Date: 2004-06-26
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Dahlgren Campground
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

When I last wrote I claimed I was taking 2 zero days and then doing the Mryland Challenge...neither happened. I ended up taking 4 zero days when I discovered my drop box for Harper's Ferry was not actually at home but in Harper's Ferry. This fact had meant I could not resupply in time to do the challenge Wednesday and thereby that I would not catch Poppins, Skippy, and Friar. While I will miss my friends, staying with them was my main reason to return to the trail quickly. My stay at home was wonderful! In short: I visited friends, church, and the camp I worked at for 2 years. I had fun with my Dad and Sister. A friend bought me a steak dinner, I let 2 hiikers (Gaia and Coyote) crash in my apartment, and I rested. Today , Saturday, my dad dropped me, Gaia, and Coyote in Harper's Ferry. Refreshed, that is where my day began.    I chilled at the ATC Office where I saw SkiBum, Arms, and a plethora of hikers I have never met before. Coyote and Gaia wanted to hike ahead, so I hiked on with PartyGirl (P.G.) and SpiceMan. Before we left SKiBum made an awesome offer: He would take our packs 17.1 miles ahead to the campground where he would be waiting with his parents and free food. I gladly accepted and left to hike carrying only my water and a pocket full of snacks. Exited, I left around noon to enter my home state.   We crossed the footbridge into Maryland when I immediately saw a familiar face. Unsure of my judgement, I called out "Suzie Roop". The face slowly turned to reveal a complete lack of recognition as to who the bearded man calling her was. It was her though. A second later she realized who I was and seemed shocked I was hiking . Four years ago she dated my best friend. Now she is married, so is he. After a quick period of catch up, I rejoined P.G. and SpiceMan to hike on.   The first part of the trail in Maryland is along the C&O canal footpath. The 3 1/2 miles that run on it may be the flattest on the A.T. I lit a "homestate" celebratory cigar that was a gift on my visit home and I walked. Barely into the walk we stopped for a short feast: raspberries hidden behind a rock. They were wonderful! As we walked on I could see the green trudge that once was the canal. I saw 2 snapping turtles, ducks, and frogs. As we walked numerous bikers passed us. One child scared me half out of my mind as he yelled "biker left". I thought of Grizzly Dave. Before we reached normal trail again SpiceMan hiked ahead. PartyGirl and I chiilled back and discussed serving, Disney World, life in general, and more. I finished my cigar as we started to go uphill.   The hill was easy and we ran into a group of scouts. They told us 3 things: 1) Ed Garvey Shelter is awesome and has hardwood floors", 2)"The stretch of trail ahead is torturous", and 3) "The view 100 feet away is a walk but it is worth it". AFter our discussion we walked the whole 100 feet (he, he) to see the view. It was spectacular. The Potomac's rapids rolled over small rocks nestled amongst a picturesque green vally. Far in the distance the outline of Harper's Ferry could be distinguished . Rock formations dotted the surrounding slopes and the railroad tracks bisected the entire panorama. We had a snack and soaked in the view.The next 3 miles were "torturous" if "torturous" means competely flat with little tree frogs, shade, a pleasent smell, and a 3-foot wide trail I refer to as "hiker pavement". P.G.talked and laughed as we hit Ed Garvey Shelter.   The guys were right on 1 thing, the shelter rocked! Split level, lamnate hardwood flooring, a backporch, and room for 24. Our packs were 10 miles ahead though, so we hiked on. Spiceman raced ahead and Party Girl and I talked. She has also taken many zeros. We reflected on how we have changed, how much more enjoyable the hike is when you relax, and what our best trail experinces have been. My coolest moment may be singing to God on Tinker Cliffs, the rainbow before Kinkora, or my breakdown mountain top experince on Wayah Bald. As I reflected I realized something: God has touched me countless times out here and He is the center of all of my sweetest experiences.   The last 10 miles were equally flat and nice (I mean "torturous"). We relaxed and saw tons of the tiny little frogs. With easy terrain it felt more like a stroll than a hike. At 15 miles we saw a tiny shelter with a cute swing. While there we taked to "Wife" and "Beater". (I didn't name them) and saw novice hikers. They were gathering every piece of wood they could find to build what appeared to be a bonfire. We smiled, knownig only 3 months earlier that could have been any of us. Now we know th A.T. sloganof L.N.T means "Leave no Trace", not "Leave no Timber". As dusk approached we hit the campground and found a hoard of hikers.    Coyote, Gaia, SkiBum, Fozzy, Rooster, SpiceMan, BooBoo, K-Less, Up, Down, Thumper were all there. We said "Hellos" all around. I had not seen a number of these hikers in weeks and I was stoked that we were all together. In addition, SkiBums's parents had brought food. I enjoyed Crispy Creme Donuts, K.F.C, fresh grapes, strawberries, and 2 cokes; AHH! We laughed and joked amidst the smorgasboard of food. The thru-hiker commraderie was palpable. As night approached I set my tent and joined the gang around the fire.      At the fire we shared stories into the night. Topics varied from Trail Magic to the exploits of "Naked Hiking Day". (Go BooBoo!). Everyone laughed and shared their experinces. We are all so different but have so much in common. One by one hikers slowly went to bed until only Rooster, K-less, SkiBum, Fozzie, and I remained. We closed the night talking about how special, unique, and awesome the hiker-community is. We each told about our "most beautiful spot" on the trail. Mine was the sunset, full moon rise, and sunrise when I camped on Max Patch. Though each place was different, we all had expericned similar moments of majesty. Even now as I go to sleep I'm amazed by the people, beauty, and blessings that make the A.T. what it is.5 Closing Thoughts:1) I don't think this trip would be near as awesome if I did not believe God had created the majesty that touches me so.2) It's hard to believe such a hard experience can also be so indescribably amazing.3) (WARNING RANDOM*) I went by Butt's Tubing Company. Do they use Butt's tubes? I wouldn't put that name on my tubes even if it was my last name.4) (Back to real thoughts) I really enjoyed talking wiht PartyGirl today. Our reflections truly reminded me of how I'm blessed. It's always nice to share your experiences with someone else.5) I hope I can comtinue to remember how awesome this trip has been so far as I face new challenges. Until the new challenges of tomorrow:Goodnight,BEATBOX   ttt