On the train north back to the trail thinking to myself, am I actually headed home? It's going to be a bittersweet finish.

My last big break is coming to an end. Tomorrow I will be on the train back to Vermont. Breaks are always good and bad I have found. It's great to rest your body and see family and friends, but it can be difficult mentally to start back up.

Thursday I will enter into New Hampshire beginning the 2nd to last state and according to many the most difficult. NH comprises the White Mountains which are the most beautiful, difficult, and dangerous mountains on the trail, often being above tree line. Mt. Washington is in this range. From there is Maine, which is said to be the most rugged state. I will be fording waters and hiking through some very remote areas.

It is back into the wilderness and cell service may be scarce, so posts may be limited, but I will do what I can.

The last leg is upon me and is what I have been looking forward to for four months. Bring it on.

So the train isn't as fun as I'd anticipated, but it is better than Greyhound. Passed by Bear Mountain and the Hudson River bridge there, I hiked weeks ago.

In Rutland, just saw the movie Ted. Good times. On the train tomorrow, home for the weekend. The last few weeks have been tough on the body.

75% complete. Vermont is very beautiful and peaceful. We seem to be going ski slope to ski slope.

11/14 states will be completed today. Going into Vermont. Kind of hard to believe. Taking the AMTRAK home for next weekend.

Slackpacking south from North Adams to Dalton. 23 miles over Mt Greylock. Staying in Tom Levardi's hiker house.

I forgot to mention last night that I have received a new camera and pair of shoes. It took a new pair to realize how shot my shoes really were after 1300 miles.

Well we have made it to Massachusetts and also to Gail's pool. We were there last night and were treated with wonderful hospitality. Thanks so much Gail and Tom. It was a special moment on our journey. We will keep in touch.

Tonight we are at the Comfort Inn in Great Barrington, which has been rated the #1 small town in America. Pretty neat I think. We have been pushing the miles trying to average 20 a day. We have done so since New Jersey and hope to continue that into Vermont. We plan to be in Rutland next Wednesday which takes us to our next break, Jul 26-30. This will be tough (we will be hurting). I may be coming home for that. It is undecided. From there I believe it is under 25% of the trail, and two of the hardest most beautiful states, New Hampshire and Maine.

Paying It Forward

Connecticut, although only 52 miles, has had its diversity. The trail has been gentle and beautiful at times, while others have been rocky and extremely challenging. The bugs and heat have been brutal, but I'm starting to feel better about where I'm at. I'm really liking New England, especially the old history it has to offer, and am very excited for a zero day Monday, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Many have spoken highly of this town.

Currently though, I am in Salisbury, Connecticut, which has instantly jumped up to one of my favorite trail towns. It's a nice little weekender town. Gail, if you read this, thank you. You are so kind. We met at the Country Bistro this morning, which offered great food and conversation. Gail has offered to let us swim in her pool. The plan is now to push to the border later today and get to Shays' Rebellion tomorrow afternoon. This would put us only 2 miles from our luxurious Comfort Inn, where we are staying Monday night. I believe this is all well deserved, for we have put in some extra effort as of late.

Tomorrow when I leave New York and go into Connecticut it will go on the list of states not to hike. There are a lot of delis here making for good eating, though.

I saw the New York City skyline from 34 miles away today. Freaking sweet! Wish I was there.

I guess it's been awhile. NJ was nice, rockier than anticipated. NY is ridiculous with the straight up and down rock climbs. Trying to push miles. Feet in pain.

Slackpacking to Branchville, then back to Catton's for another night inside. It's way too hot out here!

Took a slight detour. I'm at Turtle Beach on the Delaware River. Going to be at outdoorsman Ryan Catton's house for the 4th.

One of the best campsites of the trip so far. May catch the sunrise in the morning. Haven't done that yet.

I don't care how flat it is, PA is HARD! I just walked the worst 6 miles on the trail so far...just utter nonsense.

Two nights in a row where I had to travel about a mile roundtrip for water. Not what one wants to do at the end ofthe day. Everything is starting to dry up.