June 4, 2000

Tagg Run Shelter, PA · 17 Miles Hiked Today · 1088 of 2167 Miles Hiked Total

Half way today! Got up and quickly covered the 10 miles to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the official half-way point. At the general store is where hikers attempt the "half-way challenge" -- half a gallon of ice cream to celebrate the half-way point. I ate my half gallon of chocolate in 45 minutes. Mmm mmm good! We then had more miles to cover, but not until I had called home to tell Mom, Dad, and Whitney the news.

Coming in to Pine Grove was a little emotional. Realizing I had made it 1080 miles and was still going and thinking about what an opportunity I have had, as well as the thought that the journey keeps going faster and would soon be over was a bit overwhelming. Having learned so much the first 85 days on the trail, I plan to make the most out of the remainder, whatever that may be.