If you wondered if I was really out there hiking and not just blogging from some hostel, I found proof today. I didn’t realize that the “Health” app on my iPhone was recording my steps all summer.
There’s the bubble of steps in June to September. And yes, the step count is one million!
The era we are living in today is a dream of coming true. – Walt Disney
I recently found out that many of my pictures from the second section hike (VT & MA) were not visible on Carousel. I have divided my photos into 2 albums, one each from my 2 section hikes. The links on the blog should now take you to all of the photos.
It’s back to civilization now. Being detached from society has been a real eye opener. When I asked people on the trail about their experiences, the answer was always, “It was everything I expected and so much more.” That pretty much says it all.
I weighed myself today. 226 lbs, so I lost 36 lbs hiking and 62 lbs since January. Andrew wins the “contest.” I saw 3 black bears, but heard another 2 in the woods in New England.
I leave you with one final image. It’s a panoramic shot of one of the lakes in Vermont.
And a final few words. It’s a little long, but it explains everything I learned on the trail. This was given to me by Wildcat, the A.T. Chaplain:
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
© Max Ehrmann 1927
This is Puffin, signing off…
It’s over, I’ve finished my 500 mile flip-flopping long xss section hike. I hiked the 9.1 miles from Shaker Campsite to Great Barrington with Wildcat and Phlatlander today. The three of us are in town resting and will be going out to eat soon.
It was a hot one today. I went through a lot of water. We stopped at a shelter for lunch were there was awesome Trail Magic. Here’s Phlatlander opening the “Magic Box”. The goodies inside were just what a hiker needs.
We passed several ponds today.
And now I’m headed home, via Albany.
Final Hike Statistics:
A good story can take you on a fantastic journey. – Walt Disney
Wildcat and I hiked out of Goose Pond this morning after an awesome pancake breakfast. We’ve hiked to the next major road crossing and I have now logged 500 miles on the A.T. this summer. Yippee!!!!!
Here I am celebrating at the road crossing. Spiced rum hits the spot after hiking all morning. (It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.)
We’ll be hiking some bonus miles today and tomorrow. And there’s one more night on the trail. That will be my last chance to converse with fellow hikers before I head off the trail in Great Barrington.
Hike Statistics:
Miles from Hanover, NH – 200+
Total miles on the A.T. – 500 +
Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it. – Winston Churchill
Puffin's Hike 