Harper's Ferry, WV to Dalton, Mass.

This post will cover just about 7 states, which is something I would like to apologize for. I have been absolutely terrible about documenting my trip as of late and will try to be more consistent for the remainder as it contains the most challenging and rewarding sections of the trail. 

Anyway. Maryland and Pensylvania were pretty similar. Rocky, flat, and wet. I slowed down a lot here. They were states I could have flown through but instead slowed down. I was starting to lose some if the drive and determination and struggled with that for a while. The last half of PA especially. The terrain is extremely rocky and was tearing my feet up. I met up with a group of hikers I hadn't seen in a while and pushed through into New Jersey. I took a few days off with a friend from school on Jersey and rested and enjoyed myself a little. It was great for morale as well as rest for my body. For a while I've been struggling with knee issues. Specifically, Patellar Tendonitis. The first half of New York, which is chocked full of steep climbs and decents, especially exacerbated the problems. So much so that I, thanks to a wonderful trail angel, got a ride to an urgent care to get them checked out. I was worried I was causing damage and the whole day leading up was considering my options. If she did say I was damaging them, do I make the wise decision and go home to finish another time? Or do I press on? Thankfully, lasting damage was not likely, the rest of my trip would just be painful untill I can get off my feet and let the tendonitis heal. She gave me a stronger anti-inflammatory and told me to press on. So I did. My knees are still hurting, but not getting worse. No pain, no Maine.  

One of the great things about this region is the amount of delis we pass. I have eaten more sandwiches in the last couple weeks than I can count and it's wonderful. I have also been blown away by the kindness of so many trail angels. 

From leaving water caches during dry sections, to bringing sodas and food to trail crossings, it has been a great morale booster during some more mundane sections of the trail.  

I moved through Connecticut fairly quickly and am now a day away from leaving Massachusetts. I hit 2000' for the first time in hundreds of miles and am looking forward to the next state, Vermont. It is the beginning of the hardest, and most beautiful section of the trail. I will have much more to post about and will hopefully post again in or just after Vermont. 

Until then, 

Shades. 

P.S. Thank you all so much for the thoughts, prayers, and support. It means so much to me and has kept me going when the trail gets rough and trying. Also, here are a few pics, I didn't take too many during this bit but I do have a few. 

A little look into my humble abode

A look down on some early morning fog

A neat little waterfall I passed by

Swimming in "Nuclear lake"

A view in New York, my camera couldn't pick it up, but I got my first glimpse of the NYC skyline. 

Skipping the detour to travel to real AT route and cutting through a construction site to cross where the bridge used to be. This is Amish, showing proper river-fording technique.

Conecticut coming up strong on the views category 

Again, well done Connecticut.