Do you recall the news I shared about Adventure Girl in my post last week? For those new to the blog or experiencing a brain malfunction, last week I shared the news that Adventure Girl was the 84th thru-hiker to make it to Harpers Ferry, WV in 2011.Ā I also mentioned Adventure Girl passed the 1,000 mile mark, leaving just over 1,000 miles to complete.
Adventure Girl is so focused on putting one foot in front of the other that she is not doing her due diligence on updating her trail journal. She has not posted a journal update since May 4th. I was fortunate enough to get a direct response from her (via Facebook) on May 12th. During one of her stops, she updated her Facebook status to announce she reached Harper’s Ferry. After congratulating her, I asked if she would be updating her trail journal soon. Her response, “Aunt Lenore: I will try!”
Among the 10+ responses to Adventure Girl’s status update, she singled me out and called me by name. I think this means I’m famous right? I mean, this hiker of 1,000+ miles responded directly to me. I wonder if I can get better seats in restaurants now. In the meantime, without Adventure Girl’s updated trail journal, I am left alone to entertain you. I’ll do my best.
On Sunday May 15th, Adventure Girl’s SPOT indicated she was Pennsylvania. Since beginning her journey, Adventure Girl has crossed the borders of 6 states: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is large, ensuring Adventure Girl’s backpack will remain there for several nights.
By Saturday May 21st, Adventure Girl was located between Peters and Blue Mountain, PA. According to the Appalachian Trail Distance Calculator, Adventure Girl has traveled approximately 1,149.6 miles. Fortunately for Adventure Girl, the Rapture did not take place, and she was not pulled off the trail prior to completing her journey. Then again, we’ve yet to receive her SPOT message today. You don’t think? Naaaah, inconceivable.
Here’s to Adventure Girl, as she continues her journey. May she find time to update her journal, leaving bread crumbs for the little people, living vicariously through her while sitting comfortably on their couches. (Or is that just me?)
Fun Facts of the Appalachian Trail taken directly from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website:
- The Trail is roughly 2,180 miles long, passing through 14 states.
- Thousands of volunteers contribute roughly 200,000 hours to the A.T. every year.
- More than 250 three-sided shelters exist along the Trail.
- Virginia is home to the most miles of the Trail (about 550), while West Virginia is home to the least (about 4).
- Maryland and West Virginia are the easiest states to hike; New Hampshire and Maine are the hardest.
- The total elevation gain of hiking the entire A.T. is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times.
- The A.T. is home to an impressive diversity of plants and animals. Some animals you may see include black bears, moose, porcupines, snakes, woodpeckers, and salamanders. Some plants you may encounter include jack-in-the-pulpit, skunk cabbage, and flame azalea.
Lenore's Thoughts Exactly 
I am rooting for her! How exciting.
Her journey reminds me of a wonderful and funny book I read some time ago about hiking the AT. It’s called A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. If you haven’t read it, you might enjoy hiking vicariously with your niece by reading along.
I’ve just checked with my local library, and the Bill Bryson book is available! I’ll flip between that and Between Shades of Gray. So far, I enjoy your taste in books.
Thanks for visiting, Jackie! I update Adventure Girl’s adventure every weekend. ~ Lenore
Good for her! That is quite a journey. I hope that she’ll have a good supply of insect repellent when she gets to New England. The mosquitos will be fierce by the time she gets to Maine (they are the honorary Maine State bird).
The mosquitoes in Maine ARE like birds. The good thing is – you can feel them land. Adventure Girl is having the time of her life (insect repellent included). Thanks for stopping by, Mariner2Mother! ~ Lenore
I’m glad Adventure Girl is still on her trek…hope she continues to keep having a good time!
Wendy
Me, too, Wendy. I just wish Adventure Girl would take some time to stop and smell the roses. And by stopping and smelling the roses, I mean – I wish she’d update her journal. š ~ Lenore
I think this means Iām famous right?
Tee-hee! That’s my kind of fame š
Thinking about all of this makes me miss my hiking days. Once Li’l D gets a little bigger, I may have to try couple-mile hikes. I’m pretty sure we’ll never get nearly as far as Adventure Girl!
Your laughing at my famous comment isn’t an indication that you find the sentiment false, is it? I mean, I think Adventure GIrl’s -my niece- hike along the AT makes me famous. Please don’t shatter my fame. š Here’s to future hikes with Lil’D! Thanks for visiting, Big ‘D! ~ Lenore