Date: 2006-05-18
From: Punch Bowl Shelter

To: Cow Camp Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: 0

Cell none.Today the temperature was a little warmer all day. The temperatures are not up where they usually are at this time of year, but at least it's better. I find it difficult to get out of my sleeping bag when it's cold - hopefully I'll get up quicker during the summer, as I'd like to get out before the day get's too hot. One benefit of today's weather was that I washed my socks, t-shirt, and myself. All dried except my heavy wool socks - they'll hang on my pack tomorrow.I'm here at the shelter with no other thru-hiker. Many hikers have gotten off the trail and are heading for the Trail Days in Damascus. I decided not to go, as that isn't my scene. As luck will have it, my hiking partner will be my son, Chris, during that time. We shouldn't have much competition in or around the shelters.Today the weather was great except for a 20 minute shower. The forest was filled with sunshine and the colors were beautiful. Many trees and flowers are in bloom and the arouma was very nice.I met two trail angels today - they gave me soda, sandwiches, and some chips. They are the Washington's, and they thru-hiked the AT in 1984. We had a wonderful conversation as I ate, too. Thank you for the magic, I really appreciated it!I also learned the name of the tree that sheds a beautiful flower. I kept seeing these flowers, and it took me days to realize they were falling from the trees! The tree is the Tulip Poplar. When they told me the name, I realized the leaves are shaped like a tulip, too. Tonight is the second night that I have a youth group in the area. This is a different group than last night, but they have a similar program. All of the kids are troubled youths. This program gives them structure in their lives. They have all been well behaved and quiet. A few came over and visited with me tonight. We discussed the trail, and what it is like to thru-hike the whole thing. They also gave me some insight into their program. I wish all the kids good luck in learning life skills.I'm in my tent tonight and the shelter is empty. The insects are starting to come out, and I want the netting around me. Also, it doesn't look like it will rain tonight; if it does I can still pack up in the shelter.Old GoatSue's Note: There may be Trail Magic on the trail, but there also are things that are Magic for those of us supporting thru-hikers. Thanks, John, for calling this evening - that was so nice. Good luck in your new endeavor!! And thank you, too, Bill (Old Goat #18)! Today was a particularly difficult day (emotionally) for me, but when John, and then Bill, called just to check on me and invite me to call should I need anything, that lifted my spirits! Thank you, guys! Your calls meant so much to me. I relayed your hellos to Old Goat - he liked that.I can't thank Dean and Brenda and their family enough for all the support they are giving me...they call often, and that means so much to me, too! A fun note from last weekend - Dean and Brenda's son, Tim, went to his HS prom. I loaned them Old Goat's bright red Mustang for transportation, and it seemed to be a hit. It was such fun to be with the family to see Tim in his tuxedo (you dress up well, Tim!). Old Goat loved knowing the Mustang added a touch of fun to Tim's evening.