Harper’s Ferry here we come

We camped 3.5 miles from Harper’s Ferry. The headquarters for the Appalachian Trail is located there. We will dart into town, get our pictures taken and be registered as through hikers. It will be interesting to see how many are ahead of us. Thru hikers start to thin out at this point. People get off the trail for one reason or another. I have met several hikers who are gone now. Some have returned and some had enough. Bruce helped two of my friends yesterday return home. Half-Blind needed to go home. He had enough. Poor guy had more things happen to him. He broke a rib, almost stepped on a rattlesnake and caught the Norovirus. He will be missed. Cancer was just worn out. His knees just couldn’t take it any more. Another really nice guy. He is out hiking and raising money for St. Jude’s. His trail name comes from his history of having cancer. Half-blind is because of his vision loss. Lots of people out here with struggles. I try to keep that in mind when my feet are hurting and realize I can stop at any time and rest so the pain will stop. For others the pain will never go away. 

10:00am

 

Here we are. Me, Walking Man and GQ. Such an accomplishment. I am number 265. They are 264 and 263. We got our pictures taken and they made postcards out of them and added us to the Hike book. The guys are exploring this cute little town and I am resting in the hiker lounge waiting for Sisu, a volunteer and ridge runner I meety first day on the trail at Springer Mountain, GA. He works here on Tuesdays and just by happen stance I arrived on his day of work. He is taking me to lunch. How awesome. 

After we are done visiting this quaint little town we will head to the next shelter which is only 6.5 miles out. 4 hrs for me. We were given great advice. The water source at the shelter is home to several timber rattlers. Guess I will pack out what I need. 

Happy Hiking

Emily M. Leonard

About Emily M. Leonard

I am a 50 year old Maine native and lover of the outdoors. Former Physical Education teacher and soccer coach. I am Married to the best husband ever and gave up teaching and coaching to raise our two wonderful sons. I have always enjoyed being outside and on the go.