Make it count: Day #79 - AT Hike

Saturday, May 30 - Day#79 - AT Hike

Miles Hiked Today - 22.9
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 1049.0/2,193 (47.83%)

Harpers Ferry (1026.1) to Pine Knob Shelter (1049.0) - tent at Pine Knob Shelter

Total ascent - 4,050’
Total descent - 2,954’

Total States Completed - 5/14

**No Rain - really perfect weather today. Not too hot. Pleasant

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Supersized day today!! 22.9 miles with 4,050’ vertical ascent. The day started with a 3 mile hike on a bike path - which was flat and smooth. I was able to make good time in the morning to give me a chance for a bigger mileage day. The weather was spot on as well. After some storms last night - the sun came out today. Temperatures remained in low 70’s - not too hot.

The Hokas held up pretty well overall today. I could definitely tell the difference in the cushion vs the Lone Peaks. I’ve been walking for over 1,000 miles with a certain shoe - everything seemed different and unfamiliar today. Not perfect by a long shot - my feet were still hurting pretty bad coming into the shelter tonight. But - I just need to give it a little time. New shoes can take a minute to get loosened up. I’m holding judgement for now. We’ll give them a whirl again tomorrow.

So I finished my 5th state (West Virginia) today. Plus - I got more than half-way across Maryland. There’s only 41 miles on the AT in Maryland. I did nearly 23 of those miles today. If things go as planned - I’ll finish up Maryland tomorrow- leaving me with 8 states to go.

Here’s the final 8 states in the order I will hike them. I’ve also included the miles in each state:

Pennsylvania- 229
New Jersey - 72
New York - 91
Connecticut - 50
Massachusetts - 90
Vermont - 151
New Hampshire - 161
Maine - 282

I got into the shelter tonight around 6:30pm. Long days leave little time for tent setup and cooking before it turns dark. I’m pretty quick on setup - so things went well. There are 4 section hikers here - all going south to Harpers Ferry. It was cool talking with them over dinner. I am so tired - I let them know I was turning in early. It’s 9:30pm now - I’m about ready for some shut-eye.

Before I conclude tonight - one last thing to do:

So - I need to introduce the state of Maryland with a theme song - (I got to tell you - it took a few days to come up with something. I have a lot of time on trail - so follow me here):

Maryland has Baltimore, the Naval Academy, it’s known for lobster/seafood, the Mason-Dixon Line, Antietam National Battlefield. But - I don’t know any songs specifically about Maryland - nor any singers from there. So - what do I know best? Sports. OK - who’s one of the most famous sports people from Maryland. Michael Phelps. Why is Michael Phelps so popular? He’s the most decorated Olympian ever. 8/8 golds in Beijing. OK - so the Olympics has made him a household name in the sport of swimming. What is the best Olympic theme song of all time. It’s “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston. So - I pulled up this song and listened to it - with the lyrics. I got chills!! This song is unbelievable!! This song is speaking to me!!

Without further ado, Please welcome the late-great —- Ms Whitney Houston:

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“Each day I live, I want to be
A day to give, the best of me
I’m only one, but not alone
My finest day, is yet unknown

I broke my heart, fought every gain
To taste the sweet, I face the pain
I rise and fall, yet through it all
This much remains

I want one moment in time
When I’m more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I’m racing with destiny
Then in that one moment in time
I will feel
I will feel eternity

I’ve lived to be, the very best
I want it all, no time for less
I’ve laid the plans, now lay the chance, here in my hands

Give me one moment in time
When I’m more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I’m racing with destiny
Then in that one moment in time
I will feel
I will feel eternity

You’re a winner for a lifetime
If you seize that one moment in time
Make it shine

Give me that one moment in time
When I’m more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I’m racing with destiny
Then in that one moment in time
I will be
I will be
I will be free
I will be
I will be free’

“One Moment in Time” — Whitney Houston

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That was a round about way to get a theme song - but pull this up on YouTube - it’s a special song.

Goodnight from the middle of Maryland. Tomorrow - I hope to be coming to you live from Pennsylvania - and a theme song a little more in my wheelhouse!!