Team TNT feeling the HEAT!

As we SLOWLY make our way northward, we are feeling the heat...figuratively and literally. Plagued with these continual blisters has kept us moving slowly, making small miles. THEN, as if we haven't experienced enough 'weather' related issues this season... ( below freezing for all of March, record rainfall for April and May), and now record heat!!

We have been driven OFF the trail due to the persistent blisters and the oppressive heat! Water in Pennsylvania has been skimpy at best, so to jeopardize ourselves and Charlie out there in this heat isn't wise. Our last day hiking, poor Charlie literally was dragging so far behind us, we carried his pack for him. The rocks in Pennsylvania, we knew would be an issue and we really tried to make lite of them with daily 'Rock Updates" from the trail.... But they seriously have almost driven me mentally over the edge. I'm sure it's a combination of the heat, blisters AND the rocks, but I've been close to running off into the woods screaming. What lunacy keeps us out here???

We are seriously asking ourselves that question.... Actually making a list of pro's and con's to keep going. Due to the deadly temps, we've been held up in a hotel room with air conditioning for the past four days. We're going stir crazy, but the heat isn't supposed to break for another couple days. So here we sit. We ARE making plans to head back out Saturday morning, doing some small miles on day one, then bumping it up again. 

I've managed to secure some new hiking shoes here in Carlisle and hopefully, with all the soaking with Epsom salts, loss of a toenail and cooler temps will keep us moving forward. The blisters are now all dried and ready to go again. I just pray that the new 'kickers' will cause less pressure but enough defense against the sharp and HARD rocks!

Part of me REALLY wants to just stop all this craziness and go home to love on our precious grand baby Lydia...

Part of me wants to continue the adventure, spend this time helping Tom to realize this dream and part of me just questions if I'm strong enough mentally and physically. We've learned so much about ourselves and each other and have apparently inspired so many others to consider such a journey...I'd hate to quit early or with the wrong motives.

We prayerfully ask for God's direction, safety and guidance daily... And selfishly ask for you to pray with us. This has been the most difficult undertaking of our lives and we can't do this alone. We have so much support for family and friends back at home and the community of support from those watching our YouTube (www.youtube.com/tntonthetrail) videos and Facebook page, (www.facebook.com/tntonthetrail). 

Somehow we'll find our sanity and make some progress in the next couple weeks or we'll bag this and head home. It's been quite an accomplishment already and we've done more than many will ever venture to do. We've learned how much we LOVE being together... Sweating, working hard, crying and especially laughing. 

We hope you'll continue to follow this as it all works it's way out, hiking or home.

New video upload at YouTube! #27 is loading as I type!! Please subscribe to our YouTube channel so that you'll get automatic updates as we create them!! www.youtube.com/tntonthetrail

Team TNT reaches the 1/2 way point!! Several times!!

1100 miles is nothing to sniff at, whether by car or plane, or in our case, on FOOT. we've crossed the 1000 mile mark, the arrival at Harper's Ferry, WV....the psychological 'half-way' point and in most recent days, the ACTUAL half-way point near Pine Grove Furnace State Park!! It was a tearful celebration for Dreamer, Socks and Charlie. We arrived just as another hiker friend, Acorn arrived, so we were able to get some pictures of us all together.   

Quite a milestone for this Team! Plagued with all manner of obstacle over the past 1100 miles, from the winter weather, injury, surgery, rehab and the constant mental challenges, rain, blisters and now blistering heat, Team TNT marches on northward, albeit a slower pace than most or we'd like, but continuing to put one foot in front of the other!

We continue to meet small goals set each day, but taking time to rest, enjoy the scenery and even stop to eat a few wild berries along the way. God blesses us each day as we ask for His direction, safety and  wisdom.

Since the Team has reunited, we've passed through the end of West Virginia, Maryland and are now 1/4 the way into Pennsylvania!! Poor Pennsylvania is known for its 'friggin' rocks.... But early on, it hasn't been too bad, but we will be doing daily "Rock Reports", live from the trail to keep everyone updated on our progress through one of the most difficult states. We'll encounter everything from pea sized gravel on the trail, to house sized boulders we'll have to scale. Watch Facebook for updates!

We're adjusting to being together again and finding our routine,, but trail life continues to be good. We're thrilled with the simple things, ga-ga over things like a road side stand, ice cream and each other! Neither of us would rather be anywhere else. Don't get me wrong.... This is way more of a mental challenge than either of us ever considered. We thought the physical part would be the most difficult and it is, but mentally keeping it going is a daily battle. We ask for prayer support that regard; that we would mentally be strong and able to keep up a pace that would enable us to finish in time.

We are so thankful for this time together, taking this break from 'real' life and for our family and friends, old and new who are supporting us on this journey. We receive daily comments and encouragement notes on our Facebook and You-Tube sites and we are thankful. Over 30,000 people have visited our blog and over 1000 people a week are watching our videos. We are humbled.

New video coming as we speak.... Zero days are video days. Tom has been busy working on producing two new videos that will upload later today. I work on laundry, repacking and organizing the next food boxes and mail drops. 

Thank you again for your support and please keep following! Your encouragement and notes are the fuel that keeps us going. Several have asked about how to send things to us. We would love that, but please keep in mind: we can only carry so much. We have chosen to travel light and endure when we come to towns. But, notes of encouragement, homemade cookies, treats  and the like would be most welcome anytime we zero. 

So, our next location for pick up will be Duncannon, PA. Any packages/ envelopes can be sent to: 

Tom and Terri Shaver

c/o General Delivery 

US Post Office

Duncannon, PA 17020

**PLEASE HOLD FOR AT THRU HIKER (must appear on package)

We are expected there by July 13th.

Next drop will be:

Tom and Terri Shaver

c/o Day's Inn

3 Everest Lane

Jonestown, PA 17038

Any packages must arrive by July 18th.

We are profoundly touched and grateful for your support and treats!!!