Date: 2013-06-19
From: Pine Grove Furnace Park

To: Boiling springs PA
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Okay, firstly I need to apologise to everyone for my lack of entries in this journal.There have been numerous reasons for this but chiefly two.One is that upkeep of the journal is time consuming and difficult, particularly when I don't have a pc just my Smart(Arse)Phone -SAP.The other is that I have been going through a particularly difficult part of the hike mood wise.It is never easy to leave loved ones to go away for an adventure like this and I had reached the point that my desire to go home was stronger than my desire to continue.After several times having decided I was going to quit the trail and come home I am now fully committed to finishing and am looking forward to meeting my wife, Anne, in Maine at the finish of the hike. I have to admit the support of Anne has been the most critical factor in this decision. The fact that she will be in Maine is far more of an incentive for me to get there than the summit of Katahdin.(HooRoo doesn't know that she is bringing his mate to meet him as well).I will do my best to summarise the last few weeks and then keep brief updates coming as I am now more proficient in the use of the SAP.I have been keeping lots of photos coming so you can probably follow my progress better visually than in the actual text entries.Firstly the Aquablaze.I will be hiking the Shenandoah Park after completing the Trail in Maine to "complete" my thruhike as it appears that contrary to my earlier belief, the aquablaze is not recognised by the ATC as part of a thruhike.Having said that they should.The aquablaze (i.e. paddling a canoe or kayak) down the South Fork of the Shenandoah River is an incredible experience and one that I thoroughly recommend.The AT is described often as the "green tunnel".I describe the Shenandoah as the "green chute".It allowed me to see so much that was different from the trail. No less than 5 bald eagles, a mink swimming, a fawn swimming, all kinds of birds and fish, and many "americans at play".It also was hard. A whole different set of muscles got sore while my feet recovered from some niggly strains and aches.Violet and I tipped our canoe once, while the others got dumped twice each. We felt by the end we were becoming quite competent paddlers and able to deal with some reasonably exciting waters.Following the aquablaze, I have been hiking mostly alone while I have been trying to refocus my goals and mood. I admit I have not been good company while wrestling with decisions.After reaching Harpers Ferry, I took a break and made a day trip to Washington DC by Amtrak train. I took HooRoo to see the sites which included the Air and Space Museum, Arlington Cemetary and Abe Lincoln's Memorial which has been something I have wanted to see for 50 years. He was one of the first american historical figures I learnt about and one I have always admired.Twice I had to stop HooRoo trying to get into the White House for a cuppa with Bazza and 'Shelle.After leaving DC and returning to Harpers Ferry I have continued with some seriously big days of hiking.Being alone has allowed me to "just walk".I set a personal record of 28 miles (actually 27.9 plus .3 from the hostel) on Monday and have to say I currently am feeling the strongest I have felt for the entire hike. The last couple of days with the warmer weather and reduced water sources available, I have been starting my day with around 3/4's of a gallon of fluid and not concerning myself with replenishing water during the day. This has meant I am starting the day with a very heavy pack but allows me to not concern myself with water during the day.On Tuesday I passed the halfway mark of the hike and also caught up with Violet who I am sharing accomodation with here in Boiling Springs in the fantastic value that Allenberry Resort offers hikers.I would like to state that I have successfully completed the "half gallon challenge", where thruhikers eat a half gallon of ice cream at the pine Grove Furnace store. I ate 1 1/2 quarts of choc chip in 18 minutes and managed another pint of green choc chip in another 8 minutes. The switch to green was not a good choice.