June 19 - 26.6 / 1,315.8

There wasn't too much I remember about today or really want to remember. It was a long day, full of rocks, and my feet were pretty blistered.

I got up and walk down to a road crossing. I was sitting there taking a rest when I heard some trekking poles hitting the gravel. Down the road came Veggie, The Abolitionist (formerly K 2 5), and War Cry. I last saw them when I left the trail in Harpers Ferry. They are definitely taking their time and only doing 10 to 15 miles a day. Turkey and Thrasher showed up at the road also. Turkey decided that she was going to have someone pick her up to go get new shoes. So she walked down to the Mohican Outdoor Center where Panda (a girl she had met on the trail a few weeks ago) would pick her up.

After leaving the road, I came across a fire tower with a great view. I stopped to rest there and spoke with a younger couple. They asked about the trail and were quite interested in it. The guy also offered to drive me into town in case I needed anything. It is cool how people offer to help in such a short time frame. The rest of the day was just a lot of rocks that tore up my feet even more.

Around 7:30 or so, Thrasher, Fusion, and I made it down into Culvers Gap (Branchville, NJ). Panda and Turkey were at the trail parking lot waiting for us. Turkey had gone to REI and bought new shoes. She also had some cookies and Cokes for us as a snack. We rested for about 30 minutes. My feet didn't want to go anywhere, but my brain knew they had to. Turkey joined us, and the four of us began hiking again. We caught an awesome sunset. We enjoyed it before continuing our hike in the dark. Finally, we made it to the shelter after 26.6 grueling, rock filled miles. Exhausted, I set up my sent, spoke to Michelle briefly, and went to bed.

The day also brought me by the Brink Road Shelter. A few weeks ago, KPMG sent out an article to all U.S. employees about my journey and about raising money. Carl, a gentlemen out of our Montvale office and an employee with KPMG for over 30 years sent me a message. Him and his wife offered to take me in for a night or two as they live 0.5 miles from the shelter. Again, how gracious people are. Unfortunately, it didn't work as Carl was away with his family for father's day, the day I passed by. Hopefully I will be able to meet Carl face to face one day.