsylvania, the ridge full of rock and boulder, I admired just how unique and different this part of the trail was from the rest. It was rough on the feet, but the diversity captures my interests without fail.
     When I arrived in the town of Port Clinton, I intended on just passing through. Stopping in at the post office, I learned that the Cabelas in Hamburg will shuttle hikers to and from the store. I figured it would be a nice break from hiking.
     I took the free ride, and walked around the giant outfitters for a bit. I admired the huge animal display, and stood in awe at the size of the bears.
     Cabelas is geared more towards hunting and fishing, and does not supply much of the items that would interest a long distance hiker. Most of their things are bulky and heavy. I want light and fast.
     It was a nice break though, and I did grab some jerky and some maple candy.
     I took the ride back to Port Clinton, and decided to check out the town some more.
     They provide a really nice hiker pavilion in town. It was impressive, with comfortable chairs, and they even left some snacks. I decided to spend my night here.
     A good nights rest in a friendly town, and many more incredible miles to look forward to. That night, I dreamed of tall, bare New Hampshire mountains...

West Virginia, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     Making it to West Virginia was a huge accomplishment for me. Arriving in a new state after being in Virginia so long gave me new confidence, and renewed enthusiasm! Don't get me wrong, I loved Virginia. I found kindness and love from many wonderful people, I enjoyed many landmarks along the trail, the rich history, wildlife... Virginia was wonderful.
     It was also a bit mentally draining, however. It just seemed like it was going to take forever to reach its northern border. The weather didn't help, either. For the most part, it was nice. In fact this whole hike I have been lucky with the weather, experiencing rain, snow and hail but usually it isn't bad. But there was a stretch while walking Virginia where it just rained consistently, day after day. And it was a cold rain, too. Paired with chilly nights. It wasn't anything I couldn't handle, but it did make me feel pretty drained.
     The weather, and the fact I went so long without an "accomplishment", added a new level of challenge to the hike; a mental one. I felt lonely. I was cold, and frustrated my gear was wet. I was slipping in mud. I was sore. All this made it noticeably more difficult to find pleasure in carrying all my supplies on my back and up over mountains each and every day.
     I never lost sight, though. As difficult as it became, I would remind myself how lucky I am to be out here living my dream. I breathed deep and took notice of the new wildlife that emerge only in these steady rains, like the rainbow of different salamander species. I set small goals, and ignored the long distances ahead of me. I daydreamed of all the times shared with people I am lucky to have known. I persevered.
     And then, some time later, I came to what is known as the "Roller Coaster", a series of uphills and downhills in rapid succession over a stretch of 14 miles. And on the final hill, racing up to the top, breathing heavily, sweating, greeted and congratulated by a few fellow thruhikers... I arrived to the sign. Virginia is done; I have completed another state. A warm blood ran from my heart and through my body, and I smiled a most sincere and joyous smile.
     After spending the night at Blackburn Trail Center, a nice little place set aside for hikers with bunks and a woodstove, I strolled on into Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Arriving at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), I was overwhelmed with emotion. I am pretty much halfway... I felt that making it this far, I can make it all the way.
     I was greeted by friendly volunteers, who gave me a place to sit and a cool drink, and we talked of the trail. I had my picture taken, and I am now officially in the records as a thruhiker.
     A very friendly person, and also a bit of a "celebrity" since being featured in the National Geographic A.T. Documentary, offered me a place to stay for the night in exchange for some work. I was excited to be able to spend a little extra time in this historic town.
     It was a great experience; we ate, talked about hiking, laughed, and watched movies. He really added to my experience!
     The next morning, after breakfast, he joined me in walking a few miles up the trail. As we strolled through Harpers Ferry, I admired the antique appearance. The town goes to great lengths to preserve its old appearance.
     The town is full of history. It has significance in the Lewis and Clark expedition, it was the site of occurrences which led to the Cival War and abolishing of slavery, and is the site of a once booming town full of old buildings, churches, cemetery, etc.
     I would learn as I walked with my host that the trail followed along an old canal towpath. Along the canal, as we passed old locks, was an old railroad track. At the time of their construction, canals were successful while trains were unproven. It ended up that the railroad became far more successful, and the canal became unused in time.
     We walked a few miles, and then he wished me luck and we parted ways. I have been very lucky to meet so many wonderful people along the trail. The people are a huge part of this experience, and I will never forget any of them; they have changed my outlook on things in a way I will carry with me for years to come.

Side Trails In Shenandoah and the Thruhiker Mentality, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     In the Smokies, I had decided to not only hike the Appalachian Trail from it's border to border, but I had decided to also throw in a few additional side trails, adding to the mileage of course, but also increasing the rewards with great views and an incredible experience.
     In Shenandoah National Park, I did the same. Not just because I wanted to increase the payoff though, but because I felt I needed to.
     You see, I realized quickly that in this National Park, the trail, which was very well maintained and well graded, brought me close to many scenic views and mountaintops, but did not bring me to them. In order to truly appreciate this place, I had to take to the side trails.
     Now, being a purist, I refuse to miss a single "white blaze" that marks the Appalachian Trail. That means I can only do out-and-back trails. Fortunately, there were plenty of good opportunities for short trails to some scenic mountaintops.
     Shown below are pictures of a couple of the side trail vistas, including a short walk to the stunning Stony Man Summit. Shown are myself and a fellow thruhiker, the kilted "Salt Bomb", whom was one of a few hikers on the trail willing to walk a few extra miles.
     This brings me to the topic of a "Thruhiker Mentality". I have come to realize that many people out here for the long haul develop a narrow sense, where they, in some cases, refuse to do anything but clock miles on the A.T. For example, arriving at a shelter later that day, I mentioned that I had done two side trails, and that they were impressive. A couple of fellow thruhikers insisted that I was crazy for putting in those extra miles.
     It gets interesting, though: I then asked if any of those same people had gone the extra 2 miles to go to the first "Wayside", which is essentially an overpriced fast food joint. Every one of them had. So, apparently I was crazy for going out of my way for beautiful serenity, to bag another peak, or to simply enjoy this wilderness... But it isn't crazy to travel miles for food.
     This is a syndrome. A mentality that overtakes some hikers out here, where food and conveniences become the only drive. Where one passes by mountains we may never cross again, waterfalls so close you can hear them, and the fellowship with the wilderness that we had sought in the first place.
     I am not criticizing. Everyone is out here for their own reasons, and can enjoy their hike in whatever way they please. I have just decided that I am out here for the scenery, the wilderness, all that this trail has to offer.
     I am hungry, tired and sore; but I refuse to give in. I don't want this experience to feel like a job, or a chore; that I must get up and churn out miles just because. I will get up and do what I love, and I love backpacking. I love climbing mountains, taking in views; I love walking this trail.