Date: 2007-06-25
From: Harpers Ferry WV/Potomac River MD

To: Massachusetts and on
Miles today: 0.0

Finn and I took a train the day after reaching Harper's Ferry toWashington D.C. From there we caught another that went to Delaware, New Jersey, New York City and then to Connecticut where we got on yetanother train to finally meet his family in Mass. It was a greatreunion for Finn, and I finally got to meet his parents. On the thirdof July we are going to his grandfather's 90th birthday, we are goingkayaking, putt putting and relaxing. I will be here until the 8thwhen I will be going to Maine - yes I will be finishing my A.T.adventure in Maine, but not by hiking there, for a vacation where Iwill be meeting some family friends.I have had an unbelievable time hiking on the Appalachian Trail. It'sstrange to think I'm not hiking anymore. I'm not just taking a fewzeros or spending a day in a town - I'm off, I'm heading back to homesoon, and getting a job. I think finishing at this point is wonderful- I'm not leaving because I'm hurt or because I hate it, I'm leavingthe trail wanting more and still loving it. I got to meet a lot ofgreat people on the trail that have changed me as a person and I'llnever forget them. I was recently in a store downtown sporting my new ATshirt. A fellow came up to me and said smiling while passing, "I'mThe Walrus, 05." It is neat to feel connected with so many newpeople. Some I met once on the trail, others I hiked with for weeks.Just to name a few:Diesel, Little Red, Wolf, Beach Bum, Dozer, Ginger Snap, Chuck Norris,Buckles, Crutch, Donny Keyhote, The Uije Family, Boat Drinks, Easy,Luna, Birch, Red Dawg, Griz, Totally Different Subject, All Right,Iditarod, Duck, Scholar, Hikelet, Hopeful, The Boss, Orange Moon,Tick, Half Step, Sandlewood, Tigger, Dog, Serial, Sugargrits, TheChocolate Bandito, Duck Tape, Lone Wolf, Queen Diva, Smokey T, MotherHen, Montr©al, Slinky, Kris, Wrong Way, Rain Check, Fran, Spock, Song,Bicycle Barb, Bulldog, Marshall, Shasta, Cheeks, Graceful, Rock Star,Rutabaga, The Umbrella Lady, Dog's Life, Rio, Thunder, Iceman, Santa'sHelper, Harmony, Shiver, Jelly Bean, Snack Break, MA, Buffalo Bobby,Dirt Nap, Mountain Man, Buttercup, Finnegan, Colorado, Evil Eye,Gaiter Gump, Winton, Uncle Johnny, The Gray Family, Lumpy, Caveman,Pebbles, Bare Bear, Jett James, K.T.R., Gypsy, Hemlock, Big Brother,Kiwi, April Showers, Red Princess, Pancake, The Bag Lady, Billy Goat,Aussie, Wonder, Driftwood, Fish'n Fred, Sparkler, Pirate, Cornbread,Church Mouse, Sunny Side, Byte Code, Tennessee Jed, Sniper, and Karma.It is hard to sum up what I have been doing for the last four months -many of my memories from the trail cannot be written or explained tosomeone who did not hike it. I tried as best I could with my TrailJournals and appreciate those of you that read it. In the years tocome they will help me remember my adventures from the AppalachianTrail. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity I was fortunate enoughto experience. I have gained a lot from the hiking like patience, astronger connection of what is important in life like family and love, a better appreciation of the Earth, and a renewed faith in humanity.The people I met on the trail were some of the most generous andgiving people I have ever met. I had strangers feed me and give me aplace to sleep, never once second guessing my trust or thinking twiceabout what they could offer. It seems like today such kindness is ararity.It has been a shock to come back to the real world after leaving thetrail. I no longer live out of the turtle shell I have carried on myback since March. My home will soon be a two-bedroom apartmentinstead of a two-person tent. After walking at a slow pace of 2.5miles an hour I have been in awe about how fast the world moves. It'sbeen hard trying to understand what the rush is all about. Cars movetoo fast; I can't stand to be in them.   I am disgusted at how muchtrash I have somehow produced since being off the trail. My thoughtsnow are consumed by someday being self sustaining ¢ having my ownorganic garden, living from the land, making most of what I need. Ihope that these outlooks last and don't clash with the industry I willbe working in. My goal for the next year is to become as green as Ican be. Some of America's great treasures are hidden in theAppalachian Mountains ¢ beautiful balds, wild animals, giant trees, waterfalls, sunset views, pine forest, solitude, rock formations, andhistory. I would like my future children to someday at least have theoption to hike the Appalachian Trail and experience it as I did.One of the first things Finnegan and I did when we got of the trailwas go hiking. As with most things, you don't truly miss orappreciate something until it's gone. Now, don't get me wrong, it wasgreat hiking without an extra 30 pounds and nice to be able to showerwhen we were done, but nice and natural to get on a trail again. Somethings from the trail will never leave me. For instance, I am stillconvinced that every mole and freckle I have has legs for about twoseconds. I'm also convinced I see white blazes everywhere until Ithink ¢ wait, you are not on the AT anymore! I'm really good atpredicting what the weather will do and guessing what time it is. Thefeeling in my big toes still has not come back but my dead man'sflesh, as Finn calls it, is slowly disappearing ¢ no longer blistersthat lived so long as evidence of the many miles I walked. I havedeveloped very little trust in the Postal Service because they losttwo of my bounce boxes and I discovered that mail is freaking expensive!However, on the bright side, I have a better admiration for: food insmall pouches, running clear water, pillows, ice cubes, the sun, freshfruit, real coffee (not instant), and most importantly, trailmaintainers.I still think back and am amazed by the fact that anyone can get upand walk across so many states, experience different cultures, andbecome a family member of so many hikers ¢ all on a dirt path. Istarted the Appalachian Trail with an open mind and new shoes. Ifinished with a handful of new friends and some damn good memories.Fare Winds, Bottle CapI will not be writing on TJ anymore until I finish the rest of thetrail in the years to come, but have discovered I enjoy blogging, so Iwill continue to record my life on Blogger if anyone is interested.New adventure coming up: getting an apartment!