georgia2maine

Homecoming

Hello Everyone,
I am back at home in Goldsboro, NC.
After hiking 1461 miles of the Appalachian Trail it had become fun no more... like a job some would say... but when whatever you are doing becomes a chore not a joy, it's time to find something else. This is how I was feeling. I wanted to have a sweet sense of the trail experience and if I had stayed longer I was risking that sweetness turning sour
just to get to Maine.
I am happy with my decision... like a weight off my shoulders... (and as Norma says... 40 pounds off my back!)... the pressure to do the miles is gone.
Hiking the AT has been a dream of mine for over 30 years and I was afforded the opportunity this year by my family and my friends. I thank each and every one of you for all your love and support... I love you all.
Please check out my web site as I have brought more pictures home with me.
To Mom & Sam, Judie & Carol, P & Carolyn,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the "that a girl" and "you go girl" support. Thank you for the surprise visits, the hugs and pats on the back. Thank you for the phone cards so I could call you :)Thank you for the love and support!
To Paula,
Thank you for managing this web site, the rides all over VA,for being my equipment manager at the outfitters, and my "Rescuer" from the "Nice Trail Motels"...thank you for the love and support!
To Norma,
Thank you for being my rock, sounding board, personal assistant ;), postal expert, financial advisor, caterer,for all the weekend visits with Molly Bailey, for the love and support, and mostly, thank you for being you !
I could not have" hiked my hike" without each and every one of you.
Love,
Andrea

Kent CT

Hi All,
Spent the night camping at the local church. I'm hiking with Fancy Free and Spare Pocket this week and we're about to head back out on the trail.
Will write more in the next town.
Love to all,
Andrea "Sweetleaf"

Stormville, NY

Hi All!
I'm sitting at a roadside deli hving pizza and beer... what a trail!!!
Am on my 3rd pair of leather boots and I hope they last me to Maine.. it's so hard to break in boots this far up the trail.
The weather has been absolutely perfect the last 2 days... no humidity and 60 degrees :)
Will write again from Kent, Ct by Monday or Tuesday.
Love to all,
Andrea "Sweetleaf"

Progress!

Andrea called Norma today to tell her that she crossed the Hudson River today!! Way to go Andrea!

NY

Just got a call from the Hiker---she is crossing the Hudson River!!! Got her new boots on. Sleeping bag in her pack. Weather is "warm and muggy"----Northerner's definition!

Norma

As promised!

Andrea called Norma today to tell her that she did indeed cross the state line! She is now in NY! Now that she has that cell phone we get more up to date information quicker! We like that! Way to go Andrea! Keep on trekking!

Bye NJ!

Howdy All!
I'm staying at a church hostel here in Vernon... a place to sleep, hot shower and laundry all right here for a 5 dollar donation!!!
I should cross the NJ/NY state line Sunday Aug 1st and will have hiked 1351.6 miles by then. Pretty awesome, don't you think?!
I'll be sending more pictures soon so check out my website... Georgia2Maine.com :)
Take care, love to all.
Andrea "Sweetleaf"

Gastric Update!

ROSIE'S Italian Restaurant on US206... I ate two... they were sooooo good!!!!

Andrea "Sweetleaf"

Good bye PA!

I'll be crossing the bridge this morning which means another state down and 7 more to go!
I'm soooooo glad to be done with PA and her rocks... been super tough on the feet the last coupe of weeks, not to mention the boots!
I'm hiking with a couple of folks who have been a pleasure to hang around and talk with. If not for them I may have been back in NC by now... no fun hiking alone at times.
Love to all, take care.
Andrea "Sweetleaf"

Palmerton, PA

Hi All,
I stayed at the Borrough House Hostel last night... run by the local police... it was free!
Am heading up out of Lehigh Gap this morning and should be in Delaware Water Gap on Sunday.
It's raining so the going will be a bit slow over all the rocks.
Take care, love to all.

Andrea "Sweetleaf"