Anne is the ultimate host that exceeds expectations. I was expecting to stay two humble nights and relax my body, because I am walking the country, no... didn't happen. Those two nights turned into a full week after she totally exposed me to all the city of Cleveland had to offer and more!

Art galleries, museums, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, music events, photoshoots, restaurants, shopping, and more. She is a very loving, caring, passionate person, and the reason I will return to Cleveland!

Anne gets two BIG thumbs up!!!

12/20/12 thru 12/26/12

Cleveland, OH.

A white lady saw me walking w/ all my gear walking through the snow said "Aww hell no!" I explained my journey, she then said "God bless!"


11/27/12

State College, PA.

-Pennsylvania is awesome, but I hope my thoughts of someday working on a farm leave soon.. cause those that know me know I'll do it!

-Woke up from a great sleep in Bald Eagle Park.  That park is freakin' huge!!!

-Walked 35 miles from Bald Eagle Park, PA to state College, PA.

-Walking through the forest for 2-hours at 2:30am was a little nerve racking

-Amish country was very interesting.  I waved or exchanged greetings with each one I saw, they actually travel pretty fast in those horse buggies.

-Dodging the Amish's horse poo on the streets was tiring.

-Ate a very delicious breakfast at The Millheim Hotel.  I had scarmbed eggs, bacon, home fries, toast, waffles, and orange juice -- all for under $10 (not including tip). I gave props to the cook, who later that night drove by me and told me thank you and also offered me a ride which I declined. 

-Saw a whole lotta cows & bulls today which was cool.  Some where brave enough to approach me while others wither starred or ran off.

-Climbed a mound of carrots.

-After a full day of walking and fresh burger and 5-hour in my system I ran the last 6 miles in the dark rainy streets with my 50-pound bag on to College Park, PA.  Extremely difficult task, but I enjoyed it -- especially the puzzled look from on-lookers.

-I reached State College depleted, met with Emily (whom I will talk about later), and slept like a baby.  I won't be doing another 35-miles anytime soon.

Mileage: 20 (thought it was more)

Peaks:
-Stayed the night at my new wonderful friend's house, Dorato, along with her great husband Andrew. It was quite a spiritual retreat! Dorota's "magic powers" had me feeling brand new, we need more positive beings in the world like her. I gained a lot in regards to spirituality that I will carry through my journey.
-Met a very nice reverend who prayed for me and gave me a small book, whose title I'll give at some other time.
-Offered quite a few rides today. Don't know why,
but I politely declined them all.
-Was given money at a CVS and also met the nicest cashier, Carolynn.
-Pumpkin spice espresso.

Valleys:
-Walking in fog after dark.
-Bear crossing my path.
-Not arriving at Dorota's home earlier.

Day 7 (Friday)

Peaks:
-Chilled out the whole day.
-Staying with a couple tomorrow night in Long Pond, PA.
-Pigged out last night and today, should hold me for a little.
-Everything is great with my son.
-Negotiated a good motel rate again. I have to read up on the art of negotiating, it's a fun game.
-Programmed iPod to audibly (with human voice) inform me when to a 10 or 30 minute break, and also when to start looking for camp. Sometimes I get so caught up in the music I'll skip break, food, water, etc.
-Pizza delivery girl was checking out abs, damn right their on point.
-Will lighten my pack load by shipping unneeded items back to NY.
-All gear is clean.
-Spoke to two of my favorite people today.

Valleys:
-Lost my US flag attached to my pack. I believe if happened making my way through some brawlic-ass branches last night. These branches tryna hold me back... and they did once they had positioned like a ballet dancer with one leg in the air. That situation didn't make logical sense why I couldn't make it through these branches. So I untangled myself, turned away, and I believe they then took my flag. Now I need a new one.
-Been on an insane sugar high the last two days, will try my best to curb it this weekend.

Day 6 (Wednesday)

Peaks:
- Good sleep, woke up early.
- Cooked my first meal on my portable stove (oatmeal and peanut butter)
- Spoke to my mentor, Ward.
- Finally reached PA.
- Found a spot to setup tent for the night right after the sun went down. I will stop my walks everyday between 4-5pm.
-PA's farmlands are beautiful.

Valleys:
- Approached by two unleashed dogs today and was ready with my bear spray.
- First campsite looked great until I heard shotgun blasts. Hunting season starts Sunday so I guess they couldn't wait.
- Need to wash clothes.
- Lost my strip of beef jerky. Was looking very forward to eating it.
- So hungry, I'm gonna pig out tomorrow.

Day 5 (Tuesday)

Peaks:
- After waking up, found a deli 2-hours away, was so happy!
- Setup tent early before sunset in trench near river. I will wake early to get more mileage tomorrow.
- Stocked up on jerky, gummy bears, and protein bars.
- Met a lot of nice people in the town of Independence.
-Didn't push it today.

Valleys:
-Left ankle is tight.
-Have to hold off eating until morning so scents won't attract bears, foxes, of wolves.
-Pack is lighter, but need it more lighter.

Best Things:
-My favorite can driver picked up my Zpack sleeping bag from the post office and drove it to me.
-Received encouraging honks from a fire truck, a city bus, and several motorists.
-Covered 15 miles today.
-Great sleep at a motel.
-Walked on a highway and exited off the ramp, kinda cool.
-Set great pace today, hopefully will cover double tomorrow.
-Reached hotel in enough time to get the last room (where I'm writing this -- why do I have two beds?).
-Negotiated a better price with the hotel concierge. I will try this more often.
-NOTE TO SELF: Girls in that SUV... just kidding.

Worst Things:
-Discovered I don't like going downhill with pack on my back.
-Both campsites I wanted to stay at were closed.
-Shoulders, lower back, toes, upper back, and calves are all sore.
-Need to lose more pack weight. All the weight I trimmed was gained back with the addition of the sleeping bag.
-To exhausted take pictures, I have to somehow work it into my walks.

New Jersey is actually pretty nice! I take back half the bad things I've said about it -- I still haven't reached their bear country. Tomorrow should be an excellent day! Now to take a nice warm bath! Peace!

Best Thing(s) - Son's report card was excellent.  Met up with a long-time friend in midtown.  Gave out tips to building doormen, concierges, and managers -- great feeling.  Helped serve food to 100+ people at a Mount Vernon community dinner.  Had lunch with April and then dinner with her.

Worst Thing(s) - Last day I will see April before my trip, she's going home to Boston.  My big food order won't arrive until after I leave.  Will have to leave Friday afternoon, due to having to wait for sleeping bag replacement -- so I'll be walking from Friday afternoon until a couple hours after midnight... oh well.

Yesterday:

Best Thing - Got a lot of boring stuff accomplished including now having life insurance!  Hung out and cooked with son (BBQ chicken, mixed veggies, and mac & cheese).  Talked with April, who doesn't really want me to take my trip but is supportive.  

Worst Thing - So many tasks (paperwork) today that I didn't leave the house, so no fresh air, running, or real communication.