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"Tonight, I will wake at 3 a.m. to start my 43.6 mile "four-state challenge."
By Dustin Jackson appalachian.jackson@gmail.com
Day 94 24.5 Miles Quarry Gap Shelter
I passed the halfway mark today. I realized that I haven’t thought of quitting once. There are a few SOBO’s who are quitting at Harper’s Ferry. They say they’ve had enough. I’ve heard from a few NOBO’s that their favorite part was TN/NC, so I feel fortunate to live there and am
getting close.
I met a day hiker today who commented I looked healthy for being half way.
I had lunch at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. I am craving sugary drinks like
never before.
Most of the day was spent on ridgeline. I ended the day at “one of the nicest shelters on the AT”. The caretaker is James Stugart who visits multiple times a week. The shelter has hanging baskets, mums, and other flowers.
Most of my thoughts today revolved around how I am going to help hikers when I
get back.
I think the trail will always be a part of my life.
Day 95 20.4 miles Short of PA state line (Mason Dixon Line)
Today I hike for my times at Science Hill High School. Today is my 10-year high school reunion. It brings back memories of that time. I was asked countless times by teachers, “What do you want to be?” I finally have an answer. I want to be happy, nothing more, nothing less. Mike Massey reminded me in an email what I said in my freshman year that I
wanted to hike the trail. I didn
’t know I was telling people back then. I haven’t kept up with anyone from that time. Friends
are friends in a point in time for that time. It’s impossible to hold on to something that isn’t there. I figure most of tonight will be spent on seeing what kind of adults we’ve become. “What do you do?” will be heard many times over. I hear that question here on the trail often. Maybe it’s used as a gauge, or maybe it is simple curiosity. Either way to me, it is uninteresting. “Are you happy and doing what you want to do,” is a question I would like to hear.
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I laugh at all of my times I had at Science Hill like racing to beat the bell,
girlfriends, fights, bonfires, football, bicycle racing, and friends. I cannot
re-live it nor hold on to it, it was my one chance that is now a good memory.
Today was a good day, all day. I got a hitch on the first try to a grocery
store.
I called Becky. She commented I always sound better when I hike alone. I got a ride back to the trail on the first try, too. I spent the day chatting with day-hikers. Tonight I will wake at 3 a.m. and start the "four state challenge," (a famous AT
challenge of hiking through four states in one day).
I will leave PA enter MD, go through WV, and finish in VA, about 43 miles in 24
hours.
Some people mail their packs ahead, most have a partner. I will be carrying my pack, and I will be alone. I am interested to see how I can push myself by myself. more>>>
