April 30, 2012

Had a great zero day yesterday with his friends from Penn State area. Paul stayed overnight at one of their homes. His mom made a great home-cooked meal for dinner, and in the morning at the other guy's house, his mom made him a delicious breakfast. During the day, they biked over to the campus. Then they played frisbee at a local park. He said it was "the perfect zero day and weather for it."

Tonight he will be camping alone at a special point on a mountain. It is called the Pinnacle. He said it has an awesome view. He is planning to get up and watch the sunrise.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZW3A2J5-Qw&feature=related

 Tomorrow, he will continue on, but at a slow pace. His friend, Mike, is about 100 miles behind.

April 29, 2012

Received a text from Paul:

Ended up taking a zero day hanging out with friends in Penn State area. About to eat dinner, back on trail tomorrow.

April 28, 2012

Spoke to Paul this evening.  He was on his way to Penn State, yes Penn State. Slightly off the trail.
http://www.psu.edu/

He met two former thru hikers on trail today, and they invited him back to hang out at their place near the campus. He sounded all excited. One guy has a patch. And as Paul always says about most of the people he meets on the trail...they are cool.

April 27, 2012

Made it to 501 Shelter, Berks, PA. Hiking with an "older guy" still hoping Mike with catch up.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1156691205050712321XjAMER

April 25, 2012

Stopped at hotel, picked up the package and new shoes. Paul had ordered a new pair of shoes to be sent to hotel. The company he purchased his hiking boots from had a one-year warranty. His boots have received some major wear and tear. One boot has a hole in it. Now,  he is happy to have solid, new boots.

Gave me a heads up on plans: in one week he hopes to be at the Delaware Water Gap. Will take a day or two off to relax at his friend, Danny's country house in the Poconos. Then back to the trail, thru NJ in a few days, and then...Bear Mountain.

Therefore, he's hoping some of the family might come up to meet him in Bear Mountain. Anyone interested?

April 24, 2012

Made it to Pine Grove. http://www.cnyhiking.com/ATinPA-PineGroveFurnaceStatePark.htm

On his own. Taking a break from Achilles. He went ahead, Paul's hoping his friend, Mike (the one who found Nutty) will catch up with him in the next day or two. Until then, Duncannon, PA- only about 4 miles away. Will stop at hotel to pick up package we sent him. It's loaded with lots of healthy goodies like granola bars, protein powder, and peanut butter. Expects to eat a meal at the hotel and continue on. Weather has improved a lot.

April 23, 2012

Rain continues...hiking at slower pace. Staying overnight in Boiling Springs, PA in a motel. Needs to get dry.