Hike on!

Thank you followers
It's been a hard road thus far. We finally reached the start of our journey at the Pine Cobble trail head at 1230 7/3. Climbing 1894 ft with almost 55 lbs on my back, Bump a little less. Reaching the summit and meeting the first person of our journey, Sam. She was a lovely young lady that snapped some photos for us and caught the eye of a certain young teenager. He loves her. College girls are not for 14 year olds. Though at 14 we can all hope.
We said our good byes to Uneksia and Justice ( sorry no trail name yet). Bump and Frog Prince hike on.
Day one we hiked on right by the first shelter, missing the sign for the blue blaze trail. On the way though we came across beautiful rock gardens and fern fields. The day also brought me leg cramps like I've never known after only 7 miles
This was day one in a nutshell

Day 2
Brought us nose to nose with a moose on the trail. Beautiful scenery and education on what to do and not to do. We washed in a Mt stream stayed at congdon shelter. Meet some people. None of them with real names of coarse.  Day 2 also brought us another 7 miles.
Day 3
Trying to keep a schedule day 3 brought us 14 miles to Glastenbury Mt. and the haunted shelter. We just slept. No one else could with my snoring.
Day 4 brought us 9 miles and to map #2.  the 14 mile day slowed us down. Bump is tired. Our packs weigh to much and we can't wait for our  mail drop so we can mail stuff back. It also brought more of the same ups and downs and we beat the storm to Story Spring
Day 5 a 15 mile day with a peanut butter Thai noodle breakfast. A trail magic lunch and a disappointing dinner we hike on because we learn my frog princess is going to meet us at the trailhead joy of joys. Energy so excited.
Day 6 was a 5 miler of rolling hills and a late start. But my baby's waiting at the end of today's hike. We picked stuff up took hot showers ate food that is not hiker friendly. A great day
Day 7 was more of the same just day 6 in reverse. Breakfast ice cream shopping.
We've cut weight 31 & 26 with out water  that was a happy moment but next would be some sad good byes but never really good byes just I love you's. Tears and hugs and tears.

All that know me know this. I am a husband and a father first. I love my wife with all I have. I would die for my children. I am taking a hike to make me better understand me. Make me a better person a better father a better lover a better friend. I take this hike and hike on because I am at a cross road and can't just hitch a ride. I need to find direction and I am finding help from friends I find along the way. Together we all have a story and we all hike on.

Tonight we sleep on the summit of Bromley Mt. 360 degrees of beautiful views. It was an easy day for hiking only 3 miles but a very difficult day for emotions.

My first and last thoughts of everyday are Jennifer.  

Final steps to the beginning

Sunday morning is fast upon us.  Bump and I have said our good byes and our I love yous, which you can never say enough, to friends and family.  Thank you to Jessey at the Stage Neck and to all at EMS
Thank you to Mike Cooper for the work that has allowed me to get to this point.  Thank you all that believe in us. Most important Thank you Jennifer my love my world my everything.
We have made the final steps to start.  Thank you for the late start so that we could spend time together.

I am yours and you are mine always and forever.
I must sleep so that I may start fresh.
All is ready, except for my pining heart.

Start point. Pine Cobble Trail, Williamstown, MA. north towards the AT/Long Trail.
most likely Seth Warner shelter will be our first stop, weather pending...

But now I take my final steps to the beginning, starting with my last shower ending with my last sleep in a bed.
Missing my wife and family and I haven't even left yet.

I will be doing my best to keep you posted from my phone on the trail.  Lets see how it goes.

Frog Prince!!