So I’m back from Back from sunny Florida and resuming my hike along the Appalachian Trail. The weather was perfect for this time of year; 27 degrees & overcast with snow on the ground. I am now as far north as Pine Grove Furnace State Park near Bendersville, Pennsylvania. Only 3 more hikes until I reach the Susquehanna River.

Another successful trip to Southwest Florida has ended. I made it back home Saturday afternoon. This year the weather was just perfect, many warm days with lots of sunshine. Below is a pic of my Uncle and me taking a break while fishing the Gulf of Mexico. Good times.

Thursday we traveled by boat to St. James City. Which is the southern most point of Pine Island. We were there to visit the Ragged Ass Saloon. Fish bites, onion rings, and cheap beer. Perfect pub for my Florida vacation. Of course on the way back we managed to get in a bit more fishing.

Today we went on quick fishing expedition on the River. The weather remains ideal but the fish have not been very cooperative. Tonight we had a big BBQ at the house with many guests on hand.

Tuesday we spent the day at the Beach. Once again the weather was perfect. After spending most of the day at Johnson State Park, we landed in Fort Myers Beach. Here I am with cousin Martha in a local pub overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, just in time for sunset.

I am spending the week in Southwest Florida fishing and enjoying the beach. The weather here has been exceptional, low 80’s and sunny. Today we plan to be back on the water to get in some fishing.

Saturday’s hike through Section 14 of Pennsylvania on the Appalachian trail was the longest hike I have accomplished so far. 18 miles through cold valleys and frosty mountains. It took just over 7 hours to reach Caladonia State Park just North of Route 30. The highlight of the day was driving across Gettysburg Battlefield at sunrise. The Union cannons lined along Cemetery Ridge are spectacular. A must see for those able to appreciate such a sight.

Today’s hike was just plain cold. The temps were in the single digits all day. Tough on the hands and the frozen hair was just unexpected. We marched off 10 miles today in the bitter cold. Tomorrow will we complete the final 8 miles of the Maryland section. In the pic below we are looking East toward Catoctin Mountain, which lies just to the West of Thurmont, Maryland. The North slope of Catoctin Mountain is home to Camp David. A beautiful view from this spot, just so cold. We begin the Pennsylvania trek Saturday.

So I completed my latest guitar project. This guitar can be described as a Fender Telecaster body with a Stratocaster neck. The look, balance and feel of a good Strat (without that God-awful horn). The good news is… It’s loaded with Gibson pickups! So it sounds like an SG. The parts came from distributors all over the place. The body was cut and painted in Illinois, the neck was made in Bradenton Beach, Florida, and the pickups I bought second hand from a guy that did not know what he had. My friendly neighbor helped me with some drilling and routing. Several folks offered advice on proper wiring and grounding. Many, many thanks. And yes, It plays and sounds great.

Today I returned to the Appalachian Trail to continue my trek north to Central Pennsylvania. We did sections 4 & 5 of Maryland which was more than 14 miles. We passed through several historically significant areas along the trail today. In the pic, I am standing in front of a memorial to correspondents killed during the civil war. I also passed through where the Battle of South Mountain took place. Next week we continue north.