and so they begin

July 5, 2009
The journey begins at Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvannia

Their thru hike plan is what is referred to as flip-flopping. They are beginning in the middle of the trail and heading to the northern most point in Maine, then returning to Delaware Water Gap by bus and beginning the trek south to Georgia. The typical hiker begins in Georgia and hikes north to Maine. Such a journey usually begins early in the spring so as to be completed prior to the severe winter weather that frequently forces the northern end of the trail to close by mid-October. This typical timing did not work for them since Madeline was still completing her senior year of high school in the spring. This is the plan they determined to be the most workable for them. It was an emotional beginning. - Amy