WHO 13 NEWS – Iowa veteran Joedy VanVelzen is about two-thirds done hiking the Appalachian Trail: an expedition that extends nearly 2,200 miles between Georgia and Maine and passes through 14 states.

VanVelzen surpassed the 1,400-mile mark by conquering “The Lemon Squeezer” in New York and “Stairway to Heaven” in New Jersey, which are formations that forced him to squeeze through rocks and climb up steps.

He is still hiking with fellow veteran, Greg, a part of Warrior Expeditions, and was also surprised on the trail by a couple friends he served overseas with.

VanVelzen took a “zero day” to rest and tour West Point, New York. Then, it was back to hiking in extremely hot weather. Thankfully, New York bagels and coffee are fueling him on his journey.

VanVelzen has crossed back and forth between New York and Connecticut a couple times. He should completely leave New York soon.

After Connecticut, it’s onward to Massachusetts where he will cross the 1,500-mile mark. That means less than 700 miles to go until the finish line in Maine.

If you’d like to follow along, follow his Facebook page: On the Appalachian Trail with Joedy.

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