Tim On The TrailFollow me on my hike

Jun 24th Six States Done, Eight to Go

To catch everyone up on the hike, I need to relate a recent experience.

I had stopped for the night at Ten Mile Shelter in Connecticut, near the Housatonic River.  A couple of local hikers came by and asked questions about thru-hiking.

The last question was: “What’s been your best experience so far on the Trail?”

My reply? Finding out there was a hiker community ready and willing to help if needed.

The questioner was surprised, as he thought hiking the AT was a solitary experience. I thought a moment and said: “It’s both.”

‘Fire — Good!”

Each hiker chooses how far to go each day. In the last two weeks, I’ve hiked alone, for the most part. Leaving New Jersey and entering New York, I hiked the first 4 miles alone in the rain.

When I had to climb some massive boulders, magically (it seemed), other hikers were around to help — or at least witness my fall and dial 911 if needed.  New York’s welcome on the Trail was a bit harsh.

Near West Point, NY

New York held to that pattern for the next 90-something miles.  When I needed it, help was available.

Along the way, I got to walk through a zoo;

Notice the AT blazes in the foreground.

stay on the grounds of a monastery, a landscaping business, and a clothing store; and climb what seems like a mountain (OK, some were big hills) each day.

Odd to go from the woods to civilization to hiking up a mountain again.

Connecticut has been easier, but I have run into a core of hikers I first met in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.  It looks like we’ll overlap throughout Massachusetts, which we will enter tomorrow.

That will be six states done, eight to go.

That is, if my knees and bank account allow it.  Thanks for all the support — past, present, and future.

Jun 22nd Happy Father’s Day Tim! Day 50 on the Trail

[From Maris reporting in for Tim.]

Well it’s day 50 on the trail.  Tim has covered more than 400 miles, 5 states and continues to lose weight (32 lbs. in about 5 weeks).  He also has a salt and pepper beard and mustache.  You can see how much thinner his face is now.

Monk wanted to see if he lost weight too. He didn’t.

Maris thinks the ‘stache looks cool!

[Don’t worry Jo, (Tim’s mom) he eats well when he gets into towns!]

NJ had some interesting rock formations such as Stairway to Heaven and the Lemon Squeezer (see previous post).  New York was rockier than expected and had some challenges of its own.  Tim survived these challenges and made it to Pawling, New York where he was able to hike a raised boardwalk that led to the Appalachian Trail Railroad that takes people into New York City.

This swamp led to the AT Train Station near Native Landscapes

Tim did not make the trip as he has been to NYC before and was enjoying his country experience of watching fireflies light up the night and sitting around a campfire with a father and son out for a week’s hike on the trail.  Tim reported that at the Native Landscapes Garden Center they had a large Amazon parrot that whistled tunes.

Native Landscapes, Pawling, NY

Tim is currently headed towards Salisbury, Connecticut and probably has a few more days before he hits Massachusetts and the Berkshires.

Keep on trekking Tim we are with you.

Jun 13th New York Welcomed Tim with Rocks

…and more rocks!

6/12/15:

This is Maris posting for Tim.  Tim mentioned in a recent post about taking a zero day due to a sore knee and ankle.  He had it checked out by a doctor and he did have a sprain.  He is now wearing a knee brace and wrapping his ankle with an ace bandage and he says it feels better.  He has not been able to hike as quickly and is frustrated by his slowed pace.  He continues to make friends and have incredible trail magic including being able to stay for free at a hotel in Fort Montgomery, NY courtesy of Johnny Gold.  Thanks!

Tim has hiked about 380 miles so far and has about 55 miles left to go in NY.

When Life Gives Ya Lemons…Squeeze!

He survived the Lemon Squeezer in NY, an unusual rock formation in Harriman State Park approximately seven miles long.  At first, the trail passes under a giant boulder resting precariously on top of other rocks.  After passing this point the true nature of the Lemon Squeezer becomes apparent as the hiker suddenly gets “squeezed” through a path that is three feet high, one foot wide, and angled 15 degrees.  Beyond are still more interesting rock formations where pine trees grow on top of a thin rock ceiling above the path.

Brad working through it.

He is camping out tonight at the Graymoor Spiritual Center underneath rainy skies.  Hike on Time — we are with you.

Jun 13th Rock Stairway

[From Maris]

6/7/15:

This is Tim not too happy to be starting his morning with a 2-mile climb up rock stairs called “Stairway to Heaven” outside Vernon NJ.  He is heading to Wawayanda Shelter about 5 miles away.

“Stairway to Heaven” – “I’ll get back to you on that!”

Said he saw a black bear this morning right at the start…that will get ya going!

6/10/15:

Tim reported in after a short day climbing up more rocks and a beautiful waterfall.

‘Ahhh’ Moment

I am excited that he is now in NY and is headed

51.8 Miles to NYC!

toward Bear Mtn. State park, which is where my family and I spent many summers camping — never knew the Appalachian Trail was there!

Jun 5th Zero Days

Hi All. Every once in awhile, hikers need to take a break. For the most part, I’ve tried to do that by only hiking 5 or 6 miles and taking the afternoon off.

My ankle, however, has decided for me that today is a full day off.  I don’t know when — could have been in the Pennsylvania rocks, or the New Jersey rocks (with rain) — but my right ankle and knee have started hurting enough to slow my hiking to 10 miles a day.

Time to have a day with zero miles, get the leg some rest, and catch a shower. I’m in Vernon, NJ, at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, which has a hiker hostel. They graciously offer part of their meeting room for us to sleep in, have a shower, and get out of bad weather. There’s even a Wi-Fi connection.

I should be past the New York border on Sunday, if the ankle cooperates. Thanks for following the adventure, and don’t be shy about commenting.

Tim (Day 34 on the AT)

Jun 1st Some Quick Stats

[May 31] This is Maris reporting in:
It’s been 4 weeks today since Tim started his hike.  He has covered more than 280 miles, lost 22 pounds and walked, fallen and cursed at more rocks, and boulders than he ever would have imagined.  He blew out one pair of hiking boots crossing the rocks of PA but has a new pair now that seem to be doing the trick.

He has hiked through West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and is headed into New Jersey and New York as the AT crosses back and forth in these two states.

Keep on going Tim…one rock at a time.

Jun 1st Headed into Delaware Water Gap

Trail happenings..as reported to Maris:
On Thursday May 28th, Tim saw a deer quietly browsing alongside the trail.  It showed no fear and she and Tim shared a moment of quiet reflection and communion on the state of the world.  Friday morning after sharing his bananas and cream oatmeal with Monk,

Monk waiting for his bananas and cream oatmeal.

Tim left the shelter and headed onto the trail and saw another deer.   He said this one also just stood and stared and did not run off.

So far he has seen: deer, snakes, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, and a porcupine.  We hear tales of bear in NJ and New York.  Stay tuned…

And as always if you’d like to help, Tim’s Indiegogo is still running.  Thanks for all the support!