Hello
Alley and Walking for Alley Supporters,
Just wanted to give you a quick update on our progress. The three of us in my
hiking group, Wing-Heart, Boo Boo, and I, completed Massachusetts yesterday (23
July) at 5 PM. We are now about 18 miles into Vermont and plan to spend the
next 10 days finishing the difficult, wet (but lush) portion of the trail in
Vermont. After that we expect that it will take us 12-15 days to complete
New Hampshire, followed by the 281 mile trek across
Maine and the 100 mile wilderness. Last week in
Massachusetts we hiked 4 hours in the rain and made it to the Upper Goose Pond
cabin where we slept dry for the night. Last night we hiked for several hours
in a light rain and had to sleep in our tents during light rain all night. It
was cozy with all gear in my small tent, but I slept well and started my hike
wet this morning (as did the others in my group).
Daily distances will drop as we continue through Vermont and approach the White
Mts. in New Hampshire. Maine's 100 mile wilderness will also be a challenge as
approach our final destination in Baxter
State Park. We now have completed 1596 miles of our trek and expect that we will
be over the 1600 mile mark by evening tomorrow as we move through
Vermont. Vermont and New Hampshire each have
approximately 150 Appalachian Trail miles in each state - Maine has 281 miles so
we still have a considerable distance to hike before we are finished.
As we trekked through Connecticut, we were interviewed by three newspapers regarding the CdLS hike
support. The CdLS office in Avon, CT gave us a reception we will
never forget. Thanks again to all who gave of their time. I believe Art Moore
will place some of these articles - particularly the CdLS National Newsletter as
links on our web site
www.hikerjim.com Thank you Art for your wonderful help on the web site.
I continue to ask for your support and prayers. Your help thus far has been
overwhelming and I appreciate the help you have given.
Until next time,
Jim Schiwal "Castanets"