Date: 2013-04-13
From: Marion

To: atkins
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Gooood morning everyone! Today was absolutely incredible. My foot has been a little sore for the past couple days which hasnt been the best, but its not getting worse and feels good today. I imagine its from hiking 542 miles. But we woke up to a beautiful day and did our little resupply for the next few days. We decided to get a little speaker so we could jam down the trail! We met up with rash at a mexican restaurant and got some lunch, since we were only planning a 7 mile day we left around 1 and got some mcdonalds to carry for dinner. After we got on the trail we hiked for about 3 miles and saw our good buddies hoosier and sparks. We all took a break to talk for a little while about our plans for the day. We decided it would be a great idea to all hike into atkins together a split a motel between us to make it much cheaper. Another chance to get a shower! Which I wont pass up. So our 7 mile day turned into a 12 mile day. Today was pretty close to perfect. The sun was shining all day which always puts a big smile on my face, the terrain was very smooth and easy expect for the rocks. Who ever thinks pa is terribly rocky is confused because we have been hiking on very similar or worse rock fields. Other than that it was beautiful. We got to the shelter we planned on staying at and saw smuggles and zach back on the trail, two fellas we met in Damascus. We all hung out there for a while and continued on for last 4 miles. I got my ipod out and danced and smiled my way down the trail. Virginia has been beautiful so far, it is rather flat and has rolling hills, which reminded me of pa a little. As we were walkin in the sunshine we saw train tracks in the distance, then a train passed! Eventually we pulled into town, got our room and ate some very good dinner. Today was amazing. A thought. I have noticed through my hiking that this adventure has nothing to do with Maine, yes it is where we are heading but what is more important is enjoying every step and smilng every day. Getting to know the hikers out here. Its our new world in a way and a new family that we have created. We hike a good pace but we stop and enjoy the beautiful lands we pass everyday, well now that its warm we can stop for a while and not freeze. I have never felt more free and content with myself than i ever have since ive been out here. I will get to maine when i get to maine, but i will enjoy this trip every step of the way and every day. If you are interested in reading other great journals, read rash's journal and Hoosiers journal. They are two great guys that we been hiking with the past few days. We have good times and wonderful conversation. Sparks, another great guy we have been hiking with, who has been with Hoosier, I just found out today he has to get off the trail in a few days for work which is unfortunate but none the less hes had a good time and thats whats important. Were off to another beautiful day of hiking so I leave you, with a hop, a hip, a skip, and a slide. All happy inside. DovetailThrough your travels of life never forget to take your time to and enjoy the simple beauties life brings