Pennsylvania

They say home field advantage boosts a team’s chance of winning, and I totally agree with this. I’ve done a handful of sections in Pennsylvania before giving me a little insight on what to expect. I was able to glue all the parts I’ve hiked before in one swift motion over the last two weeks of hiking. It was great seeing places I’ve been on day hikes or weekend trips giving me the sense that I was home. It had a familiar smell and feel to what I was used to. It was comfortable.

Pennsylvania started off with a little side trip to trail days. My best friend Meg picked up my crew in Waynesboro, PA, and we road tripped down to Damascus. It was a full weekend packed with great food and some of the best memories on trail. After having a few days off trail it was time to get back and I was ready.

Being Home

Before I returned to the AT I was able to ride all the way back to Philadelphia with Meg to see my mom, sister, and grandpop. This was such a good mental break for me as it was the first time I’ve seen them in months. My mom even drove me back to trail and was able to meet my trail friends. I was recharged and ready to walk.

I felt refreshed to be back on my feet, ticking the miles away. We trudged through heavy thunderstorms and rocks leaving our feet pruny and sore each night. While pushing hard on trail each day we were able to make it to Palmerton, where I have more family and we could get off trail for a night. We had two great home cooked meals and it was a great time showing them the thru-hiking lifestyle.

The walk continues…

I now leave my home state and enter into New Jersey! I am excited for the next stretch of trail and feel enegerized seeing new things everyday.

Until next time… Happy Hiking!