Date: 2005-07-12
From: Toms Run Shelter 

To: James Frye at Tagg Run Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Twenty four ounces alcohol $3.60Six onion rings (frozen/microwave) $1.75Standing at the half-way point with good friends - priceless.Today I watched from the shelter as the sun rose and I fixed my breakfast in the quiet solitude. There were two shelters at Toms Run, but only one Buffalo and a hooting owl. As I was finishing packing up, the Three Blind Mice, (Ziploc, Sweep and Moss) plus Linus and Timshell walked into the area. They had stayed with Ziploc's Parents and received a ride to the nearby road access to continue north. I caught up with them at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. They were all taking the "Half Gallon Challenge", (eating a half gallon of ice cream as quickly as possible) to celebrate crossing the half way mark today. I passed on the celebration because first, I still have not lost enough weight and second I view it as a sales gimmick - a challenge requires no risk to the store/challenger and the ice cream is over priced. Maybe I will eat a half gallon leisurely in Caratunk after crossing theKennebec River.When I started to leave the park, I smelled alcohol, and at the same time I noticed my back seemed to be burning where I chaffed it against my backpack. I set down my pack and discovered that I hadn't properly screwed on the lid of my fuel bottle. It was nearly empty. So I returned to the hostel and fortunately the manager was able to sell me alcohol. She also gave me some duct tape which I needed. I really think my luck has been wonderful this trip. Every time I get in trouble, I get saved by someone or something.So I finally did get back on the trail and I arrived at the old half way marker which is two miles further than the real halfway point for this year. No matter. I stopped to talk with the hikers there, the Blind Ice, Timshell, Linus, Crazy Horse and Pig Bare. I really enjoy being with this bunch of friendly people. I don't know that I will see them again, but it seems I manage to catch up occasionally. They are all ahead of me now and I planned to do short miles today because as the day wears on, my feet are getting more and more tender. These last couple miles have been rough and I still have about four hours of hiking left today. I hope I can solve this problem. Time will tell.I called my family from the park. I talked to my sweet mother-in-law for a few minutes. Sue wasn't available, but it sure felt good to talk with someone close to the heart.How did I get the name Buffalo? I was given the name Slickrock by a good friend that started the trail the same day as me. We didn't actually meet till later, but John and I flew out of SLC on the same flight. So we have a lot in common. I liked the name, but after a time I decided to change it to Buffalo because I was in the Buffalo Patrol in Wood badge (Scout leader training) and that was an important time in my life where I was challenged to achieve goals that I thought were too difficult - but I did complete all those goals. Now I have other goals that at times, seem difficult. However I do have the ultimate goal of finishing the trail in Maine - hence I am Buffalo.