Hey Folks,

It has been a long time since I have last posted a blog, and I apologize for not keeping everyone more updated. I am currently writing from my friend Jake's lakehouse, as we prepare to drive to Maine and complete the last leg of our trip. As of now, we have hiked a total of 1300 miles, and have a little over 800 miles left. Those passing us while heading south on the trail describe Maine and New Hampshire as dazzingly beautiful and pristine. Imagine hiking on open mountain ridges, above tree line, while overlooking glacier lakes and streams. Apparently moose wander these parts, and can be seen wading through freezing waters. In addition, we will be walking back to New Jersey as the seasons change, and will witness the leaves turning colors; into hues of brown, yellow, orange, and red. The temperature will also drop, which is actually a nice change when considering how hot it can get hiking in 90+ degree heat. Overall, I am super excited about experiencing all this, and finishing the journey that we have started seemingly so long ago.

As for interesting things that have happened to me on the trail lately, lets just say that this has not been a boring and uneventful last month. Firstly, my younger brother jacob joined me for a week (a really cool time). He trooped through hot temperatures and rocky straits, without complaint, eventually hiking a total of 100 miles in a week's time! It was great having a new face in our group while on the trail, but it was also good to spend some time with my brother. He showed me that in reality he is not very little anymore, and can more than hold his own.

Secondly, a dream of mine came true in Front Royal, Virginia. Finally, a Civil war general attempted to recruit me to fight the good fight in the 7th Virginia regiment. It all started when we befriended a guy who ran the local outfitters. He offered to give us a ride back to the trail, and when he opened his trunk to let us put our packs in the car, there on the floor laid an authentic 1862 Enfield rifle. After "impressing" him with my Civil War knowledge, he admitted that he was the colonel of a local reenactors regiment, and offered to enlist me at no cost for the next battle. Needless to say, this got me a little excited.

I also got to see my first rattlesnake while walking on moon-like terrain. In the Lehigh gap, an old zinc factory had destroyed the wildlife on that mountain, leaving barren rocks and orange tinged water springs, thus giving off and aura of moon travel. Hiking early in the morning along this wierd trail, I came in contact with my first rattlesnake. He had beady eyes, a fat midsection, and was curled up in the middle of the path. We tried to get him off the trail by throwing rocks from far away, but to no avail. Then, Jake stepped closer and took his poles to poke at the beast. At that moment, the snake unraveled his body, coiling high up off the ground, and began rattling intensifely. We ran back several yards screaming like kids. Then collecting ourselves, we walked around it while keeping our distance. Jake uploaded pictures that we took of the snake, which you can see on his blog.

While walking all day, a hiker has a lot of time to think about music and sing (yes people have walked in on me belting tunes). Since there are no ipods or radios on the trail, mostly our brains decide which song comes to mind. Therefore, I'd like to provide you guys with a sort of "hiker's playlist" of songs that pop into my head at different times. You can listen to this playlist at home, and put yourself on the trail with me...

Here Comes the Sun(Beatles): for early morning wakeups, around 6ish.
You Can't Always Get What You Want (Rolling Stones): for when going over the mileage that we have to cover for the day.
Get Rythmn (Johnny Cash): For starting the day and getting your stride going.
Get on Top (REd Hot Chili Peppers): for going up a mountain.
Old Man (Neil Young): For when I feel like an old man, with every part of my body hurting.
Break on Through (the Doors): for getting through that tough part of the day. There is always one, and you can always break on through.
Like Eating Glass (Bloc Party): For eating 3 power bars at lunch cause you need the energy/nutrients.
Theme song from the Lion King: for great views of the sun rising or setting.
As I Went Down to the River to Pray (O, Brother Where Art Thou): for going down to the river... to fill up your water bottles.
Smile Like you Mean It (the Killers): for when someone asks you how you are doing, and you reply, "GREAT!"
Its a Beautiful Day ( U2): for Just a great day of hiking.
It Hurts (Angels and Airwaves): I think this is clear.
And Another One Bites the Dust (Queen): for going to sleep at night.

Enjoy