Date: 2006-07-17
From: Pavillion in Port Clinton

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everybody! It's been a while since I have had internet access and so I have not been able to update my journals as I had planned. Please forgive me! Although my time may be limited, I will try my best to keep everyone informed of our progress. If you do not hear from me, you can always check www.challengepoint.com, as we are in phone contact with them on a regular basis, and they are doing a great job of posting new info and pictures on their website. There are several stories from the past couple of weeks, but there is not enough time for me to share those right now- a good tease I know! Most of you will hear those stories from me as soon as I return home from the trip, but then I plan on updating and editing journals when I get home. Since I last updated, we have exited Pennsylvania (also known as Rocks-sylvania)! There were so many sharp, jagged, pointed, painful rocks in that state- not to mention all of the flooding that they and we had experienced. I think there were several miles that we hiked over nothing but rocks, and our feet were lucky if they got to touch dirt again. I don't think I will ever go back to Pennsylvania to hike again. I may visit somewhere else- Hershey Park maybe- but I am finished hiking there! We left Pennsylvania and hiked through New Jersey. NJ was a pretty state, but then we encountered the mosquito breeding capitol of the country. There were so many bugs and mosquitos in one section that all we could do was hike as fast as possible as the only sound we heard was buzzing. The mosquitos covered us, but they would have eaten us alive if we ever stopped to take a break. I gave blood in New Jersey- but it wasn't to the Red Cross. We finally left that section all looking like we had the measles- mosquito bites everywhere. Since New Jersey, we have also hiked through New York. We decided on not visiting New York City while on trail, but maybe we will get a chance to on the way home. New York welcomed us with rocks and boulders, but nothing like Pennsylvania. Instead of pointed and jagged and sharp, these were more round and flat in shape. Plus, there were sections that we had to throw the trekking poles aside and actually rock climb our way up the mountain. It was a nice state overall. Yesterday we left NY and our now in Conneticut. We are back to the rolling hills and mountains. The trail has been smooth- a lot less rocky- and is training us even more for the Presidentials and the Whites that are soon coming up. It has been extremely hot and humid the past few days (95 degrees and higher), but it has only slowed us down a couple of times. We are still moving along rather well and trying to remain strong. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. They are extremely appreciated! Our plan is to be in Massachusetts by Wednesday night or Thursday (July 20). We have hiked 1452 miles thus far and now have close to 700 remaining. The countdown to Katahdin, Maine and to home will begin pretty soon. My time here is coming to an end. We must move along up the trail. There are still many miles to hike, people to meet, and adventures to share. I've been listening to several songs while hiking the trail, but there is one in particular that has gotten me through the past few days. Here are the lyrics that have helped me- I hope you will find strength, encouragement, and hope in them as well. Until next time.......Artist : Brian Littrell Song : In Christ Alone Lyrics :In Christ alone will I gloryThough I could pride myself in battles wonFor I¢ve been blessed beyond measureAnd by His strength alone I¢ll overcomeOh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my handsBut those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I standChorus:In Christ aloneI place my trustAnd find my glory in the power of the crossIn every victoryLet it be said of meMy source of strengthMy source of hopeIs Christ aloneIn Christ alone do I gloryFor only by His grace I am redeemedFor only His tender mercyCould reach beyond my weakness to my needAnd now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him moreAnd to count my gains but losses to the glory of my LordChorus:In Christ aloneI place my trustAnd find my glory in the power of the crossIn every victoryLet it be said of meMy source of strengthMy source of hope