There's days where my milestone is the next shelter or a stream or a road crossing. Sometimes, it would be the next town or the next state border. You would be surprised how little I think of Maine or Mt. Katahdin. I must deal with each day as it unfolds, as it's often that my daily plans change. But I always remember that little goals lead to big goals!!
I've accomplished several milestones within the last 24 hours. The state of Virginia-- all 550 miles --is now behind me. I passed the 1,000 mile mark. I made it to the mental halfway point, Harper's Ferry, WV. I should be guzzling that champagne right now!
It's customary that when thru hikers reach Harper's Ferry that they stop by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and have their picture taken! I was number 483 for 2011. The ATC then archives these photos. I enjoyed searching through the archives for past hikers that I know or talked to when I was planning my hike.
For those that don't know, the ATC oversees the entire trail for protection, maintenance, and conservation. The ATC needs all the help it can get to preserve the AT and the surrounding areas. Everything that the AT has given me is difficult to put into words. There is still over 1,200 miles of trail remaining, and I'm sure the AT will surprise me with revelations on the next half of this trip!
Hiking on into Maryland tomorrow for a short 42 miles and then it's on into Rocksylvania! :-)
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