update from Mom

I apologize for not keeping everyone updated on the girl's progress. They asked me to do that for them and I have slacked on the job!! Last Monday they made it to the official halfway point of the trail - mile 1089.1. A couple of miles further at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA they enjoyed the half gallon challenge. Apparently the concessioner at this park keeps half gallons of ice cream for the thru hikers who have made it halfway. The challenge is to eat the whole thing! Up to that day only two females this year had been able to do the deed, but by Monday afternoon Newt, Miss Scarlett, Rapunzel, Squeegie, and I think Sunbeam had all joined the club.

So they started their journey on March 15 and on June 15 they made it halfway! There was also sadness this day because Rapunzel's Dad came to pick her up. They were all very sad to see her leave, but know she is off for another adventure visiting Japan.

Since then their good friends Courtney and Brittany drove up to visit with them and camp with them at night. Court and Brit rode bikes during the day until they could meet Jen and Sarah at some point along the trail. I know they had a good visit. They also got to stay at the Doyle Hotel which was built by Anheuser Busch over a hundred years ago. Apparently it is traditional for hikers to stay there and exchange stories at the bar.

Unfortunately it is still raining. Sam Wise has had enough and has left the trail for a while. Hammock is a week behind because he went home for his brother's wedding (he and his family hosted the whole crew at their house for a day and night-
feeding them and letting them crash at their home. Jen and Sarah were happy to see Hammock's Mom again and really enjoyed the visit and hospitality); Bison is still behind after being ill for a few days and will be getting off for a couple of weeks to spend time with his family; Colonel Mustard is in and out. They still have a core group consisting of Newt, Miss Scarlett, Squeegie, Sunbeam, and Half Moon aka. Babes in Boots and Bubba.

Remember, if you want to view their previous posts just scroll down to "older posts" at the bottom of this and click.