Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

July 31, 2001

Staying at Greenwall Shelter tonight. Walked 21-some miles today and am feeling better about the funk this evening. Walked in tonight and there were Longshanks and Blur smiling by the fire scar. What a welcoming sight. Pogo is here as well as a father-son duo. The walk today was gorgeous. I left Bromley Mountain early and went for a late morning swim at Griffith Lake. Perfect timing. Had my clothes back on just as the masses began arriving. I had lunch at Baker's Peak, a rock outcropping overlooking several homesteads. Passed another pond this evening, but didn't feel the need to swim again. I walked my last five miles in a light, warm rain through huge pine groves. The sun was shining behind clouds like an alpine glow. I walked a steady, comfortable pace for 11-12 hours and felt terrific. I'll have to slow down again if I want to stay at the Inn at Long Trail. I don't know what that would do to my motivation.

The Long Trail has been great because there are so many people around. SoBos, LT hikers, section hikers, day hikers. I like it when the woods are full. I know people ahead and behind me. I like that too.

There are women and frogs everywhere. Lately, there have been many women around. Perhaps statistics would say that more women who start the trail finish it, because the further North we get, the more of us there seem to be. And as for the frogs, they're supposed to indicate health of an eco-system. They were prolific in MA. CT and CT have a good amount too. We're in a healthy forest. I feel lucky to be here.