5/1 Clyde Smith Shelter. – 20 mile day.

I think I’ll do two smaller days and then 1 long one after this. I was trying to skimp on snacks and was very low on energy. Now I think I’ll hitch in to Elk Park day after tomorrow so I don’t have to worry about the food supply.

At the shelter with Steama, Elisabeth, Amanda, and Willow. Willow was pretty sick last night and has been here since 1:00. There were two other people that got sick. Ole Smokey Lonesome and Two Speeds. I think they all ate at the same place.

My favorite part about today’s hike was Unaka Mountain. At the top was a pine forest. No undergrowth but a carpet of pine needles – very soft. The trail was practically indistinguishable from the rest of the forest. It seemed like the place where fairy tales are born and elves reside. Reminded me of Milkwood forest in the Hobbit and also some of George Macdonald’s fairytales and fantasies.

I’ve enjoyed visiting with Amanda, Elisabeth and Steama.

5/2 Overmountain Shelter

Named for the overmountain men. I took a picture of the plaque. The shelter is a red barn that’s been converted. I’m told it was either built for or renovated for a Kurt Russell movie Winter Peoples. This shelter has the most spectacular view so far. It looks out on a beautiful valley. I walked in and 15 minutes later I enjoyed watching a thunderstorm roll through. Afterwards the sun came out partially and then the clouds started rolling over the mountain, into the valley and over the next mountain. The top are cloud covered but the valley remains clear. I also enjoyed looking out over the valley. There was a dark cloud above that ended in a horizontal line above the valley. Below the cloud you could see that the valley was in sunshine.

I’ve been able to see from the relative comfort of the shelter that there is great beauty even in the rainstorms and certainly afterwards.

What about the walk here. The hike up roan mountain was pretty difficult. Again, though not so much as Unaka, the pine forests made me think I might be on the borderlands of the fairy kingdom. No view from Roan and only a partial view from Round Top Bald due to the weather.

Steama, Elizabeth and Amanda went on in order to make it into Elk Park for a mail drop. Who is here?: Sprout, Rocky, Thoughcookie, Romeo, and Carolina cruiser, who is filming a documentary. He thru hiked two years ago and is doing only short sections for the film. Also two guys from Nashville are here. They are out for the weekend. One lives in Bellevue and the other in Hillsboro Village.

5/3

Sitting at the top of a meadow just in the tree line. Stopped for lunch a couple miles north of 19E. I’ve just come thru an absolutely gorgeous section. High elevation meadows that sometimes look down on the valley below. Even without the view of the valley it’s wonderful up here. Wildflowers are blooming, birds are singing, the dogwoods are in bloom and there is a nice spring breeze and just enough sun to make you want to take a nap in the meadow. In fact, I passed Steama down below doing just that. J Oh, I forgot to mention the blue skies and abundance of puffy white clouds.

This more than makes up for the absence of a view from Roan and Hump Mountains. I didn’t get the view of the barn from the bald field above as I had hoped and had only 50 ft or so of visibility over Hump and Little Hump Mountains. But as I said these meadows are a superb treat and a great place for a lunch break.

5/3 Staying at Laurel Fork (I think)

This is a 20-22 mile day. I’m not really sure how far I went. I found a beauty spot next to a little creek. Then Dirty Frank came along (he’s become somewhat notorious for his beer runs) and I was bummed cause I had to share “my” spot with him. Also it forced me to be on kind of a slope. However, after talking with him for the past couple hours, I realize he’s just an ordinary guy. Not I’m happy to share this spot with him. Even if I’m not on level ground.

I enjoyed the re-routed trail. It took us by Jones Falls. Very nice! I hope the pictures turn out. I also took us alongside a large creek for quite a ways. It was nice to listen to the sound of the water while walking.

I forgot to mention about Hump Mountain that the wind was blowing “something fierce.” It seemed to be trying to blow me of the mountain. Reminded me of the children’s book At The Back Of The North Wind. One aspect of the north wind was that it appeared differently to different people. To those with bad hearts the best it could do to help them was to frighten or threaten them like a wolf. To the main character it was a beautiful lady. It might bring hardship but to those who had eyes to see it could be beautiful.

P.S. I must confess I was complaining to myself about the wet mist and the wind at least part of the way. I didn’t see or think about the North Wind until afterwards.

5/4 and 5/5 Kincora Hostel

Hiked the 10-12 miles to USFS 50. During the morning walk, I started thinking about how much Daddy would have enjoyed this. I’m confident he would be very happy and excited for me. He surely would have planned at least one trip to see me while on the AT. All this thinking made me miss him afresh – more than I have in a while. I was feeling a little downhearted until I remembered something I read once. I can’t remember the story but I will try to relate what I was thinking.

It’s like we are here in a desert almost gasping for fresh water. This trip for me seems to bring me a little closer to the source of that water. Anyway, we are all in the same situation and sometimes our Lord chooses someone to take to a land of living water flowing with milk and honey. We want to hold on to them and keep them from going, but how can we? Would I want to be kept and held in the desert land?

I’m not relating it very well but I was given great comfort and for a time felt (as we say) the presence of the Lord. I don’t think much changes except maybe we open a door a crack and allow His light to shine in.

I enjoyed my stay at the hostel very much. The fellowship and camaraderie was quite enjoyable. Lots of people were there – some new and some familiar. Steama, Moo & 42, Wrong Way, Dimple Rock, Foxey, RedBeard, Face and Blaze, Odyssey, Willow, Rocky, Searching, Tripper and Still Bill, Puffy and ???, etc.

Did a slack pack from 321 South to 50 (9 miles). The Laurel Falls were spectacular. Had planned to get the shuttle back out to 321 later and go on, but I missed it. So spent another night. Glad I did.

Need to check Steama’s web site in about 3 weeks and download pictures of the hostel and crowd. www.trailjournals.com/steama. If somebody reads this and could do that for me I’d appreciate it.

Also Moo & 42 have pictures of a cool spiral rock “stairway.”

5/6 Double Spring Shelter

Had hoped to go 26 today to make for a shorter day tomorrow but the weather report and my tired feet changed my mind. Only 23.

Will head into Damascus tomorrow. Looking forward very much to seeing everyone at Mt. Rogers (John, Jim, Boltons, Elliotts, Mitchells)

I had a very spiritual day today!

I found myself singing –

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly.

I don’t’ know why she swallowed a fly.

I guess she’ll die.

There was an old lady who swallowed a spider,

That wriggled and jiggled and tickled inside her.

Etc…

Almost forgot – Cuba, Tank and Slaughter were also at Kincora last night. We were all sitting around listening to some of Bob’s trail maintenance stories. I never knew it took 3 years to make a new trail – the ATC, biologist, and archeologist all have to look at it first.

He said he was walking the trail this year with some red ribbons for making new trail when a hiker passed him and asked what he was doing. He said with a straight face “looking for more ups and downs to put in the trail” The hiker didn’t say another word and just went on his way J. I think Steama got some pictures (including me) when we were listening to these stories.

5/7 The place in Damascus

Very easy walk (18 mi) into town today. Crossed the TN/VA line and got a picture. However, it was more exciting for me to walk into Damascus on the AT. I’ve been here several times before but only dreamed of actually walking into town on the trail.

Ran into Ole Smokey Lonesome, Rocky, Steama, Odyssey, and great to see Buffalo Bobby again. Nomad and JoJo were here (they gave me lots of good advice back in Erwin. They’ve both hiked the trail multiple times).

Planning to check out a lighter pack at the outfitter’s tomorrow. Not sure if I’ll come back for Trail Days or not. Would like to in some ways and in other – just move on.

Had two dinners. Still hungry after the first so I went and had a calzone at the Pizza place.

5/8 A campsite about 12 miles north of Damascus.

Didn’t get out of town until about 3pm. I ended up getting a Gregory G-Pack. It’s about 2.5 lbs lighter than my other one. I also asked Jeff at the outfitter how to lace my shoes to keep from hurting the tops of my feet. After a little checking he discovered my shoes are ½ size too big (3/4 on my left foot) and my feet are hurting because they slide to the front of the shoe. He fixed me up with some foam stuff to take up room under the laces and then suggested I call the place that sold them to me. He said they never should have sold them.

I called Mahoney’s in Johnson City and they said they would swap with me for a half size smaller. I was quite surprised because I expected them to say ‘tough luck.’ Hoping that Larry can drive by there on his way back to Lewisburg and pick them up for me. He could then mail them to Atkins and I may get some relief by Wednesday.

I’m sitting here at a beauty spot next to a little pond and under some pines listening to the peep, peep, peep of the frogs. This is the first time I’ve camped by myself since I started and it’s wonderful. Was hoping to see the start tonight but I don’t know if I can stay up for it. I’m pretty tired.

5/9  Rhododendron Gap Campsite.

Looks like I'll get this place to myself till everyone gets here tomorrow.  I'm in my normal campsite and it almost makes me feel like I'm just out for the weekend again.

I saw the albino deer again and got a decent picture.  Earlier today I saw two exceptional birds.  The first was a brilliant yellow with black wing tips and the second a brilliant blue with black tips – no pictures though. 

At this moment the skies are clear.  Hope this means good weather for tomorrow when everyone comes out. 

Switched to an alcohol stove while at Damascus.  It was just $6 so I figured I could try it out.  Think I will go ahead and switch over to alcohol though I might buy a better one at some point.  This one isn't very efficient with the fuel.  I can see liquid boiling out of the holes while it burns.  I think the holes are just too big. 

Before I forget, I met a neat family the other day.  Montana (dad), Theat (mom), and Mikoshika (daughter).  The daughter is a freshmen in High school and they are home schooling from the trail.  Maybe it should be called Trail Schooling.  I don't know how they manage.   Apparently they send her work in when they get to town. 

I also ran into Buffalo Bobby in town.  But he is ahead of me again cause I took so long to leave.  I may never catch him since I'm taking a zero day here.  He doesn't seem to do zero's.  That's why he's ahead though he does fewer miles at a time.  Who knows, maybe I'll catch him again. 

The new pack is great!  Now if I can just get my shoe situation worked out.

5/10  Rhododendron Gap

I'm sitting in my tent at about 8:00 am doing a little reading and trying to stay out of the wind.  I'm hopeful that the mist and overcast skies will burn off to a bright day.

I had a flour tortilla, Snickers, and peanut butter sandwich for breakfast.  Good - though not as tasty as the omelet I had before leaving Damascus. It was more enjoyable. 

I had gone to [a local inn] because it looked like I might be able to get a good cheap meal.  It was basically just a bar and as I sat there eating my meal awhile, the proprietor cursed at her 12 yr. old son for purposely missing the school bus.  This went on for some time and likely continued after I left.  Before she started getting on to him I was shocked to hear language he used.  Leaving there I was thinking "It's no wonder he has trouble in school."  I left feeling sorry for both of them and for Christie of whom it reminded me.  I just read something that brought the whole episode back to my mind and gives me hope!  "Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd."  God have mercy on us for we are in desperate need of a shepherd.

5/11  Raccoon Branch Shelter

Hiked down to Massie Gap with John, Jim, Larry, & Jacob. Called Mount Rogers Outfitters to check into getting new shoes from them. (I called Mahoney's yesterday.  They don't have my size but said they will refund my money if I get shoes elsewhere.)  MRO didn't open till 12:00 so asked Larry to order some from REI & have them sent to me. Started pouring rain just as we got to the cars.  We jumped inside Jim's truck and waited out the storm.  I left John and Jim at about 11:30...sad to see them drive off.  Larry & Jacob had already left.  It was so nice of everyone to drive all the way to meet at Rogers just for a quick overnight.  I am very grateful.  How many people have such friends?  I would venture to guess not many. 

Ended up going about 22 miles today.  I had intended to stop at 18.5 but the campsite was 1/2 miles off the trail.  When I saw that I decided to keep going.  And I am tired.  About 18-20 of that was after I left John and Jim.  Walked through a pretty Rhododendron section.  Stopped to take a picture of a Rhododendron blossom and there was a small snake 1-1/2 feet away, 

Getting too dark to write.  Odyssey, Noah, and Big E are at Shelter.  Looks like Noah is planning a big pizza and beer party at the next shelter (there is a phone close by).  I will certainly partake of the pizza!

5/12 Chatterfield Shelter

Hiked 20 miles again without intending. All pretty easy.  Walked to the Partnership shelter and ordered an extra large ham/pineapple pizza with 2 liter Pepsi.  I split it with Seeds.  Was still hungry after eating half.  I left before the party at the Partnership shelter got started ‘cause I wanted to get up the trail. 

Larry wasn't able to find the shoes at REI.  I feel bad because I never intended for him to go into the store.  I had meant for him to use the internet.  When he left yesterday everything was hectic being it had started pouring rain.  Since Larry wasn't able to find the shoes I called Debbie and asked her to look on the www. I enjoyed sitting around the fire with Strap Pack, Fire Angel, and Last Minute, but I was too tired to stay up as late as the rest.  Time to turn in! 

Next morning, 5/13.  It's pretty cold though not so much as last night I'd guess somewhere mid to high 30s.  I'm wishing I had waited to switch to my warm weather sleeping bag.  Well at least I kept my warm clothes.  I wore everything in my pack except the rain-jacket.

5/13 Crawfish Valley Campsite

Ahh...I'm sitting next to a stream in camp at 4:30.  It's so nice to have everything set up and be able to relax so early.  I only did 11 miles today. In the meantime I met Stumblefoot, a very nice 64 yr. old man on a 5 day hike.  I also went to the truck stop at VA683 and Us 81 to take a shower and buy food to get me to Bland. 

Talked to Debbie :) on the phone and she so wonderfully took care of my shoe problem.  The new shoes will be in Bland when I get there (or should be).  She also ordered a Hennessey Hammock and a pocket mail which will be in Pearisburg.  The Pocketmail was only $13 on E-bay.  Yeah Debbie!  Or should I say, Yeah SSM!  Now all I have to do is mail the "boat" size shoes back to Johnson City and they should credit my Visa card. 

Well, now for a little reading.  When I last left the Horse and his Boy, they were making their escape (1st chapter).  20 or 25 tomorrow??  We shall see.  I just met Wanderer.  He is heading South.  Started somewhere in NY and hooked up with the AT in Penn.  He's hiking till July 21...his brother's wedding.  I was reading C.S. Lewis' "The Horse and His Boy" when he walked up.  We talked about that for a while and I asked if he was familiar with George MacDonald, which he was.  Finally someone with whom I could relate.  Alas, he's going the other direction.  It was nice to talk to a kindred spirit, so to speak.  I'm trusting the Lord to cross my path with the people he has in mind at His timing. 

Oh, I forgot to mention that I had a double cheeseburger at DQ.  I found it humorous that it looked on the smallish side to me.  That, fries, and a blizzard filled me up and then I topped it off with an apple.  Mmm mm good.

5/14  Chestnut Knob Shelter

Beautiful, beautiful day today.  Cool, clear, and sunny with some clouds to keep the sun from getting too hot.  I believe Chestnut Ridge was the highlight.  Gorgeous weather and glorious view.  I stopped on the ridge next to a spring fed pond to get water.  Set up my poles and rain jacket for a little shade and my pack for a pillow.  Had a nice relaxing time watching the clouds and reading my book.  I think it took me an hour to walk from the pond to the top of the bald because the view was so nice.  There was no one around so I took a picture of myself "relaxing" because it was such a great place.  Must go out now and try for a sunset picture.  The picture?  Not so sure.  But the real thing was glorious.  The clouds resembled burning embers.  Or mountains aflame with lava.

This shelter is an old Fire Warden's cabin.  Very nice stone building with glass windows and a door.  I think it has the best view of any shelter I've been in yet.  Right at the top of the knob. 4410 feet.  Odyssey and I were alone in this nice big shelter.  It rained early morning which made me thankful for a warm dry building.  I was warm for the first time in days. 

Batch stopped in at about 8am.  He said he'd never forget my giving him my spot way back in GA.  I didn't realize that was so extraordinary.  I actually did it because a few days earlier people took their time about making room for him while he stood outside shivering.  I said nothing!  So I vowed if given another chance I'd give him my spot.  It came on a snowy night.

5/15  VA 615-Laurel Creek Campsite

Been dodging the rain all day.  I walked up to Jenkins shelter about 1:00 pm, had my lunch and was getting ready to leave when a storm blows in.  I waited it out in the shelter until 5:00pm.  The weather cleared, the sun came out and so did I.  While I was in the shelter, Batch, Odyssey, Romeo, Coyote, and Last Minute came in.  Everyone but Batch decided to go the 5 miles to the next camp site. 

I arrived first to find a cooler filled with fruit juice.  Yeah!  Odyssey and Romeo came in next.  Just as we got our tents set up a thunderstorm was upon us.  The three of us were able to get all our gear in the dry before it hit.  Coyote and Last Minute came in during the rain.  It's slacked off some and I think they are getting their tents set up now. 

Odyssey brought me over a grape juice.  This seems a little silly but I had just finished a Clif Bar and the grape juice reminded me of communion.  So even though I'm away from everyone, I'm going to "have communion."  I need to add how grateful I am to the Lord for the rain-dodging today.  It's nice to keep dry.

5/16 Jenny Knob Shelter

Uhg, clouds, mist, Spider-Ok, town, John. Provision/kindness/water/ Day hikers, glowing, chorus, cooler

(sorry if this isn’t what you wrote James, your journal entry was hard to descipher)

5/17 Wood’s Hole Hostel

Buffalo Bobby, EZ Does it, Jim (Quiet Man)

20.4 miles + 0.5 down to the hostel. Drizzling rain and mist all day. Turned cold by about 4:00pm which was just about 1 mile from hostel. Wonderful place. Run by Tillie Wood. They had a fire going in the house and invited us in for about an hour to get warm. They also gave us some warm cinnamon rolls. No charge for the stay and they will serve us a lovely breakfast in the morning. I’m looking forward to it cause I’m still hungry.

Now that I’ve had the breakfast I don’t know how to thank Miss Tillie enough. I will need to send a thank you note as a postcard from Maine. She made us feel like part of the family. Brought us into the house and fed us a very nice breakfast of eggs, grits, sausage, and biscuits.

5/18 Motor Lodge in Pearisburg.

I think this might be the coldest day I’ve had so far. Cold, blowing rain walking across the ridge. This rain sent the cold right to my bones. I’m glad I only had 10 miles to town.

Was planning to stay at the hostel at the far end of town, when I walked in I went straight to a gas station and picked up a cappuccino coffee. It helped. On my way to the hostel I ran into Ole Smokey Lonesome. He invited me into his room to warm up because I was shivering. This helped me decide to just spend the $34 for a hotel. I’m glad I did.

Had the buffet at a pizza place. Legion walked in just to talk and I spent the next hour or two just visiting with him at the pizza place, a discount store, and Hardees for a milkshake. Was completely stuffed afterwards and had to pass on the Chinese buffet. Watched “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and then went to sleep (late at 11:00 pm). Forgot to mention that I dumped ½ cup of water out of my right shoe.

5/19 Holy Family Hostel in Pearisburg.

Walked the 2 miles or so from hotel to hostel, after having breakfast with Buffalo Bobby, Ole Smokey Lonesome, and Batch. I had planned to get back on the trail today but I had to walk to the hostel to pick up my hammock, which got shipped there by mistake. I’m glad I stayed because I felt quite fatigued today.

Cuba, Willow, Slaughter, and Tank came in the afternoon – good to see them again. I also met Cakalaki, Skywalker, Bleu Sky, Flying Cricket, Sassafras, and more whose names I don’t remember. Skywalker and Blue Sky had all their gear stolen by someone who gave them a ride. People have shown them much kindness and they were able to re-supply.

Looks like I should have waited to get my re-supply food. After I bought my stuff, everyday went through their re-supply boxes and added to the hiker box. Maybe I’ll remember next time …sigh. Del Schecktoly came in to introduce himself. He handed out business cards that say something like Del-trail Angel. He told us to call him when we get to Daleville.

My dilemma--- should I use my tent or hammock for the next week? Will it be too cold for the hammock? Sure would be nice to reduce my pack weight.

5/20 Pine Branch Swamp

Decided to use the hammock. When I got to the shelter several people helped me set it up. I discovered that it is the large size. I might try and trade it for a smaller size. The shelter was packed—there must have been 25 people in the shelter and tenting out. Had some very nice vistas today. Lolling into West Virginia. Ran into EZ Does It at the shelter.

5/21 Laurel Creek Shelter

Rained all day. But the hammock held up fine to the rain this morning. Rocks, rocks, everywhere. It took me longer to hike this 18+ miles than the 20+ yesterday. Looks like I’m hooking up with EZ Does It for a while.

5/22 Niday Shelter

Stopped short of where I originally intended to go. Miserable weather today. Cold and wet. No rain after the morning but just misty. Walked across the ridge (I think called Lost Spectacles) where the path was rock slanted 30-45 degrees down hill. Would have been a nice view but as it was I could only see white. EZ Does It and I stopped here and Batch decided to go on. He wanted to get closer to Catawba, which is where I’m planning to go tomorrow. I actually hope I can get on my own again until Kathy joins me.

5/23 Hour Pines Hostel—Catawba

Left at 6:30 this morning and did the 9 miles to the road before the climb to Dragon’s tooth by 9:30. There were about 20 people at the shelter last night. I was wishing I had gone further. Wet and overcast again today but No Rain. I heard this is the wettest VA has been since 1954.

Dragon Tooth was pretty difficult but fun. Had to climb all the way up on a rocky path. Then climb down hand-over-hand for 20-30 minutes. I was planning to go on past the hostel but changed my mind after the tough hike today. Actually I quite enjoyed the rock hike/climb both today and yesterday.

I’m looking forward to the Home Place Restaurant today—an all you can eat place. Lots of people here. Batch; Buffalo Bobby, Easy Does It, Stripes, VT Pete, Gazer, Bree, and others that I don’t know yet. I ate so much at the Homeplace that my stomach feels like a grapefruit. Joe’s 15 yr. Old son drove us (in 3 trips) to the restaurant, we had 10 people crammed in the back (no seats) and he drove at what seemed like 65-70 mph. Had chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and blueberry cobbler.

From a book in the hostel---

If you’ll go with me to the mountains

And sleep on the leaf carpeted floors

And enjoy the bigness of nature

And the beauty of all out-of-doors,

You will find your troubles all fading

And feel the Creator was not man

That made lovely mountains and forests

Which only a Supreme Power can.

When we trust in the Power done

And with the realm of nature hold fast,

We will have a jewel of great price

To brighten our lives till the last.

For the love of nature is healing,

If we will only give it a try,

And our reward will be forthcoming,

If we go deeper than what meets the eye.

Emma Grandma Gatewood

“The Reward Of Nature”

48 people here tonight. 30 thru hikers and 18 high school group outside.

The Homeplace was a glorious thing. The food was served “family style” in bowls, when we emptied a bowl they brought out another. I had 3 or 4 helpings of mashed potatoes, 1 large chicken breast, 2 slices of roast beef, 2 helpings of green beans, innumerable biscuits, several glasses of the best lemonade and 2 helpings of blueberry cobbler with ice cream all for $12.

5/24 Lamberts Meadow Campsite.

This marks about mile 704.

Who is here: Buffalo Bobby, EZ Does it, VT Pete, Milo & Nuke. Ole Smokey Lonesome was here but he went on a few miles. We’ll see him in town. Easy & I are sharing a room and so are O.S.L. and B.B. I wouldn’t have stayed in town but I have several phone calls to make, laundry and have to re-supply. The hike took me over McAffee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Simply breathtaking. I had a very nice visit with Stripe and Sean O. at McAffee Knob. I stayed there at least an hour enjoying the sun and the view, Speaking of the sun… We awoke this morning and discovered an orange glow outside this reminded us all of something we had seen before in our distant past. Someone remembered it was called the SUN. Seriously, as I was passing thru a pasture, I noticed the buttercups were rejoicing. And so was I!

5/25 Best Western in Daleville

Shared a room with Easy-Does-It. It’s 9:00am on the 26^th and I’m anxious to get going again. However, I’m waiting for the outfitter to open so I can trade out my hammock for the small size.

Had a nice leisurely walk down into town yesterday. I was feeling discouraged about my lack of progress with Jesus when I came up on Buffalo Bobby. He started talking about the creation and the flood. He quoted from somewhere in Hebrews about the seen coming from the unseen, and we were marveling on how great our Lord must be to create what we consider such a beautiful world. I mentioned that I was reading the Chronicles of Narnia and he said one of his favorite parts was when the Marsh Wiggle “overcame” the white witch’s fog in the underworld. The “fog” kept them from seeing reality so they thought there was no sun, no overworld and no Aslan. We conversed about how much this world is like that fog. We both were longing to see through it and talked about how we sometimes get glimpses. Why oh why do we ignore the eternal for this temporary junk. I was so encouraged that for this brief walk with F.B. the Lord allows even lowly me to spend some time with Him and B.B. in the eternal. My loving Father willing, I hope to spend some more with him before I meet Kathy. Maybe I’ll get to share a room with him again. As Loren Helm or Jerry Man would say B.B. and I had a little meeting up there on the mountain and did some reviewing. It was a very precious time.

5/26 Black Horse Gap

Waited in town until the outfitter opened but they didn’t have what I needed (The smaller hammock). I will either get the small hammock or the Sierra Design one-man tent in Waynesboro. Staying at this small campsite with Vermont Pete and EZ Does It. We only did about 13 miles today because of the late start. I think Buffalo Bobby and Ole Smoky Lonesome stayed in town another day. Batch went on about 5 miles beyond us.

EZ Does It is an amazing person – he has the best memory of anyone I’ve eve met (at least as far as I can remember :). This is his third thru-hike and he can remember sections of the trail like he was there yesterday. He remembers details about the town. Just today he walked into the outfitter in Daleville and remembered the guy’s name behind the counter. (from a year ago). He is retired… was the senior sergeant for the entire New Jersey prison system. He calls himself an Italian from NJ (?) with traditional values. Vermont Pete is from VT, obviously. He is a very friendly and likeable guy he seems to be in his 50’s.

Just wanted to write a note about Stripe and Sean since I neglected to the other day. Stripe is from Boston, a retired government worker. Sean is from Maine and lived 4 miles from E.B. White. They are both extremely friendly. Stripe is about 60 and Sean is 67.

5/27 Bryant Ridge Shelter

18.2-mile day. Mile 744.

This is a great shelter. Three level – a very nice design. I need to take some pictures.

Another wet and cold day. Hiked 5 miles to the shelter and had breakfast. Started pouring rain so we (EZ-Does-It, VT Pete, me) stayed at least an hour. Hiked another 6 to the next shelter and had lunch. I also poured about 1 cup of water out of my left shoe (when you count what came out of my sock). Walked 3 miles to the road and the SUN – Halleluiah – came out long enough to get everything dry. We draped it over the concrete sides of a bridge. Hiked 3 more to this shelter and it started raining again with about 1+ miles left.

 I’m very thankful to be in the shelter. Hope I’m able to go to Jack’s parents’ the day after tomorrow.

5/28 Marble Spring Campsite

Approx 17 mile day today. Also camping here: Vermont Pete, Ez-Does-It, Pippi, her two sons, and one of their friends. Actually I should say two of her sons, she has 6. Had a dry sunny day today. Ahhh… It was so nice to hear the birds singing. I think they were also very happy to see and feel the son. They seemed to be bubbling over with pent up praise to our LORD. Oh I had meant to take a picture of the way they spiked beams in the shelter, but I forgot. Hopefully the picture I did take will show it. I’ll give drawing it a shot.

5/29 Glascow

Stayed the night at Jack Sayles’ parents’ place at Smith Mountain Lake. Woke at midnight to rain again. The rain let up at about 5:30-7:00 and I left camp at 7:20. Soon afterward the rain started again and it rained the rest of the way out. EZ-Does-It and I (I caught him after an hour or two) waited at the road (311 I believe) for 45 min. to an hour for a hitch we waited in the rain. Finally someone in a van had pity on us. We got to town and went straight to the Write Place restaurant for something hot to drink and then lunch.

I called Jack’s parents and they were happy to come pick me up. Billy and Loren were with them. It was such a treat to go back to their house. I was able to do laundry and have a good shower. I’ve only met them once and they treated me like an old friend. Eating delicious home cooked food around the table with a family was more than I could ask for. It was a very nice night.

5/30

Got a late start since I was coming from the Sayles place. I’m not about to complain about starting late because they showed me such kindness in driving the 3 hour round trip to pick me up and drop me back off. Beautiful weather today. I was able to do about 20 miles in about 8 hours. From 11:00 to 7:30 (with a 30 min lunch).

5/31 Hog Pen Gap

Only went about 8 or so today. Waited until 10:00 for the rain to stop. Hiked in a cold mist all day. EZ-Does-It seemed very discouraged. He was still in the shelter when I left. I heard later that he only went 6 miles. The constant rain has been getting to a lot of people. I’m certainly ready for a few dry days in one stretch but wouldn’t characterize myself as discouraged. I also saw Buffalo Bobby yesterday, he was beat from a tough hike and stopped at Punchbowl Shelter.

I was dragging today and had eaten most of my snacks by the time I got to the gap. I saw (through the mist) what looked like a huge tarp. (I should mention here that on Cold Mountain which had a ½ mile bald, I paced off the visibility at 20 yards.) Was walking by the gap when someone from the tarp called out my name. Hurray – Trail Magic. Some guys that had thru hiked in 1999, fed us hot dogs, sodas, fruit, and more. I decided to stay the night under their tarp but most people went on. Turned out that I had to set up my hammock anyway because it was so windy we had t take the tarp down. I guess 30-40 mph gusts. They made venison burgers and chicken. I had a burger and went to bed before the party was over. I guess I should have known what kind of party it was by the preponderance of beer in the cooler. I was even offered what I think was a bong--- it smelled like Marijuana anyway. I must say it was quite tasty and I enjoyed the buzz. JUST KIDDING J Hard to believe that I’d be shivering and wrapping myself in my emergency blanket to sleep on May 31.