Unexpected COLD snap... constant rain, turning to sleet, to snow... Oh noooo!!!

October 12-15th Zombie left Woodshole Hostel bright and early Monday with another SoBo, Mr. Freeze. And then the rain set in.....Cold, wet, constant rain.... 1:30 on the third day of rain, Andrew arrived at the Chestnut Knob Shelter at lunch time. Mr. Freeze (Chris) , a faster hiker greeted him, declaring "I'm not going any further in this!" There was another SoBo, Trudger (Joseph), who had arrived there the night before. When Trudger woke up that morning to the hard, cold, blowing rain, he had decided he was taking a zero day...in the shelter (hikers NEVER take zero days in a shelter!) When I asked Andrew "who is Trudger?" He said another SoBo we found when we got to Chestnut Knob... he was "hunkered down in the shelter, tighter than a tick on a dog." They had all been soaked for 3 solid days. On a warm day it's no big deal, but the temps had dropped, the wind was constantly blowing hard and cold, so everything in their packs were wet. They knew they needed to get dry. Chestnut Knob was a four sided shelter, with a door, so they thought it best to stay put. Trudger was glad to have other SoBo's join him (thankful they were just a bit older than he was, and that they weren't crazy or weird...)

Ironically, Wed. night of "their short day", I'm reading the chapter in "A Walk in the Woods" where the author discusses "hypothermia". Thursday morning when I checked on the weather at the upcoming shelters, I'm seeing, rain, rain mixed with snow, snow, snow... Thursday - Sunday. I am doing the math, Zombie is 4 days from Damascus, VA where he thinks I've mailed his winter sleeping bag... he only has his summer bag, good to 50 degrees, but the temps are in the 30's at night... going to 2o's before he gets his winter bag. Unknown to Zombie, Mom still had his bag, because I have been planning to surprise him in Damascus for months!!! SO... I sent him a text message asking if "he is in Atkins, Has he seen the weather report through Sunday? Are you warm enough for rain turning to snow? Serious cold snap till Monday. You are three hours away. Love you. :-) Mom" I was relieved when he called me Thursday night. The three hikers stopped just outside of Atkins, split a room, took warm showers and did laundry to dry everything out. Yes, they had heard rumblings about the weather. Trudger's Mom was coming from Elajay, GA to take him to Damascus to wait out the storm for the weekend, swap out his gear then bring him back Monday morning because next week's forecast is ideal hiking weather: mid 50's to mid 30's at night, with a clear, dry forecast. I decided it was better to give up my "Trail Surprise" and get him his gear. I asked Andrew "if I could bring his winter bag and warm clothes to him, would he want me to?" He said, "yes, but his bag was at the Post Office in Damascus." When I fessed up that it was actually in his closet, that I had planned to surprise him and deliver it in person he was delighted!!!

Permission to come see him given, I told Andrew I'd do what I could to get us a place to stay. It was late, but I just said a prayer. Talk about blessings! There were "no vacancies" in the entire town... (Leaf Season along the Virginia Creeper Trail attracts the bicycle riders, plus the AT goes through the center of town, so day hikers abound!!) I knew the guys could stay at the Hostel, but one of the Inn Keepers said, yes, but there is no heat at the Hostel (well, it's $10) However, due to "the crummy weather" Susie at "Montgomery Homestead B & B" had a cancellation for one room for Sat./ Sun. and when she heard the circumstances, that I was bringing in Thru-Hikers due to weather issues, she offered to call Friday morning, and see what she could do. Most of the B&B's have 2 day min. but she said, "we all know each other, and we work together to help the Thru-Hikers, especially in emergencies." Suzie called me at 7:30 a.m. Friday morning... "I've just turned the potatoes over, so I have a few minutes to see if this will work for you: She reports that Suzanne who owns "Hikers Inn" just had a had a cancellation because of the weather, and she has one room with twins but just for Friday night. If you want it, call her right now." You bet I did! When Suzanne realized why I was trying to get lodging for two hikers plus "the mom" on such short notice, she offered if I'd be O.K. putting the boys upstairs and she'd make her "emergency" sleeper sofa in the Sun Porch, off her suite available to me if I'd want to do that. You betcha!!! Talk about two wonderfully sweet ladies! So early Friday morning I was off to see our Mountain guy!

To keep moving, while I was driving, the guys hiked 12 more miles, past two more shelters knowing I would pick them up at Mt. Rodgers Ranger Station at VA 16... AT Mile 1651.3 at 1:30. Mr. Freeze was there, and he said Trudger would be in shortly and Zombie/ Andrew would be just a bit later, as Andrew had gone into Atkins to pick up his mail. I got to meet Trudger about 2ish, and then saw Andrew come out of the woods about 3. I watched him cross the road, go around to the front side of the Ranger Station, where I was standing to get the very best of Andrew hugs!!! He was quite a sight for sore eyes!!!

Bella's Pizza in Abbington was the requested lunch destination, since I had brought Bracken Mt. Bakery treats from Brevard, for "snack" and breakfast. Over lunch (4 p.m.) I discovered Trudger's Mom won't be in Damascus until Saturday... Oh my... so we discussed options, and Trudger didn't mind a Hostel with out heat as long as it was dry. His bag was good to 35 degrees, and he'd be fine. When we got to The Hiker's Inn, it was funny to see the guys didn't understand we were to go into the front door. Usually they go around back to the places that offer them a place to camp, but I assured them, I'd reserved a place in the house. It was cute to watch their reaction realizing they were to go into the house. Suzanne greeted us, and when she saw three hikers, heard my apology for not knowing the circumstances, warmly said, "well, if one of you guys will sleep on the floor, you are welcome to all stay. There is no heat at the hostel and I'd rather know you were warm." Not expecting such kindness, I was really glad I'd picked Susie and Suzanne some treats from Bracken Mt. Bakery and that I had gotten up early with enough time to bake a big pan of Congo Squares (they are like a blonde brownie with chocolate chips) for the hikers and the inn keepers before I left that morning :-)

It was a fun two days, hearing all of the tales, experiencing a bit of the AT - Culture. Meeting other hikers... funny to see how much they can eat at one time, and how soon they can eat again... I enjoyed listening, and being impressed at what they are accomplishing. Damascus has such wonderful folks in the town, with a sincere kindness and hospitality for hikers.


This and That's: What are the chances?
When I first arrived at the Ranger Station, meeting Mr. Freeze, I asked how the day had gone? I was pleased that the rain had eased off, and the trail was quiet. He went on to say, you never know what you might encounter... like today, he'd seen one older hiker in the shelter "standing there in his underwear" his name was Hydro. I told him, humm... I'd read about a hiker named Hydro in a book I'd just read. Later, when Trudger came up, Mr. Freeze asked, Hey, did you see the older guy standing at the shelter in his underwear? Trudger said, Yes, he was at the shelter, but he was dressed and putting his gear together. So when Zombie walked up, he said, sorry I'm a little late, I met up with Hydro on the trail, and talked with him for a little bit. He's doing a section hike, and I asked him if he'd hiked the trail before, and Mom, he's the same guy Hydro, that was in the book "Trail Ways, Path Wise."

For those of you that have read the book "Trail Ways, Path Wise" you'll recognize he's a bit of a legend... Hiked the AT several times, plus many of the other famous trails. Chapter 7 begins with the quote "I like to hike. Hydro GA-ME '93"

Next interesting: What are the chances? While having lunch in Damascus, VA with 3 Thru-Hikers, you see your neighbor who lives across the street of the house you just moved from??? Linda and Bruce's son Jessee had Thru-Hiked in '04. The guys were discussing various experiences they had on the trail, as they each had different start dates. I'd just shared what Linda had told me that Jessie had said about Mt. Washington. and minutes later, 3 hours from home, she walks in the door for lunch. Our Brevard neighbors had taken a spur of the moment weekend trip to Abbington, VA to ride bikes on the Virginia Creeper...

This and That: Andrew just received a sweet graduation gift, money for new shoes just as he was needing a new pair. Thanks Uncle Ed and Aunt Sally!!! The shoes he'd been wearing have gone just under a 1,000 trail miles, and many more than that when you consider the trips into town to resupply, and all over NYC... He likes the Northface Prophecy, - cross trainer tennis style shoes -(plus a green insert he buys separately) for those that are interested. The outfitter was impressed how well the shoes have held up. The other hikers agreed that a cross trainer was much better than a boot for hiking the trail, and they don't like anything that touches their ankles. (They should know...) I asked Andrew if he wanted the shoes to go home, since they still had tread on them... the three said in unison, "Oh, you don't want these shoes in your car... No, it's time to throw them away..."

Andrew did let me replace his walking sticks... I told him if he'd give me the old ones, he could pick out new ones. He declared, new shoes, new sticks, it's an early Christmas! I told him it could be his present, but I'd rather buy what he wanted and buy it now when he needs it for the last home stretch!

For Dr. Isby: Andrew's eyes have been a blessing! He loves having perfect vision. Glad he has his follow up appointment, for you to see for yourself. 8-)

Can you believe I forgot my camera??? You won't get to see the pictures of these three until I get the camera card (and that is after I upload the ones I've had for a month "to do"...)

When I asked Andrew if he had any more Journal pages, he said, "No... sorry..." So I'll do my best to relay what he has shared with me...

You should see Andrew pass through Damascus on Wed. He will not stay overnight since he's had two zero days there...



So, Monday Zombie returns to the trail, 524.8 miles to Springer Mountain. Mr. Freeze's Dad is hiking the last 70 miles, and Zombie's Dad plans to hike the last 30 miles... His brothers will probably climb the 8.8 miles to the top from Amicalola Falls. Mom Harriet will do at least another "trail town mile" in Hot Springs, NC. Andrew thinks he'll be in Hot Springs Nov. 2 and feels confident to be Springer Nov. 16-17th. The weekend before Thanksgiving. As for me hiking Springer Mountain, probably taking Andrew's advise... plan on seeing me riding up the Forest Road, but most definitely walking the last nine tenths of a mile to enjoy the summit with him :-).

Happy Fall,
Mom Harriet

Back on Zombie's Home Turf ... Virginia Tech

AT Mile 1185.2 Snickers Gap, Winchester, VA to
AT Mile 1222.2 - 1325.7 Shenanadoah National Park
AT Mile 1325.7 Waynesboro, VA then Washington National Forest
AT Mile 1402.8 Lynchburg, VA then on into Jefferson National Forest
AT Mile 1512.0 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Oct. 2-7, 2009
AT Mile 1552.2 Pearisburg, VA
AT Mile 1562.6 Sugar Run Gap

It's been a busy few weeks! The ATC Interactive Map "went down" when Andrew crossed into Virginia, after his 4 state run. I called to ask AT Headquarters about it, and they discovered the entire trail map was not working. It took about 2 and a half weeks to re-program, so I was having to guess where Andrew was. When I
called the ATC Headquarters after a few weeks, they gave me another link, that is really neat, and fortunately, a
few days later they called to say it was up and running again.

9/19/09 AT mile 1260.4 (instead of mile 1271.9) Shenanadoah National Park
In the mean time, Ground Support calls me on Saturday afternoon, wondering where Andrew might be, as she is driving on the Skyline Drive looking for Zombie. What an adventure / misadventure that was. We were all cheering her on, as she got close to where he was, but actually went one shelter beyond him. So many "ifs..." The section hiker she met got his north and south confused (his first time hiking). He described "a thru-hiker he saw" which was indeed Andrew, taking to a group that was rock climbing...Also, Andrew had been hiking in a pattern of short days (15 miles) long days (22 + miles) so my guess that Saturday would be a long day, was not to be... it was a short day as the weather was lovely, climbing folks to chat with, and then he stopped to eat at a restaurant near the trail... so he missed "Ground Support" Kelly by 30 minutes!

While looking for Zombie, Kelly left "trail magic" of oranges and bananas, like they had done the weekend before when he was visiting in Winchester. She left notes on the orange peel that the fruit was for thru-hikers, knowing either Zombie or another weary soul would come upon it. When she found Bearfence Mtn. Hut, the place we THOUGHT he'd be, she waited... but no one came, so she left a note and a snack bag of fruit and food :-( and "it was late September, and time to head on back to school..." (no, that was in the song, Maggie Mae!) Kelly said, "At least the day was wonderful, and it lifted her spirits that Zombie Andrew would find a special surprise for Sunday's lunch..." Which he did.

9/26-27/09 AT Mile 1402.8 Jefferson National Park, near Lynchburg, VA
Ground Support's parents picked Zombie up, where the trail crosses VA 130, to take him home for the weekend. We appreciated their looking after him, feeding him, laundry time, church and family time. He was in good spirits, and happy for a comfy place to be for a few days, spending some time with special folks.

9/30/09 AT Mile 1459.0 Daleville, VA
Zombie called to see if we had mailed anything there, and no, I hadn't. However, I was relieved that while the whole eastern part of the US was getting so much rain that flooding was stopping life as we know it, that there was NO RAIN where Andrew had been hiking all week! I was hoping that to be the case when I had seen The Weather Channel reports, and he confirmed it. I thought it was a special blessing for his surviving the the 22 of 24 days of rain back in Maine with such a good attitude!

10/2 - 7/09 AT Mile 1512.0 Sinking Creek Valley near Blacksburg, VA
How many graduates will walk 1,500 miles to visit a favorite professor, see a great blues singer, or cheer "Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi? Probably not too many! :-)

Leah, a friend from VT, picked Zombie up on VA 42. Later, Ground Support, Branden, and another friend met up with Zombie to see the BB King Concert Sunday night. Three returned to school and work in NOVA (Northern Virginia) and Andrew stayed to meet with his Academic Advisor the following Monday. He enjoyed his visit to his Alma Mata, and the meeting he had was productive. Expecting to return to the trail on Tuesday morning, Andrew was delayed until Wednesday by an unknown illness, probably something he ate. None the less, a trip to the ER and a few meds to help his throat, and he was ready to be on his way Wednesday. BIG thanks to Leah, for her kindness driving him places!!!

10/9/09 AT Mile 1552.2 Pearisburg, VA
Andrew stopped for a short town visit, to resupply and pick up his mail. He said he had to laugh at the irony at the beginning of the day... he knew I had mailed his rain jacket to Pearisburg, and in the morning when he was leaving Rice Field Shelter, 7 miles from town, it began to rain... so he decided to "wait it out" and 30 minutes later, the shower passed. Well, now he has his rain jacket again, since the days are cooler and a rain shower isn't "refreshing" like it was on warm summer days. Andrew wasn't going to stay in town long, he'd planned to go on to Woodshole Hoste, the second hostel on the trail.

10/9-11/09 AT Mile 1562.6 Woodshole Hostel
Well, when I saw his evening spot last night, and the lunch spot today at the same location, I called the hostel... wanted to make sure Andrew was still feeling O.K. The young lady that answered laughed, and said "Yes, he's fine, and he just said 'everybody is going to wonder why I am at the same place', but he was enjoying himself and asked if he could stay another night, so he's busy today doing a 'work for stay' swap." I assured her, I didn't need to talk with him, just wanted to be sure he was fine. He was chopping wood, and I'm sure loving it!

This should catch everyone up ...Sorry it had been a while. We've been busy, all good stuff, but I'll try to upload pictures tomorrow... or at least get some of them posted and labeled.

Andrew is 613.6 miles from Springer Mountain... won't be long now! He estimates RootBeer Float is a week ahead of him now, and another hiking friend, Rabbit, almost that far ahead by now (Rabbit is a fast hiker). He's back to hiking by himself for now, and said while it's quite nice to have hiking friends, he doesn't mind hiking alone. Rest assured, he's still loving his time on the trail.

Let me know if you want to meet him to hike a section. His Dad is doing the last 30 miles. After reading "Trail Ways, Path Wise", and then "A Walk in the Woods", I was considering doing the 8.8 miles from Amicalola Falls to the top of Springer. Andrew suggested I just drive the forest road up to walk the last 0.9 mile... so I'm thinking "that'll work".

Enjoy the beauty of Fall,
Mom/ Harriet

September 15, 2009: Snickers Gap, VA and Beyond! AT Mile 1184.6

We have "the official ATC Registered" sign-in information now....
"Zombie" Andrew is SoBo Hiker # 36.

Since it was 10:30 Wednesday night when Zombie and Root beer Float hiked through Harpers Ferry, WV, they had to go back to be able to "officially register", and get their pictures taken at the AT Headquarters.

"Ground Support" Kelly met "Zombie" late Thursday (Sept. 10th) as he came out at Snickers Gap, VA, just outside Winchester, VA. He's taken several zero days, and will get back on the trail mid-afternoon (Tuesday the 15th). Trail friend, Root beer Float, stayed at the Bears Den Hostel, right near the trail crossing. Root beer signed in at the ATC office on Friday, a couple numbers ahead of Andrew, so he is probably several days ahead of Zombie (Andrew) by now. Kelly took Andrew to the ATC office Saturday. She's been an important support to his hike, so she wanted to see the Headquarters with him.

Andrew has tried to get on the computer, but hasn't had one available for over a month, and he wasn't able to access the one at the Shenandoah Univ. Computer lab like he'd hoped, when Kelly was in class. He still has both digital photo cards so we have no new pictures yet. He also said there are no new journal pages... he kept meaning to add to his journal, but he'd been so tired at night, he didn't write any more... Sorry folks, you just have my retelling of his tales for now. I hope he'll mail the photo card today, there are over 300 more pictures to see :-)

Technical tidbits:
Andrew said they actually walked more than 51.4 miles Wednesday-Thursday, because a few times they walked extra when they lost the trail markings crossing the roads during the night. The white blazes are sometimes tricky to find in the day time, and much harder to locate with only a head lamp for light.

He said he'd put the tracking system on the Spot when he set out that morning just inside the PA line. That explains why I didn't get and e-mail that long day until he was at the shelter 22 hours later... We could see where they stopped for dinner and where they got lost, because the transmission signals are close together... (click the link at the top "where am I?")

When I asked Andrew how did he feel after the 50+ miles? He said "40 miles wasn't bad, your feet are pretty much numb, and they just keep going... but the last 10 miles was pretty bad." He said "he wasn't sure which was worse, being up so long without sleep or that the last 10 miles of walking at night was all up hill - probably both." Their headlamps worked well (yes, he had put in new batteries!). He said at times they hiked almost together, so they had a fair amount of lighting. Sometimes they were up to a 100 yards apart. Andrew said there is no way he'd done the 4-states-stretch alone. He was glad Root beer Float was there, because it was one of the things he'd really wanted to do "for the sport of it."

If you look on The Spot - the signal makes it look like they crossed the river (thru the water) at Harpers Ferry, WV, but they did use the two bridges :-). I had guessed correctly, they did stop at the David Lester Memorial Shelter. He said it was an answer to prayer, no one else was there, it was a big shelter, had 4 walls, door, a nice front porch, there was a big pavilion with picnic tables. They were able to hang their hammocks up inside the shelter and nothing disturbed their sleep. They only had a 10 miles hike to Snickers Gap, where they both took time for zero day(s) and re-supply.

Andrew said his shoes are holding out, and look remarkably well after 450 miles. They are just like the first pair that only went 250 miles... but we are speculating 1) soil vs rocky ground conditions and 2) normal weather vs 22/24 days of continual rain and walking through mud was a positive factor to the extended life of this pair vs the first pair.

He's only lost one more pound since the beginning when he lost all of his "fluff" he worked so hard to gain (~ 172 lbs). He's at 155 lbs now unless Kelly was really successful in getting him to add a few pounds on these few zero days. He was happy to report that he succeeded to eat a second pint of Ben and Jerry's (1,200 cal. per pint) the other day... some really weird space-name-of-a-flavor I haven't heard of. Ha! Ha! I suggested he have another pint of B&J's with lunch today.

Our Zombie has been sleeping in his hammock for the last month, but may ship it home at the next mail drop since nights are cooler now. He's asked me to mail his inflatable mattress, so he can stay warmer sleeping on the shelter floors vs being suspended in the air in his hammock.

Andrew saw his first bear about a week before he hopped off... a mama and a year old. He just stayed back and let them cross the trail up ahead. He wasn't concerned, they didn't care he was up the trail....

His hand grips have worn out on his walking sticks, so he's hoping to find replacements at the outfitters today. He's worn a place on his wrist - one of Kelly's professors (in Physical Therapy) said it is a "_? forgot the name?__ cyst", from over use... (maybe from the wrist strap not fitting correctly too?) The cyst is not a problem, and she said "it can be left alone, surgically removed, or hit it with a big book - as that's how they use to get rid of them..." Mom is suggesting to please leave it alone till he gets off the trail :-)

Andrew sounds happy, feels great, expects to make 20 miles a day or so... Plans to be in Blacksburg by Oct. 2 to see friends, professors and maybe catch a concert at Va Tech on Oct. 4. He said this part of the trail is some of his favorite, since he and the Va. Tech. Outdoor Club have hiked the area around Blacksburg so often.

Few folks know that Andrew was the VT Outdoor Club President for two years... you may remember, VA Tech. is one of two colleges that officially maintain the trail. Dartmoth College in Hanover, NH is the other one.

After Va Tech, Andrew should be crossing into TN about 9 days later, mid October. I'll post his mail towns, so feel free to drop him a note. He'd appreciate even a quick "hello." Not sure if there are any SoBo hikers behind him or not... so he may be hiking SoBo alone unless he meets some more section hikers. He says he doesn't mind hiking alone, but that it is nicer when there are trail friends to meet at the shelter when each evening. He said he'd never done the 4 state trek without Root beer Float. They'd enjoyed hiking together, alas, one has a schedule to meet, and one had a gal to see.... Andrew's got his contact number, one never knows, they may meet back up before their destination at, Springer Mountain. in November.

Back at the AT Office, he said while he was SoBo #36, there were 700 NoBo hikers that have registered (and I think he said 80 section hikers ?) that have come through this year as of September 12th any way. Amazing. I still say, Andrew is very brave! His Dad and I are thrilled he's doing what he's waited so long to do. Thank you all for your continual interest and support. You have no idea how much it means to us, and how encouraging it is for Andrew... I mean, Zombie.

Virginia is the longest state... 25% of the AT total miles are in Virginia.

10 states down, only 4 states or 991.6 miles left to go! It's now on the count down ...

Mom/ Harriet

HELLO VIRGINIA!!! 4 states, 51.4 miles, 22 hours 12 minutes.... in ONE day!!!

AT Mile 1,174.1 Sept 9th 4:46 a.m. - Sept 10th 2:58 a.m.

HE DID IT :-) !!!!!
Zombie Andrew probably feels like a 'zombie' right about now, but he did exactly what he set out to do (I knew he would!!!) There is a 44- mile stretch of trail where it is possible to hike 4 states in a day... Andrew challenged Root beer Float that if they were to do 44 miles, why stop short? Make it a 50-mile day! And by-golly-they-did-it! I can't wait to read his journal pages to recount the day.

The ATC link was not working right this morning, so I could not confirm his stopping point, but Andrew should be at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter at AT mile 1174.1 Tuesday night, Andrew had crossed into Maryland. Yesterday (Wed.) at 4:46 a.m. his "Spot" message was just inside PA. So he had to have hiked back northbound to be on the PA/ MD state line. I kept waiting to see the next "Spot" transmission e-mail but didn't see it till this morning (Thursday). If I had gone to the Spot Link Page I would have seen he had the beeper on, transmitting all along the trail yesterday. I went to bed thinking, he's probably still walking... but there have been times his transmitted signal didn't send the e-mail. Regardless, I felt confident "no news was good news." So I was thrilled to see his "Spot message" on my e-mail this morning. (click the link "Where am I" and you will see the Spot transmissions.)

Andrew's next town day will be in Winchester, VA paying a short visit to see "Ground Support" aka, Kelly. I sent her a text to be sure she had lots of ice in the freezer so he could soak his sore feet :-).

Since Andrew hiked thru Harper's Ferry, WV in the middle of the night, he'll ride back there to check-in at the ATC Headquarters, sign the register, and get his picture taken. The ATC website said there are only about 5oo known SoBo hikers that have completed the whole AT, so I think they are about to meet Mr. 501. (most AT hikers go NoBo... you can click the ATC link on his blog to read their stats on a thru-hike.)

Andrew, when you read this, listen for all the cheers!!!! I know we are all excited for you that you accomplished what you set out to do. I sent you a little extra money in your Harpers Ferry mail drop, so eat a good steak, add an extra pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream (1,200 calories worth) to your breakfast cereal, and fuel up... you are only 1,002.1 miles away from Springer Mountain, GA! I finished the "Trail Ways, Path Wise" book by John Illig that you sent home, so from that, I suppose you'll be counting DOWN from here. Regardless how many miles you hike, we're excited for you son!

Beaming ! Mom/ Harriet with Dad/ Chris

1,088.1 Mile Post !!! 50% Mark on September 6, 2009

Andrew clicked "the Spot" at 1:34 p.m. at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA. He has passed the Midpoint!!! Yay! (Can you see I'm a proud Mom cheering on a son?)

Andrew has called home from Ft. Montgomery, NY (AT mile 785.7 on 8/19)
Unionville, NY, (AT mile 843.1 on 8/22) where he Slack Packed a 23 mile loop.
Andrew met a new SoBo hiker, Root beer Float, from Statesborough, GA.
Delaware Water Gap, PA, (AT mile 894.6 on 8/25) 7 states down, 7 states to go!!!
Palmerton, PA, (AT mile 930.6 on 8/27)
Port Clinton, PA, (AT mile 971.0 on 8/29)
Pine Grove, PA (AT mile 994.6 on 9/1)
Duncannon, PA, (AT mile 1,040.9 on 9/3)

I was concerned when he called from Unionville. It had been hard hiking when plans had changed, and then it was muggy hot. By the time he got to Delaware Water Gap, PA, he was back sounding like his happy self. By the time he was in Port Clinton, PA a cold front had come through, and he laughed as he had just sent the last of his cooler weather clothes home. I asked if he wanted me to mail a jacket or hat back to him, and he said "no, it would probably just be hot again, by the time it arrived." He's still having fun, and glad to have the opportunity to hike! He said "he feels great!"

Tonight's "Spot" post is off trail, near Caledonia State Park outside Shippensburg, PA. He should be at a college friend's home. Actually, he has two college friends, Josh and Harold who are from Shippensburg, and live about a half mile apart from each other. The three of them have been planning for Andrew "to stop by"since they first realized Andrew's trip brought him within a few miles from where they live. Josh and his wife live on his family's 'home place', and have plenty of room for a trail visitor. I'm hoping Andrew will have a little time to borrow a computer to surprise us with a blog post of his own. We'll see.

Well, I've typed up all of his Journal pages. I should have new Journal pages in the mail this week. It's also time to get the latest photos... so stay tuned...

Happy days to you and yours,
Mom Harriet

Journal August 11, 2009 (Tues.) Trail Day 63

I made it to Pawling, NY today. That's right, I didn't even get a Journal Entry in for Connecticut. Connecticut is only 53 miles and I knocked it out in 3 days. The terrain has gotten flat and lower elevations, which means more bugs!!!

The last week has gone by so slowly because I have been waiting to get to New York City so I can surprise Ground Support. She is visiting some of our friends, and two weeks ago I realized I could make it there in time. The only catch was I had to slow down! C'est Le Vie.

Right now I am sitting in a Park Pavillion in Pawling waiting for tomorrow to come so I can take a train to NYC! So start spreading the news.... I'm excited to see her, our friends and "The City". I'll be in a big city without a map, with no guidebook, and NO white BLAZES! What's a Thru-Hiker to do? I had some "normal" clothes sent to Pawling so I wouldn't look completely homeless, but judging by the register entries in the shelter last night, I'm not the first Through-Hiker to take "a side trip" into The Big Apple. Did somebody say "food"???

Hard to believe, I have been on the trail for 2 months now, and for the last 3 weeks I've been hiking by myself. It has been nice at times, but there have been times where it would have been nice to hike with another SoBo. It will be interesting to see who will pass me in the next 5 days while I am off the trail.

The solitude has given me a lot of time to think and I wonder if I have changed in the last two months? And if so, how much? It's hard for me to see any change because it is such a gradual process, but I wonder if Kelly will see it, or other people will see it? I also wonder what I will be like in the next 3-4 months. I definitely don't want to rush this trip. I have found I don't like back-to-back 20+ mile days. I do like meeting new people in the shelters, towns and hostels. One thing I have realized is that I don't feel like I've been out here for 2 months - it only feels like a week or so. I have gotten used to the life on the trail and it feels weird getting back into "civilized" life.

Well, enough ramblings for now.
'Night,
Zombie

Journal August 5,2009 (Wed.) Trail Day 57 (AT Mile 640.2)

It has been a long time. The trail has been time consuming, and energy consuming. I'm now in Massachusetts and pushing to make New York City by August 13th. In the last 6 days I have only been making 10 miles a day, partly because of mail pick-ups in towns, and partly because I have been enjoying the trail. Last night I stayed at a Lady's House. She lets hikers camp in her yard in return you have to mow grass around the blueberry bushes. She and her husband have a Blueberry Farm. Plucking plump blueberries was worth it.

Other high points:
12 Tribes Hostel in Rutland, VT was amazing. It is a commune that does work for stay and they fed us dinner and breakfast. Rutland was HUGE!! I saw the new Harry Potter movie too.

Dr. Fiori, my advisor from VA Tech, sent me a care package in Dalton, MA. I even got some homemade cookies! (Thanks Dr. Fiori, it was a terrific surprise!)

Brunch caught back up with me in Manchester Center, VT. He then got back off the trail to go see his girlfriend on the Cape for 4-5 days. I hope he catches back up.

Buffalo got ahead when we were in Rutland, so I've been hiking by myself for about a week and a half, but never alone at night. I have been enjoying the trail so much. It has become relatively flat and the mud has mostly dried up.


Life is GOOD!!!

Goals: Write in Journal more.

Zombie, writing from the nicest place on the trail :-)