JULY 18, 2009

Jack phoned to update the last couple of days: Last night they hiked about 24.8 miles into Brink Road Shelter. Today the former mayor of Unionville, NY invited a large group of thru-hikers, including Jack and Chris for dinner, wash-up and place to bunk down, incredibly auspicious hospitality. Their hike today lasted 26.7 miles. This portion of the hike through western New Jersey straddles the New York state border. They will be entirely in New Jersey for about another day.

They have 109.1 miles to get to the NY-Connecticut border. From there it is 734 miles to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, only about 842 miles left to savor, and 41 days left to walk, an average of 20.5 miles per day. Still moose to see, rivers to ford, White Mountains to climb, and Mount Katahdin to enjoy, among the many other wonders of the trail. Am happy they are getting a respite from the daily rations of trail mix, purified mountain water, and ramen.