Port Clinton, PA to Delaware Water Gap, PA (1217.8-1293.6)

Saturday 7/15; Port Clinton, PA to Eckville Shelter (1217.8-1232.6)
Today was a pretty good day. Slow going with the rocks, and a late start put us into camp at about 7PM. This is later than we prefer, but still reasonable with the summer sun. Our feet are hurting from the rocky trail, but it's to be expected at this point. We're tenting tonight with a great group of people including Ten, Bluebird, and Alexis. We've met them all in recent days and like them very much. Plus we've still got Patch close by. Always a party! The next couple of days may be a bit challenging with a super fund site requiring us to camp outside it's proximity. Stay tuned...

Sunday 7/16; Eckville Shelter to Bake Oven Knob Shelter (1232.6-1250.0)
Holy Rocksylvania! The rocks we were promised in Pennsylvania have arrived! Today was hard. Physical, mentally, it feels like every time we make it through I've obstacle another presents itself. These rocks are no joke. Anything from small/medium rocks that move under foot to giant boulders that must be scrambled over. They're scary, tiring, make for slow hiking in order to remain safe, and most certainly make our already sore, tired feet just ache! A long, hard day of hiking, though, was followed tonight by learning that my sister became engaged over the weekend! She's happy and excited and I'm happy for her! Now to finish this so we can plan a wedding over a bottle of Frank Family!

Monday 7/17; Bake Oven Knob Shelter to Delps Trail Campsite (1250.0-1267.5)
Defeated doesn't begin to describe today's emotions. The rocks continue to pound and we got Lehigh Gap today which was the biggest climb we've encountered in a while. Actually, we opted for an alternate and it was still very hard! The main trail, we're told, was a giant rock scramble. We opted for the "winter route" in an attempt to spare my nerves. I still wound up melting down anyway. It was a big relief to find ourselves in camp tonight, and a little helpful to know that some of our friends had equally hard days and opted to stop sorry of their goals, too. So there are a few of us here in camp, where water is flowing for the first time nearly all day. Water never tasted as good as it did tonight when we'd been out for 5 miles after carrying extra through a government super fund site. The positives from the day: 1. We are lots of wild raspberries and 2. I found a "giant puffer" and played with it for a bit. Tomorrow's another long day, but we can do it. Hopefully the rocks will start to ease up as we head into NJ.

Tuesday 7/17; Delps Trail Campsite to Kirkridge Shelter (1267.5-1287.2)
Wow, what a day! Our pace was spot on all day, which is an improvement over yesterday, for sure! We're super excited to have made it just about 20 miles today, and that we'll be in town tomorrow! I'm craving a Sprite like there's no tomorrow! First stop, drinks! Currently, we are listening to a flip flop hiker who is 18 years old and extremely excited about... Everything. Holy wow can this kid talk!

Wednesday 7/18; Kirkridge Shelter to Delaware Water Gap, PA (1287.2-1293.6)
We made it to Delaware Water Gap!! This means that in a few steps, we'll be in NJ! Which means one more state down! 7 down, 7 to go, and the rocks of PA are behind us (in 50 or so miles). We had a leisurely morning before nearo-ing into town. It seems like days ago that we walked off the mountain and onto the street here in DWG to see a home renovation that struck us both. We looked on as we walked by and we're greeted by the owner, Marty, who is renovating this home to turn it into a B&B. It was lovely chatting with him and hearing about the plans. Check it Appalachian House on Facebook. We then walked on to find the church hostel here in town. They operate on donations and allow us use of their basement, including the shower. We're staying here tonight and may zero tomorrow. Or bodies are pretty beat up with all the rocks. We got the Village Farmer for lunch... And goodness, can we say baked treats?! Oh my gosh! I also hit the post office to pick up our package from U-Turn. Thank you for our hiker treats, all the way from the 100 mile wilderness! We'll enjoy every last bite that much more! Found out way to Wal Mart in the next town, resupplied, then walked to the laundromat which is decked out in film memorabilia. Then ran into Miss Janet who wound up giving us a ride from that little town back to the hostel, but not before the group ate something. So we thoroughly enjoyed time and a meal with Miss Janet, Scout, Mishap, Spillz, Bluebird, and Legs. We have done so much in a short day. Tomorrow, we rest!

Thursday 7/19; Delaware Water Gap, PA (1293.6; 0 day)
Today was a very chill day full of chatting with friends, moving from the busy, crowded church hostel to a quiet motel where we have spent the majority of the day lounging, napping, and watching TV. The Presbyterian Church hosted a hiker dinner where we enjoyed time with local church members and hikers alike. It's been a very quick zero day. Back out tomorrow for a couple now months to Katahdin!

Rain barrels are all over Delaware Water Gap!

Harper's Ferry, WV to Port Clinton, PA (1023.1-1217.8

Sunday 7/2; (Harper's Ferry, WV to Rocky Run Shelters, mile 1023.1-1039.1)
What can we say accept we go from being in Virginia for weeks and weeks, and today we missed the sign into Maryland after only being in West Virginia for a total of about half a day. The terrain here is good, relatively flat with a few rocks. Unfortunately, we don't seem to go much faster over all when the day is flat, though the first half of the day may be so.

We walked out of you're today without our posse. It's finally hitting me now that we're in camp tonight that I won't hear U-Turn screaming "Freshie Fresh!!" every time I walk into camp ever again on this journey. There are people here and we'll go meet them. We recognize a few, and we even ran into GWAG earlier! We thought he was camping here tonight, but it looks like he pushed on to the campground a few miles ahead. We'll hopefully see him soon! Now...DINNER!

Monday 7/3; (Rocky Run Shelters to ??, mile 1039.1-1054.7)
Stupid damn rocks Today was hard. We have started finding the rocks of Pennsylvania already. The end of today was quite hard with the rocks and fatigue. I tend to slow down at the end of the day. Apparently many people speed up when they're tired...I most certainly do not. We'd hoped to hit my first 20 mile day today (Erik's second), and when we didn't, I was really disappointed.

We are super excited to see my Uncle and Aunt tomorrow! They'll come pick us up and take us to resupply. We hope to also share a meal. Looking forward to seeing you guys!

Tuesday 7/4; (Ensign Cowall Memorial Shelter to Waynesboro, PA)
Happy 4th! It worked out well that we were able to meet up with my Uncle John and Aunt Meg today from Pen Mar Park. They generously drove us to resupply (where we ran into Y'all!!!!) And took us to lunch. Erik was really interested in finding some fireworks, so we looked it up and found a community event in Waynesboro, PA, and they dropped is here, too. Thanks so much for lunch, the lift, and your enthusiastic interest in our life out here! It was great seeing you, even if only for a little bit!

So now we're hanging out in the grass waiting for the show. Contrary to my typical, we are not entirely sure how well get back to the trail tonight. A local shuttle is a possibility, or it's possible that as we walk out of the festival someone will offer to take us. I think we're hoping for the latter as it's fewer logistics. But for now, I'm trying to look forward to the sparkles to come. Missing U-Turn a whole heck of a lot, and trying to calm my anxiety about the coming weeks and live in the moment. Practice makes perfect, they say.

Thank you to all our service men and women past and present on this day of celebration! We are grateful for the sacrifices you and your families make to maintain our freedoms!

Wednesday 7/5; (Waynesboro, PA to Rocky Mountain Shelter, __-1079.5)
Today was pretty uneventful. We missed a photo op at the PA/Mason Dixon Line yesterday. We were so excited to see Uncle John and Aunt Meg that we didn't get the photo before hand (which had been the plan), and then we stayed in Waynesboro until after dark for the fireworks. So one more state line we don't have a photo of. But the afternoon was quite enjoyable. Thank you, again, to my aunt and uncle for your generosity and interest in our endeavor. We enjoyed the time with you very much!

So we didn't make camp last night until around 1130PM. A local trail angel called Soggy showed up for the fireworks with some other hopes and was kind enough to drive us back to the trail. I hope he checks this out so we can tell him THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP, SOGGY!

This morning was slow going with a sleepy start, but what else is new for Fresh. We did manage to get hiking early and finished it 15 mile day at 330. It has been nice to relax Little.  We found a beautiful bunch of flowers today which look like orchids, and Erik spotted a gorgeous, big owl this afternoon. It was sitting in a tree looking around before it got spooked by a car and flew a short distance. We found it again easily and watched it for a bit before moving on. It was very special as they are hard to spot! Making our way to Pine Grove Furnace--the official halfway!

Thursday 7/6; (Rocky Mountain Shelter to Birch Run Shelter, 1079.5-1092.5)
Living the dream...In the rain. Not a lot happening today. We're sheltered with a bunch of very nice people and have had a chill afternoon with an early stop. Oh, and Fresh's pack blew out. Yup. The frame is entirely broken and very uncomfortable to wear. Looking forward to the official halfway tomorrow and the half gallon challenge! And we'll figure the pack out eventually

Friday 7/7; (Birch Run Shelter to Pine Grove Furnace State Park 1092.5-1102.0)
We started a bit late this morning after a night of rain (thank goodness for great shelters!) And a chill in the air. I just didn't want to get out of bed. At it first road crossing 1-1.5 miles in, we came across some trail magic. A sweet couple was making breakfast burgers and hotdogs. He was so excited to offer, and we'd had no protein for breakfast, that we accepted. We hung out for a few minutes and chatted with Lobster (a section hiker out for a couple of weeks) before moving on toward the halfway mark! That's right, we're officially halfway. More actually, now. We have fewer miles to complete than we've hiked from here on out. The walking was relatively easy and we made decent time to Pine Grove Furnace General Store where the half gallon challenge is attempted. The half gallon challenge is when a Thru Hiker attempts to eat a half gallon of ice cream in a sitting. We both opted not to attempt and ordered lunch and a little ice cream instead. It worked out for the best, I think. We spent a little time with new friends drying out after days of rain and taking while we ate. Bean and I trying to work out what to do about my pack. While doing so... Have you ever startled so abruptly and loudly that everyone around you freaks out? Yeah, I did that today. We were sitting taking with Mark, Taryn, Landon (Dad and kids out for a twenty day section--very cool family!), and Lobster, and I screeched and fell backward of the picnic table. As this happened, the whole table moved as well as they realized why I'd done so in the first place:  There was a very large snake coming to visit the table out of the tree that grows next to it. Once I realized it was a harmless black snake I was fine, but that initial shock was something!

We continued to talk until it was time to head out. We got to the trail and again brought up what to do about my pack. We stalled a bit longer before walking a mile or more. Erik happened to turn around and see me pulling at the sternum strap because it was riding up to my neck. The broken pack is beyond uncomfortable. He suggested that we turn around and camp the night at the park, and find a ride to Boiling Springs in the morning. We're hoping the outfitter there will have what I need. I have spoken to Gregory (the company who makes my pack) and, while the reps I spoke to we're extremely nice, I'm not convinced they're interested in helping in the way I need them to. In other words, I can't keep hiking with this pack until the end of next week or later, and they can't/won't expedite the process. I love my pack, but I'm not sure Gregory will continue to be my brand.

So we ate dinner and were offered some fresh salad and chicken breast by a family camping next to us, and we took showers. Going to bed clean, dry, and not sticky with sweat and humidity for the first time in over a week feels pretty great. Though now that we're clean we realize how disgusting our laundry smells. Anyhow, on to Boiling Springs in the morning. Hoping for a miracle.

Saturday 7/8; (Pine Grove Furnace State Park to Boiling Springs, PA, 1102.3-1121.6**yellow blaze due to pack)
The amazing trail provides:  We met a young couple this morning who stopped to chat last night for a brief minute after seeing our packs. They are Emily and Daniel, and they have two beautiful young kids, Jude and Aubrey. They talked with us about education, jobs, life, their interests, their road trip (they're from Texas), and they offered to share their breakfast with us. Then, before leaving them, they kindly asked if they could pray for us. Never knowing what to expect when this question is asked, we quietly agreed and I hoped for the best. Being a Southern non-Christian, I am grateful for anyone's kindness, but often shy away from these offers for fear of the conversation that often follows. Let me say their genuine kindness and wishes for it well being will not soon be forgotten. Their blessing was heartfelt, genuine, and very moving. Thank you for your generosity! Please, if you are reading this, consider keeping in touch. We'd love to hear from you!

No miracle occurred in Boiling Springs, though we must admit that everyone is so ridiculously nice here! The outfitter (which is actually a fly shop) is called TCO Outfitter, and the staff were super helpful! Unfortunately, they only carry Deuter packs and are, of course, out of women's at the moment. It's Saturday, so naturally all the car rental places close at noon. So, we are taking two unexpected zeroes to figure out the pack situation and hope to have it resolved by tomorrow. In the meantime, though, our community had been simply fantastic. I had a complete meltdown earlier with stress from time crunch and having to take two days off. Erik was great about supporting me, and people rallied to suggest ideas I have even considered. I think I've learned that I should share my problems more often, and see what kind of help I might find to solve them. We then opted to go out for a drink at the local tavern with the crew we've been spending some time with. Lobster, Uber, Alexis, Lil Dipper, Ferrari, Bean and I all hung out and chatted amongst each other, and then a couple arrived and asked us questions about it hike. They took photos of us (see below) and showed genuine interest in our journeys. Thank you to you both_______!

Sunday 7/9; (Boiling Springs, PA to Duncannon, PA, 1121.6-1147.2**yellow blaze due to pack)
Today was a quite the shit show. I was a bit less melting than yesterday. Resting was a good choice and allowed us to start over today and form a plan. Long story short, we rented a car in Mechanicsburg, PA, drove to Timonium, MD to REI to replace my pack, took the car back, picked up a shuttle to Duncannon, PA, and the plan is to leave on the trail from Duncannon. It was a very expensive endeavor, but it's done. And my pack no longer hurts. I'm pleased to say that I received a contact from another hiker for a social media rep with Gregory. She's been working helpful and while I'm not entirely pleased with they're customer service process, she had redeemed the brand to some degree in my eyes. Now, laundry and dinner.

Monday 7/10; (Duncannon, PA to Peter's Shelter, 1147.2-1158.2)
A relatively easy 11 miles today. Not much to share. Missing family and home, but grateful for the experience and all that comes with it.

Tuesday 7/11; (Peter's Shelter to Rausch Gap Shelter, 1158.2-1176.2)
The happening of today was that Bean found a birds near with tiny baby birds in it! It was built in the ground which surprised us both, but it was pretty cool to see the babies looking for food from mama bird. Otherwise uneventful. We made the miles on good time taking uncharacteristically short breaks. I was hurting a lot by the end, but it keeps us on schedule. The shelter has been quiet tonight, which is nice. It's a near shelter with rocks to walk on and a well-covered platform, along with a spring right here next to the shelter itself. Much improvement over last night's 300 steps to the water source. We avoided the rain another night and hope we continue to do so. It can rain all it wants at night, after we're sheltered and dry. Anyhow... Time for sleep. Hopefully another good day tomorrow.

Wednesday 7/12; (Rausch Gap Shelter to 501 Shelter, 1176.2-1193.7)
Bean heard a rattle snake today.  Never did see it, but he heard it. Then it took us 10 minutes to cross the trail where he heard it.

Camping with a great group tonight! Spills, Scout, Sky Walker, Belch Babe seems super nice, and GWAG and Patch showed up tonight. Apparently, a deer took off with one of GWAG's trekking poles last night. I'm not sure I believe it, but he swears up and down.

The shelter tonight is nice. Enclosed with a big sky light. And even a "solar" shower (which basically means cold). It wasn't so bad though, and I'm not sticking to my blanket. So no real complaints here.

Thursday 7/13; (501 Shelter to Eagle's Nest Shelter, 1193.7-1208.8)
It's raining, it's pouring...And we're in a shelter. Thank goodness! Tonight's rain would not be a good one to be tenting in. It's been coming down consistently for 2 hours. Thank you tornado watch.

Anyhow, we stopped at a swimming hole this morning for an hour or so and hung out with some fun people. Bean and I passed on the swimming as it was very cold water and little sun.

The day passed quickly, and we saw two rattle snakes on the walk. One rattled at us which is the first time I've heard that sound. I was surprised at how loud it is!

The sky opened up as we began to near camp. Frustrating to walk in, but glad it started late. We arrived at camp, the 6 of us, in time to claim the spaces. There are two women here hoping to squeeze in, and we're happy to accommodate. The problem is that the shelter is packed, so they'll have to sleep on the step into the shelter.

I finally was able to hear from Taylor after they came out of the hundred mile wilderness. Glad to know they're trucking on and missing them terribly, but excited to see what the future holds for each of us on this journey.

Friday 7/14; (Eagle's Nest Shelter to Port Clinton, 1208.8-1217.8)
A nearo day in the books, and my it has been nice! We walked in the rain for a good while and came down the mountain to find ourselves on a live train track. As in, a legitimate train depot. It was pretty neat to see. We got lucky and accepted a ride from Cabela's shuttle to the Walmart in Hamburg, PA. We found a Red Robin (can we say bottomless steak fries?), Resupplied at said Walmart, and found ourselves at a quaint, precious little hostel called Rock & Sole. We're in the bunk room which is perfectly comfortable, but they have this adorable little camper that I'm just in love with! An I Love Lucy theme, mint and red color scheme, and original kitchenette make "Trashy" my dream! We are certainly making over a camper in the future! Dinner was fantastic, and breakfast is said to be even better. Hikers, check this place out for sure!!

Luray, VA to Harper's Ferry, WV (6/24-7/1)

Saturday 6/24 Aquablazeing Luray to Compton Rapids

We floated 17 miles down the Shennendoah River today to a camping spot just past Compton Rapids. It is easier and harder than hiking all at the same time. We covered the miles quicker, but my arms and legs are tired.  The canoe is very different than my kayak. The seating position in a canoe is like a car but you don't have any footholds for your feet, and there is no back rest. Other than that I'm happy to be aquablazeing.

Sunday 6/25 Aquablazeing Compton Rapids to Low-Water Bridge Campground

The float was very nice, very smooth, and went very quickly.  We floated 12 miles arriving to the campground at around 11:30am.  We got to lounge around all day, we got a shuttle to the gas station to get lunch, we also got hotdogs, and other campground essentials. We were charging our phones and the man running the desk asked us if we wanted to sleep in the cabins for the night, all we had to do was clean the in the morning.  Of course we said we would love to sleep in a cabin with AC and power outlets to charge our phones. In the morning we have 11miles to get to Front Royal.

Monday 6/26 Low-Water Bridge Campground to Front Royal

The stay in the cabin was very nice and I slept very well.  The float was good until the middle. The river got very shallow and we all ran aground several times.  In Front Royal we stayed at Mountain Home Cabbin.  It was a historic cabin dating to the Civil War.  The owners were very nice, the price was very reasonable and they serve breakfast with your stay.  I was very excited to see Sari when Uncle Steve dropped her off!

Tuesday 6/27; (For Royal to Dick's Dome/Whiskey Hollow Shelter)

First day back for Fresh was good also hard. My body wasn't ready. The reunion was great though. I missed Bean so much! My days in Houston were both doing and everlasting at the same time. Dad's surgery went well and he's recovering. I just hope he continues to improve each day.

The terrain today was pretty easy on us, and U-Turn managed to score is a slack pack for most of the day. So out of 15 miles, we carried packs for under 3. It's great to be back, but my knees are aching worse than ever, and my feet and hips began hurting immediately after adding the pack. Back to reality!

We want to give the massivest of massive shout outs to Uncle Steve and Aunt Kathie for your help, hospitality, kindness, and prayers over the last week. I couldn't have done it without you! I'm so glad I was able to see you, though I'd have preferred other circumstances. We Can't wait to hopefully see you in the fall!

Wed 6/28; (Dick's Dome/Whiskey Hollow Shelter to Sam Moore Shelter)

Do we like roller coasters? No; at least, not the ones you walk on all day. Up, down. Up, down. Today was hard. I (Fresh) was very emotional and had a couple of breakdowns. Bean (aka Jumanji) was so fantastic. He was patient and kind, and we took our time, eventually making our way to camp. I was so relieved to be here. We're back in our tent with a little privacy, and or new quilts! Hopefully it will bring some good sleep tonight.

We found some ripe, tasty blueberries at the top of one of the ups today. We took a few minutes to enjoy, and did the same when we found a new, orange flower a bit later. 

Oh...And by the way...We have walked 1000 miles. 1000 miles, guys. I mean, it's mind boggling. Seriously. We can't even wrap our heads around it.

Friday 7/2;

We walked out of Virginia, today, and into West Virginia.  VA makes up 1/4 of the length of the trail, and we are in absolute shock that we've finished her (Sari has to go back to hike a week's worth of the Shenandoah, but hey, give me a break!). 

Saturday 7/1; Harper's Ferry, WV

Sorry, friends, I have been a poor historian the last few days.  But the important thing is that we've arrived in Harper's Ferry!  This is the Unofficial Halfway point on our journey, the actual halfway being about a week away in Pine Grove Furnace State Park.  Here, though, hikers find the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters.  We have our picture taken here to put in "The Book" with our fellow long distance hikers for the whole year.  It's a very big milestone and we're excited and grateful to be here!  Harper's Ferry itself is absolutely beautiful and full of history.  This is definitely a must-come-back town! 

Stats Thus Far:

Total Miles:  1023

Longest Day: Sari just under 19, Erik 20

Favorite Memories: 

Sari:  Bear sightings, Spruce Forest in The Smokies, walking/talking with Erik about the flowers and history, the people!

Erik:   Grayson Highlands (Ponies), area around Clingman's Dome, aqua blazing

Sari Weight Loss:  +/- 20 lbs.

Erik Weight Loss:  0 (Thank Goodness!!  He's eating more than you can imagine!)

We'd like to acknowledge all of those who've helped us along the way including but certainly not limited to our parents and families, and our cheerleaders around the world.  We can't imagine any of this without each and every one of you--Thank you!

We're EXTREMELY proud of this piece of paper right here!

Unfortunately, this milestone also means the end of some important hiking relationships for us, too.  U-Turn and The Colonel will be doing what we call a "flip flop" hike, which means that they will make their way to Maine and begin hiking south to Harper's Ferry, where they will finish their hike.  Erik and I have discussed joining them at length.  We almost did it, too.  But in the end, we decided that, in our minds, our hike has always culminated at Katahdin (the Northern Terminus in Maine).  The term "hike your own hike" drives us and reminds us that while we make very important friendships out here, we are most important in our own story.  We are so, so sad to say goodbye (for now) to our friends, but we know we'll see them again, and we'll certainly be in touch, encouraging from afar!  Taylor, I love you forever and I can't imagine what this hike will look like without you each day.  Thank you for your undying support and encouragement over the last many weeks.  We'll talk.

Our Tramily--sequential numbers = tears in the coming days.  I miss you already!

The Colonel giving us instructions on how the car ride will work for those of us flip flopping

Harper's Ferry is Gorgeous!!  (See all photos following)

The whole town ready for the 4th!

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

(L to R) Post office, Police Department, Town Hall, Liquor Store