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This is going to be a catchup post because I'm a bit confused as to what photos go with each day. First up, rocks: Builder had a lot of rocks to tackle early on in Pennsylvania. This is what I imagine all of Pennsylvania looks like after having driven through the mountains many times. But, as he has shared, the landscape has varied. Still, this doesn't look fun to me, unless you're a billy goat of course. More rocks - well, one rock. The inscription says this is Center Point

The Appalachian Trail is often referred to as The Green Tunnel. Builder captured a perfect picture to explain why. There are lots of vistas and meadows and rocks, certainly, but a lot of it is scenery like this. (The Green Tunnel is a much better place to walk than The Green Mile, by the way. Great movie, but still.) He also sent several photos of what look to be a bunch of dead pine trees - perhaps to show how dry it is. We live in the land of pine trees already so, although

From the tiny bit of West Virginia, Builder made it through Maryland at a pace of 15 miles per day. He reported that service was spotty and the trail was rocky so he was really watching his feet. Here are the pictures he sent that day which he had to resend due to a spotty signal. Being born as a Yankee in Northern New York, Bob has always found a certain amusement in living the bulk of high life below the Mason Dixon Line. To be clear, I am NOT a rebel (in the historical con

Those of you who dream of a quest like this will enjoy this post very much because it contains a mix of beauty and delight, with a couple of reminders of just how daunting the task is. This first picture shows a big pavilion overlooking what I call a gorgeous "vista". Where we live we don't have vistas like this. It's all flat. The ocean and intercoastal waterway make up for it of course, as does all the fun wildlife, but sometimes you miss LOOKING AT hills and valleys. (It's

With scenery like this, even I'm tempted to hit the trail. But I'm not interested in all of the other hardships Builder is encountering like rain, sore feet and a heavy pack. (I could do without the back of the guy's head in the third pic, but he doesn't have a lot of time, energy and internet to edit his photos -- and that's beyond my pay grade.) Those of you who have seen (or been up into) THE Washington Monument in DC (which does NOT include me, as I was working the day Bu

Builder hit the ground "running" so to speak and managed to log 15 miles on day 1. He's just sent a bunch of photos so I'll update them over the next day or two. He's nice and clean shaven in this picture so we'll just leave that here for posterity. He reported that his first climb - before lunch on day 1 was tough but once he got on the ridge it was much easier. He met some "young kids" from NY who started thru hiking from Georgia in April. He also encountered some light rai

Happy and ready to roll on June 17th from Harpers Ferry, WV. Bob decided to restart his walk from Harper's Ferry and continue his original plan of hiking Northbound (aka NOBO). His goal is to keep ahead of the heat and hopefully avoid Norovirus, though that is stalking hikers through the Shenandoah even as I write this. We managed to avoid getting it on our first cruise last month so we're hoping that's a good sign. He reported that he managed 15 miles on his first day with h

At long last, Builder (who has morphed back into Bob again) has this update for you all: " Sorry to say I am off trail again due to the...

Sorry for the delay, folks. What follows is a large group of photos and observations from Builder/Bob. "When you are not climbing up or...

Builder is making his way south through the beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia. As of yesterday, he reported that he had travelled 100...

Builder's second take on the AT is well underway (today is day 3) so it's time to give you all an update on where things stand. On April...

Yesterday, Bob was dropped off at Union Station in DC by Ashley and her cat Salem after they visited for a week. He then hopped onto the...

Those of you who are wondering about the delay in posts will be delighted to get an update directly from Bob: A few days ago - "Things...

These pictures are a rather dramatic departure from those posted previously, even though they are indeed part of the Appalachian Trail....

Builder's mileage varied based upon elevation and other factors but March 22nd was another 12 mile day, he said. It was "mostly downhill...

I'm catching up on some pictures and details since I have been doing a little traveling of my own (to Charleston to deal with my Mom's...

Last night Builder stayed at Locus Core Gap, "tenting". This means that he has traversed more than 147 miles and is on schedule, based on...

Builder sent his first video and I managed to upload it to the homepage - click the menu to get back to the main page. He also sent the...

I already posted the story about how Bob got his trailname. He is clearly transforming into his name with all of the miles, challenges,...

Yesterday Builder hiked 13 miles and stayed in a shelter with some new friends - Hammerhead and his dog Nalla. He said it was nice to be...