New York New York

I had a great time exploring a part of NY in which I had never hiked. It is fun to see NY license plates, to see a familiar body of water(crossed over the Hudosn river),and to actually be more precise in explaining where in upstate NY you are from.

I spent a night at the Franciscan Graymour spiritual center. They were very inviting of hikers and even had an outdoor shower! A few rest days off the trail allowed some hikers to catch up. I enjoyed visiting with a group of five hikers I hadn't  seen since Damascus (over 1000 miles back)!

I also got to hike with Aunt Juanita and some of her hiking friends on Thursday. With two cars, the logistics were all worked out and we enjoyed a great section together. The day started out with me being treated to a breakfast sandwich and cup of coffee. Throughout the hike literally every type of fruit was pulled out of magical backpacks! I think I ate my monthly requirements. Back at the car after a very hot and humid day we enjoyed beers and bagels! Thanks everyone for your generosity:) It was great to hike with you Aunt Juanita, thanks for coming out.

Now it is on to the next state.. Just a few miles in Connecticut! Looking forward to an upcoming visit from Aunt KK and Uncle Pat.

Feeling blessed to have such incredible family support throughout the entirety of this adventure! You all are the best and I am truly one thankful individual.

Happy trails

Bear mountain. View of the Hudson River 

Only north of NYC is trash in Louis Vuitton bags on the trail!

The aftermath of Memorial Day weekend

My first bear on the trail

Was in that den...

Cool experiene walking across the bridge

Meet Ralph! He built the shelter I slept in last night.. Thankyou Ralph 

Aunt Juanita on the AT!

Accompanied by Barb, George and Wendell 

Lunch break

Continuing northbound

The south chair was engraved Georgia and the north, Maine.

Memorial Day weekend

I was blessed to spend Memorial Day weekend off the trail and at home with friends and family! It was great to just be home and catch up with everyone. I had a wonderful time, and had some incredible meals.Many thanks to my parents and siblings for their continued support and unconditional love. You guys are the best! And shoutout to the siblings for making the trek home-Love you guys

Washing the down sleeping bag(carefully)

Thanks dad for all the gear help 

Getting a little dirt out of the pack

Backyard fun with the family

Memorial Day bbq

Aunt Jane cake and chocolate mousse YUM... You're the best mom!

Visit from best friend! Love ya

Making memories

Playing games

Fully supporting Phoenicia's finest in parade

Thanks for such a fun weekend! Back at it ... Carpe diem

Living it up in PA

We had a very steep and rocky climb out of Palmerton. It was the kind of climb that garnered excellent views (and made you feel super bad ass).

Only five miles into our hike, we all found ourselves on a detour to Slopeside Bar and Grill. It was the weekend, and thus the place was packed. We enjoyed great views, food, live music, frisbee golf... Oh and we crashed a wedding! We wound up staying at the resort for a total of nine hours! "It's about the journey not the destination."

We were blessed with more trail magic. In the south we had lots of trail magic ON the trail. As we work our way north most of the trail magic has been OFF the trail- with many opening their homes to us! Seriously, for anyone who wants to regain faith in humanity- they need only take to the trail. There truly are so many kind and caring individuals in this world. For me, the trail has really been about the genuine connections I have fostered over the miles. Incredible.

We all got picked up at the trail head by "Goat." He met Smokes while hiking a section in the Smokies, and told him to give him a call when he got to his town.(Delaware Water Gap)  Goat grilled for us, and made his home ours. Showers, laundry, food and generosity ... It doesn't get much better!

We were on the otherside of that bridge 

America

Hiker trash

Get a drink you deserve it

So what exactly are you guys doing?Hiking to where?????

Discgolf

Wedding time... Gaiters and bandanas on the dance floor

Delaware water gap

BBQ at Goats house

Group picture

Hootie jammin

Medicine man catching up on news

Sid the sloth making pancakes 

Happy trials... Making memories!

I'll walk home

I have been hiking along the border of NJ/ NY and man does it feel good to be back up north. It seems so surreal to me that I have walked here!

NJ has had some sweet views and is infested with ticks. I am constantly checking myself.

I am getting off trail for Memorial Day weekend and very excited to spend time with family and friends.  It is truly the people is our lives that both matter and mean the most. I am truly blessed!

Rock art

Not sure what those are?!!!

Awesome vistas

Dining in style

This was a super cool board walk that is more than two miles of the trail in NJ

Back in the home state

Thanks Aunt Juanita for the words of encouragement in the log book:)

I think this brings a new meaning to steep terrain

View from prospect rock- highest point on trail in NY

Carpe diem