Hey there ladies and gents, checking in to let you know I haven’t died….yet. Cliffnoting the journey thus far.
Backpacked 15.5 miles the first day and it was a struggle. The pack isn’t “wide” enough for my big ass, but a random gentleman about 3-4 miles in stopped and saw me resting, he asked about why I was walking, helped me adjust the pack then showed me a long slice on his arm. That hammered home “why” on the first day. Crashed in Milton, DE under a gazebo in their park on my sleeping pad. Horrible sleep.
Day 2 saw me pack things up and go 13 miles to Milford, DE. Got a hotel way earlier than I thought because I was getting massively dehydrated. It got bad enough that my fingers locked up (video on the IG for anyone following that). Picked up a stroller at this point and GAME CHANGER.
Day 3 I went about 9 miles to Frederica, DE where their PD said I could put up camp outside their station. Their mayor was at the fire station next door when I got into town, and he bought me dinner. Terrible night sleep again.
Day 4 I went from Frederica to Dover. Wanted to do 24 or so miles but my body started crapping out around 16 miles. Still learning the ins and outs of nutrition and hydration, trying to make sure I’ve got energy to get through each day. Another hotel stay. Also had some delicious peach baked beans at “Meat Mechanics BBQ” on the south end of Dover.
Day 5 I went from Dover to Smyrna. Smyrna PD let me set up camp out back. Only a 9 mile or so day.
day 6 I had to best mileage day yet. Covered 22 miles from Smyrna, DE to Earlville, MD. Around 3pm I finally hit Maryland and state #2. The first 16 miles I felt great, the last 6 were damn near all elevation gain. Set up camp out front of someone’s house, they met me through another crosser Matt, who’s crossing the country on horseback raising funds for a rescue ranch for horses, dogs and to help veterans with PTSD, I got to help them feed their horses, had great conversation, and played with their dogs and goats. Absolutely phenomenal people. They also set up my place to sleep tonight with a friend of theirs, brought me dinner to my hotel last night, and bought me more supplies. I don’t feel like I deserve all the assistance they’ve offered.
Day 7 was Earlville to Elkton, MD. Should’ve been a 6.5 hour walk based on the pace I usually keep, but it ended up taking almost 11 hours to book another 15/16 miles. Crossed 100 miles for the trip.
Stopped for lunch on the way to Charlestown, MD right now, taking it all in. So far the people I’ve met have been unanimously great. My left pinky toe is literally an entire blister. I’m probably not exaggerating when I say I’ll probably end up in the hospital or a docs office at some point for it. Trying to keep it covered but also trying to still keep covering miles. Aside from that blister (and a near matching one on my other pinky toe) things aren’t going super hateful.
Thanks a lot y’all!
-Joe
