Reflections from June 21-25

The last three days of the final approach into Harpers Ferry were so rewarding. Got in pretty late the last evening after the last 20 miles. Stan was waiting with a frozen mango adult beverage.

That next morning I checked in with the ATC to get my 1/2 way number (591) and have my photo taken for their records (and my delight). Leaving the ATC, Stan and I went to the Sunday morning service at a lovely episcopal church in Charles Town - Zion - and then to Lily Pearl and Keller’s home. Those two drove me and Stan to Pen/Mar park on the southern Pennsylvania line. From there we hiked south over three days. It was a real gift to have company from home, and to rest my Achilles tendon with shorter days. The weather was crazy hot, but we’re from Mississippi!

At “Washington Monument State Park”, Stan and I got off trail, again to be hosted by Lily Pearl and Keller.

That was last night. This morning Stan drove me for another big resupply, and then we drove into the hills overlooking the Shenandoah River to the home of more Mississippians. We’ll stay here to night, where Debra Kassoff (!) will join us, then Tomorrow she and I will hike the remaining miles in Maryland!

I know the world is rough right now. Breathing the forest air helps. When I'm back home in the fall I'll get to work and try to help make the world a better place. For now, it's one foot in front of the other.

I’m awfully grateful to Stan and Lily Pearl (and Kell and Ray and Lynne) for being my

"halfway mile-post AT through-hike ground support team".