Whole lotta hikin goin on out there. Highlights from this morning’s RSS feed
check:

Jason Lustig looks back
fondly on his Appalachian Trail thru-hike of 2000.

How do I put into words the beauty that I saw? I saw painted sunsets, majestic
mountains, and refreshing glacial ponds. I walked through rhododendrons in
the South. I watched spring unfold with every step then witnessed all the
leaves turn orange six months later. I saw hillsides carpeted with brilliant
flowers in Smoky National Park. I saw butterflies that filled the spring air.
I saw big rolling mountains in Georgia and open fields and farmlands in Virginia.
I pet wild ponies in the Grayson Highlands. I was blown away with inspiring
views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. I was amused
by wild goats on a Virginia ridge line. I was frightened and in awe of spectacular
thunder storms that shook the ground, lit the sky, and blew the tents. I was
calmed by mossy rocks and bright green flora of New England. I awoke to Whip-poor-wills
and Loons early in the morning. I slipped away in thought to the sound of
cascading waterfalls. I admired eagles soaring as high as the tall peaks of
the White Mountains.

The
Our Hikers are half-way across the United States.

Little fact: The town we’re in now, Kinsley, KS, is considered half-way across
the USA. There is a sign that reads, “New York 1561 mi.” and “San Francisco
1561 mi.” That isn’t accurate for the windy route we’re taking, but it’s still
pretty darn cool!