Greetings to all from Vermont!

I’m afraid that I have to start this update off with some sad news. I have just received word today that Bob Wells Sr. passed away two weeks ago. I have known the Wells family since 1972 when my family moved to Houston. I have many fond memories of fishing, baseball, and playing tennis with the ultra-competitive Wells clan. Bob was a successful business man, a great father and husband. My prayers and sympathies go out this evening to his wife, Barbara, and sons Bobby, Barry, and Brad.

As for my journey, I am now past 1,500 miles and by the time this update is posted, I will have hiked into New Hampshire. This continues to be an amazing trek. The people, places, history, and of course, the “work.”

There have not been a lot of flat spots the past 400 miles, many ups and downs – mainly ups – and lots of rain, rocks, mud and some pain.

A lot has happened. Here are some of the highlights …

- Stood in Babe Ruth’s old hotel room where he spent most of his life after baseball in Greenwood Lakes, N.Y.

- Watched lightning strike a large tree 35 feet from me, explode and send large chunks of shrapnel landing a few feet away from me.

- Hiked in so much rain, I didn’t see my feet for hours.

- Continue to be on the receiving end of incredible kindness from other hikers, total strangers – rides, free housing, meals and medical care.

- Had my first civilized meal since I started – I even bought a new polo shirt – with a gorgeous woman named Susie, a damn good singer, pianist and flutist as well.

I am on my fifth pair of hiking boots/shoes since leaving Pennsylvania. I’m blistered, bruised, battered, and sore, but onward and upward I trek.

The last 2 1/2 weeks have seen the first influx of Southbound hikers. I have met 38 so far. The Northbound hikers are still at it, but our numbers are dropping.

The most dangerous and roughest part of the trail awaits me beginning with the White Mountains in New Hampshire. If I come out of the Whites in fewer than three pieces, my next update will be in a couple of weeks.

Thanks to the Boyers and Tommy for their donations.

Hiking on.

- “Hell on Bad Wheels”

A zoo on the trail

Deluxe hiker privy

Mayor of Unionville, N.Y.