Date: 2006-08-04
From: Kent, CT

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I know it's been a while since my last journal update, but we have been moving along up the trail and have not taken many days off. Today we arrived in Hanover, New Hampshire and are planning on taking the weekend off. I don't think I have ever been more ready for a "zero" day than this time. My last zero day was back in Delaware Water Gap, PA around July 4th and about 400 miles ago. Needless to say, my body has been screaming at me to take a break and I think I'm due one. We have now hiked over 1700 miles and we have around 450 more to hike. I am still enjoying myself out here, but the past few days have been pretty rough for me. Physically, I have felt myself wearing down as I am continuing to lose weight, but yet still eating more than ever before. It's a strange feeling and a little frustrating at times, as I am trying my best not to lose any muscle that I have been building over this entire trip. I think most of my physical strain has been due to a lack of rest, but hopefully taking this weekend off will help to re-energize my body. We have hiked through 12 states now, and have 2 more to go. From everyone we have talked to and shared their stories and experiences from the A.T. the best parts are yet to come. Ever since Georgia we have heard that the mountains, aka "the Whites", in New Hampshire and the 250 miles of Maine are the most beautiful and incredible parts of the entire A.T. Although these next 400 miles will present the most spectacular views, they will also be the most physically demanding as well. Yet another reason to take this weekend off to rest. To relate in basketball terms, it seems to be the fourth quarter or tournament time. We have gone through a "season" of training, but now it is nearing towards the end of the trip; and the true "tests" of physical strength, mental toughness, and will power will determine who finishes this "game." There have been several people who have dropped off of the trail since Springer Mountain, GA, so it is a good feeling knowing I am one of few who are still on this journey. On average, about 20 percent of annual thru-hike attempts actually complete the journey. I don't know the official numbers for this season, but this usually means that out of the 2000-3000 people who make a thru-hike attempt each year, around 300 or so will complete it. I am proud and grateful to have been fortunate and successful this far. It has not been solely by my strength or will power, but rather by the grace of God and by the help and support of family, friends, and strangers. Random acts of kindness, emails, cards, places to stay, and countless prayers have been offered, of which I appreciate and am extremely thankful. I will try my best to keep everyone informed on the rest of our progress, but things are going pretty well overall and I am looking forward to finishing this trip strong. God has literally carried me this far, and I know He will continue to do so for the next month on trail, as well as for things to come after the journey. Afterall, this isn't just a 5 or 6 month journey from GA-ME; it's also a journey of the mind and heart that is a small story in the bigger picture of this game called "Life." May my lifesong sing to Him.....Casting Crowns - Lifesong LyricsEmpty hands held highSuch small sacrificeIf not joined with my lifeI sing in vain tonightMay the words I sayAnd the things I doMake my lifesong singBring a smile to YouLet my lifesong sing to YouLet my lifesong sing to YouI want to sign Your name to the end of this dayKnowing that my heart was trueLet my lifesong sing to YouLord I give my lifeA living sacrificeTo reach a world in needTo be Your hands and feetSo may the words I sayAnd the things I doMake my lifesong singBring a smile to YouHallelujahHallelujahLet my lifesong sing to You