I’m Still Hiking! And I’m in Harper’s Ferry!

Phew, it’s been a minute since I’ve updated this blog. But… I’m still hiking! As I’ve been hiking longer days and taking fewer zeros, blogging just isn’t something I feel like doing. I do miss it, though, so hoping to do a little better moving forward. 🙂

A few quick updates/highlights…

My Trail Buddy Went Home

I started hiking the trail with my dog, Bonsai, and that was the best. I was hoping he could make it the whole way with me, but after about a month on trail, as we started doing more miles, it became hard on him and he ended up with some paw inflamation. Fortunately, my family was happy to take care of him and allow me to continue on.

This seems like forever ago now, and while I miss him dearly, I must also admit that it’s a bit easier without him lol. Plus, he’s living his best summer life back at home:

Now I’m in Harper’s Ferry!

Harper’s Ferry, WV is often referred to as the spiritual halfway point on the trail. It’s a little shy of the exact halfway mileage, but close enough.

First stop here is the historic Appalachian Trail Conservancy Visitor’s Center, where the tradition is to sign the log book and have your photo taken. I was the 3,281st hiker of the year to start the trail in Georgia and hiker 1,692 to reach Harper’s Ferry.

Virginia was Long

Virginia is the longest state on the AT. And it felt long.

Southern Virginia was beautiful. There were wild ponies, great hostels, and scenic hiking.

Northern Virginia was also great. You parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway for a while and hike 100 miles through Shenandoah National Park.

But Central Virginia. Not high on my list. It’s been extremely hot and humid, and this stretch was dry. Water sources that were marked on my map as being reliable were often dry, and the roadside water caches left by trail angels saved me several times.

There’s also nothing in Central Virginia. Nothing to see. Nothing to look forward to. And no people. Many days, I saw more deer than people. Some days, I saw more bear than people.

What else?

Since I last blogged, my family has come to visit twice! The first time, we did a short day hike in Greyson Highlands to see the ponies. The second time, we explored Luray Caverns, the largest caverns on the East Coast.

Both times, my mom cooked all my favorite foods and everyone spoiled me with lots of love. ❤️❤️❤️

So much more…

I feel like there’s so much more I could write about, but just going to end with some pictures, get back on trail, and try to do better with the next blog haha.