I haven't sat down at a computer since Connecticut and like I said before, thoughts still don't flow naturally when sitting at a computer.  According to the books here at the Appalachian Trail Conference, I am the #2 southbounder that has made it to Harper's Ferry, WV.  I still am holding to the fact that I'm not trying to go fast, I'm just really enjoying the journey and hiking my own hike.  It does get kind of annoying when you tell people when you start and they say, "wow, you're flying!!!"  Um no, actually I'm walking and I just like to hike a long time each day.  I really love the mornings and the evenings, those are my favorites.
New York was very pleasant, I kept seeing those rock walls and thinking that I'm back in time during the civil war and trying to avoid the enemy.
New Jersey was not all marshy and full of mosquitos like the northbounders said, it was quite beautiful and I was excited to see 3 bears.  The mile long boardwalk was really great, even if it was really hot out.
Pennsylvania was not as bad as all the northbounders said it would be, yes there were rocks, but overall it was really flat and the hiking was not bad at all.  (I think nobos just need things to complain about.)  I kept getting told, oh, the bad part is coming up, well I guess that the bad part was Maryland then.  I failed miserably at the 1/2 gallon of ice cream challenge at Pine Grove State Park, just before the 1/2 way point for me.  Barb even was there 2 hours after the store closed and let me go in and get it, but I didn't make it very far, I guess I'm just a light weight.
Maryland actually caused me more problems with the rocks than Pennsylvania, but maybe that's because I wasn't expecting them.  I thought that since people do the 4 state challenge there, that it must be easy, well, its not.

So now I'm over halfway, which is a pretty big accomplishment, it seems surreal, I can't really phathom it yet.  I came out here to process divorce papers being filed and the trail has been very good to me.  I have found forgiveness, hope, joy, understanding and contentment, I'm in a very good place and I've said a couple of times that if my time to end the trail comes, I have found what I was searching for. 

But until that day comes, I'll keep Springer Mtn, Georgia in my sights.

Thanks for following the journey.

-jason

Now that I probably won't see any of you on the trail anymore, when I tell you my name, quit asking, "No trail name yet???"
I've decided that one of the main reasons I don't have a "trail name" is just to annoy northbounders.  I don't know why its so hard for you to accept a name like "jason", but maybe its because you have a silly made up name and wish that you could just be who you really are.

Here's to being who I really am.

(ah, I feel better now)

Hey Abbi,
glad to hear that you have been following along so closely.  I've now gone through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusettes, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, by tomorrow I will also be through West Virginia. 
I've seen:
 3 bear (all in New Jersey)
1 Timber Rattlesnake
1 Copperhead Snake
2 Moose
87 White taled deer
242 Grey Squirels
3 Ticks (all big ones)
4 Woodchucks

It's been a great journey and I look forward to coming to visit and show you some pictures.

-jason (who hikes)

I'm hanging out at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harper's Ferry, WV, just soaking in the atmosphere.  This is my kind of place, all kinds of pictures and memorabilia around.
Once again, there is just way too much to say in a quick update, so unfortunately I'm going to keep it short and hopefully have another chance to update in the next couple of days.  I'm still loving the trail and definitely feel like this is where I'm supposed to be at this place in time.  I've had lots of time to think and process and am in such a better place now than when I started.
I praise God that I'm still out here and even able to hike each day.
Thankful...

-jason