The Thru Hiker

The Last States

  Pennsylvania (the southern section), Maryland, the blip of West Virginia and the small section of Virginia all seemed to fly by me as the final weeks passed. I finally figured out how to not fall on the rocks of Pennsylvania just in time to get to Maryland where I honestly think they threw the leftover rocks. Northern Maryland has just as many rocks and they all seemed to want to kill me.  The amount of falls I took in Pennsylvania! Skinned legs, bruises, and somehow a bruised rib along with my hip. Not sure how I managed but I did.  Slowing down so much that I expected to be hiking in the snow. Once I hit Duncannon I learned to walk again! Finally being able to knock out 20 mile days again!! Now I was on a mission to finish! I had done the math so many times….two days in Maryland and three days or so to get to Front Royal from Harper’s Ferry. I had it all figured out and just had to execute this plan. But I was back to hiking alone again. The folks I had hiked with earlier were spread out again. I also started night hiking because, well, it gets dark so freaking early and the sun doesn’t rise until late so headlamp out and hope I don’t fall off some rocks into the trees!  

Food

  Day hikers seemed to feel a need to feed me! I received so many snacks and lunches from people.  I spoke to former thru hikers who handed me snacks and hikers who said I looked skinny…eat!! Trail magic at PenMar Park which absolutely made my day! (Thanks Bruce and Amy!)  I carried out food and snacks from that so I decided not to resupply in town but to make it through on what I had.  Day hikers stopped to chat and I answered questions daily, no I’m not a sobo but a flip flop thru hiker who happens to be almost finished!! The more I said it the more it became real.  A quick stop in Harper’s Ferry for a burger and coffee and to have my photo taken and put in the book.  Somehow it’s all starting to feel real and kinda scary.  The trail ends???

The Last Miles

  I’ve done this section previously. Front Royal to Harper’s is a relatively easy section. No real surprises just simple hiking. I have done the Rollercoaster, an almost 15 miles section designed to be annoying to thru hikers.  Not difficult just ups and downs. No real views which is rude! All those climbs with no reward?! The signs are great, makes you want to do the climbs and descents. But I was in a hurry and just wanted to finish. Ugghh

The End

I decided on the mural in Front Royal for my final photo. No mountain to climb or sign to pose next to but I’m good with this. It’s been a long 6+ months. I’m tired and ready to be finished. I’ve hiked well over 2200 miles and I’ve loved pretty much every minute of this journey. I’ve met some wonderful people and made lifetime friends. I’ve seen towns that I never knew existed before hiking through them.  I learned that I can do hard things.  I’ve climbed mountain after mountain and forded so many rivers.  I’ve done things I never thought I could or would ever do.  I haven’t overcome my fear of heights but I’ve managed to do things in spite of it!  Will I do another thru hike? Probably not, I’m 60 and honestly it takes me so much time.  If I could hike faster maybe?  I had a blast doing this and other than some moments in the Whites I wouldn’t trade a minute of it. Those moments changed how I look at things from now on.  Like staring death in the face and moving forward, I know I didn’t almost die but it sure felt like it was possible!! Somehow I became a thru hiker out here.  I changed and it is for the better.  

Thank you all for coming along in this amazing experience with me.  

No Shit, Flip Flop Thru Hiker 2024