Like a car picking up speed before a hill I’ve rushed towards the Appalachian mountains knowing they will probably slow me down significantly. In the past two days I’ve walked 65 miles. Today was particularly grueling. I woke up late after having stayed in a seedy motel north of Harrisburg. I didn’t hit the road till 8 a.m. but still wanted to make it to Newville to make tomorrow easier. So I walked about an hour and a half later into the day than I usually do and I walked faster. I made it 35 miles and crossed the Appalachian Trial
The speed and length of today combined with me forgetting to move my shoe inserts I like into the pair of shoes I wore today meant I got two really big blisters. One blister on each heel, but they don’t impede me much.
On day 7 I was passing through dairy land mainly before I got into the suburban Harrisburg area.
I didn’t realize Land O Lakes is a member owned collective . I saw a lot of their member farms on days 6 and 7. Now I feel mislead by their branding. I don’t think anyone refers to Pennsylvania as the Land O Lakes
Today was mainly corn fields and beef cattle, and I keep finding cat stuff by the side of the road.
These cat print wrapped mail boxes are really common out here, at least on Newville Rd. This was my favourite. The cats expressions seem to say about their relationship to each other and their owner.
Such sass and power in the big un and then.. that poor downtrodden runt. Look at the reserved sadness in those eyes. A lot of relationship subplot going on for a cat mailbox print
I also found some free books today. I was super excited and initially thought it might be ok to take one, but then I thought if everybody just took a book and didn’t return one there would be an empty book box. So I couldn’t bring myself to take one. I don’t need any bad karma right now. I need all the luck I can get. Tomorrow I have to do a ~1700 ft hill climb. I can see the Appalachians now under the setting sun and they look daunting. I think I’ll spend all day crossing one hill. 27 miles on a winding mountain road.
Day 7 stats
Day 8 stats
9 Comments
Land O Fakes…
I don’t see how you could go farther with more steps, but on day 8 it says that you had fewer “very active” minutes.
BIG DAY by any reckoning!
The dominant cat on the mailbox looks like Squink!
Great first week! How about an occasional shot of the walker and his feet? A daily ‘shoe shot’ would be a great record too.
I’m worried about those blisters.
Tim I am so impressed with what you are doing and say a prayer for you daily. I read your blog daily and follow all I can, what you should have done as well as letting your wonderful parents see you on camera daily and your wonderful lady, you should have let the world in on it. People wouldn’t be able to function because they would have been glued on you! I know your parents and I thinking you are one amazing man! I don’t know how long your staying in Jeff when you get here but I and my other half BJ who has known your parents for years would love to shake your hand! God Bless in your long journey and your dream which I know deep down in my heart you will accomplish.
Tim, I love to read your posts & keeping up with you. Good luck, great adventure & take care of yourself.
Marty
Kathy, I’m worried about the blisters too! Loved the “cat” comments & pictures. We have lots of those box libraries in MN; a great way to exchange books. Good luck with the mountains!
Hard to imagine walking to Harrisburg in a week. Kudos. You’ll have calluses replacing your blisters eventually; surprised it hasn’t happened already.
My feet have blistered and callused many times over the past year. Now I get blisters under my calluses