AT | Week 16

Happy 4th of July. It has been so long since my last post. 

Well, we made it to Pennsylvania. Today I moved us from Pine Grove Furnace State Park to Buddy Boy Winery and Restaurant in Duncannon, PA. I haven’t tried the wine yet. I have to pick up the guys this afternoon. They plan to hike 18.2 today and possible more if the terrain is good.
Yesterday the men took the day off to enjoy the lake at the park. I was the first day without rain in 16 days. I wish we could send it to Wisconsin. This last week was full of milestones. They have now hiked 1,100 miles and have hit the halfway point. There is no quitting now! Both Tom and Dustin took the half gallon of ice cream challenge. Tom finished his in 28 minutes and Dustin beat him with 26 minutes. The record this year so far is 3 minutes. I cannot imagine the belly aches that person had after that.

Since I posted last, Harper’s feet were hurting enough that he decided to get off trail. I took him part way to meet his family so he could go home to Harper’s Ferry. We traveled through Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. The guys hiked through Shenandoah National Park. The trail is full of rocks, and we are told that it will only get worse they proceed north.

I have defiantly found my purpose for this trip, and it has filled my heart. I have an amazing trail family around me that I can get ride to and from the trail. We fill our camp sites past capacity, and I am able to feed them and hopefully share my happiness. I have been able to meet so many people from different countries and walks of life. I am so grateful for all of them.

We are still staying overnight in all different places; parking lots, Harvest Hosts, campgrounds through the National Park, State Parks. I typically love the parking lots so that I get to chat with everyone coming through, but lately they have been next to highways, and I can’t hear myself think. The campgrounds get me some relief.

Tom is doing pretty well with his body. His back has not been bothering him with the light pack. He has had some foot pain. A few days ago, he made an appointment with a pediatrist. They told him he has severe bursitis and gave him multiple cortisone shots. Since then, he has had amazing improvements and feels like putting on more miles.

Dustin is an awesome addition to our group. He and Tom keep each other motivated. At this point, he plans to stay with us. He is such a cool laid-back guy that doesn’t mind my cooking.

​I have been having fun trying recipes in my new dutch oven. I have wanted one for a while now but could validate the space it would take up in the big RV. It is perfect for this situation. I can prepare and start dinner and it is often finished by the time I get the guys back to camp at night. I have not had a failed dinner yet. I have made lasagna, spaghetti, chicken and rice, pork tenderloin, pizza, blueberry pie, biscuits, and a few other things that I can’t remember.

​Well, until next time. Hope you are all well and enjoying your summer!