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Southbound on the Appalachian Trail – All’s Well That Ends Well
Somewhere back in New York I made the decision I would be going home early.
The impact from Hurricane Helene called for stressful social interactions, and both my time and money were running low. Most mornings I woke up in an unpleasant mood and the joy of the adventure felt long gone. I struggled to find the motivation to make up lost miles. Subsequently, I judged myself for taking too long in Maine and New Hampshire. I originally thought I would finish the trail by Thanksgiving.
The iconic Harper’s Ferry hiker photo.
After writing my last article, I felt both a relief of stress and a heavy layer of embarrassment. Admitting that I would not be a thru-hiker this year was weird. It felt good not having to endure the suffer-fest for much longer yet I felt like I would be disappointing friends and family.
I found a “Schuylkill Note” south of Port Clinton.
Without a doubt, most of my friends thought I would go all the way to GA.
Having spent the last several years working and living on hiking trails, it seemed like a safe bet, but in the end I was humbled. I was unable to adapt to the changes in my allotted time, underestimated the difficulty of New England mountains, and overall budgeted poorly for unexpected zero days and town food.
They call it Rocksylvania for a reason.
Overall, I wouldn’t have been able to make it as far as I did without the help from trail angels and hikers.
Traversing New Jersey and Pennsylvania was a miracle alone. I considered getting off-trail at Delaware Water Gap but because of everyone I met, I kept going. Merry Poppins, John, Nathalie, Mel, Gene, Hope, Charlene, Curt, Tawnya, Sam, Melissa, Chriz, and all the stinky hikers in between, I greatly appreciate the generosity.
The official 2024 halfway marker.
I originally expected limited social interaction but that proved incorrect.
In Maine and New Hampshire I found myself engulfed in a crowd of northbounders. By the time I got to Vermont, I was away from the crowds but also in-between southbound bubbles and hiked alone. The solitude didn’t bother me but the ebb and flow of social engagement did. I would hike with folks for a few days and then never see them again.
The view from High Rock, MD.
After a while it became tiring, knowing to not establish social roots, as we would be separated again shortly. Even around my friends section-hiking from Duncannon to Harper’s Ferry, I couldn’t slow down enough for them to catch up and by the time I did the Maryland challenge, I was multiple days ahead. I never found a group that had the same groove as I did.
The intersection of the AT and the TT.
My sister picked me up from trail in NoVA.
A few days before, I attempted the 4-state challenge but gave up at the end, turning it into the “Maryland Challenge”. My left ankle felt on fire as tendonitis took hold around mile 35. I hobbled to the C&O Canal where I collapsed from exhaustion and slept in a questionable location. The end result left me feeling like a fraud. Both NOBOs and SOBOs often brag about how easy the 4-state challenge is with full trail legs. I limped for several days after, making it barely 10 miles south of Harper’s Ferry.
Pennsylvania had a lot of rewarding views.
Looking back, I made a lot of mistakes.
I wouldn’t necessarily change anything, but it makes sense why I ended in Virginia and not in Georgia. Being a trail-maintainer definitely made me stand out in a crowd, but in the end I just don’t think I’m very good at thru-hiking. I’m grateful for my able-body and all the memories. A mostly successful 1200 mile hike.
The southbound descent of Lehigh Gap (at sunset)
I appreciate the time I had on trail but am not planning any backpacking trips for the near future. Now is the time to find a job before Winter arrives. However, I will be spending some time next Summer trail-angel’ing for sure.
Happy trails,
-Bones (ME->VA ’24)
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Comments 7
Congrats for what you did accomplish. Thanks for sharing your stories.
You did a wonderful job. And it’s nice to read a post where it’s from the heart. I am sure their are tons of people whom are proud of you. Keep your head up and be proud of yourself.
Good Bless You The Hale’s from Ohio
A LASH is a thru-hike… congrats!
Thanks for sharing your hike with us, with the physical and mental challenges no less. Twas an unforgiving start date and yes, H. Helene would have got ya regardless.
You are Most Definitely a Thru-Hiker and never think otherwise! We are very Proud of You! Congratulations! 🎉
Bones, nothing to regret here. You hiked as long as you were meant to, learned plenty and met plenty along the way, and went home knowing you’ve gotten everything out of the experience that was there for you. Good luck on the job hunt!
Thanks for sharing your hike with us!