Date: 2004-06-03
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I started hiking late. Not a big surprise.   The trails today were nice. Nothing too difficult. I might as well enjoy it while it lasts because tomorrow I face the infamous "Roller Coaster," a series of ups and downs, and UPS and DOWNS, etc...within a short distance of trail that award the hiker with no actual views. It's not supposed to be an easy hike, but mostly it sounds annoying.   In the opposite direction, a woman hikes toward me. She introduces herself as Nan and we stop to talk for a short while. I ask her about the trail ahead and she mentions that the Roller Coaster is overhyped. So are the notorious rocks of Pennsylvania, according to her. Through more conversation, I find out that Nan is from Holliston, MA and works for REI.   Wait a minute. WHICH REI?   "There's one in Framingham."   Of course there is. This is THE REI that I purchased my backpack and sleeping bag from. This is the same REI that I sought advice from a past thru-hiker who worked there named Toby.   "Oh, of course I know Toby!"   It really is a small world. Before wishing her well and being on our own seperate ways, I tell Nan to let Toby know that she met me and that I'm still on my way North. Toby's advice and input was invaluable. It not only helped informed me; it helped calm my nerves. It's nice to think that someday I may be able to help an aspiring thru-hiker in the same way.   I have realized something, though. The most important thing you can possess to succeed in thru-hiking this trail.   Will. Sheer will-power. A passion for it. Persistence. Determination. These tools will get you so much further than any fancy equipment or in-advance training you can think of. You have to want it. And you have to simply be willing to keep going.   Toward the end of the day, and just as I'm about to reach the road that I plan on finishing at, I meet a guy named Scott who is hiking southbound from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. He has a piece of leftover pizza and is willing to give up it's weight. I'm willing to take it. Since I'm sure that I'm done for the day, I give him much of the water I have left.   At the road, I start hiking toward Doc's BBQ, the restaurant that I have planned on meeting a friend at. Vanessa, my friend from Falls Church, Virginia, should be there by now.   It's nice to get friends to visit you out on the trail. I know I've mentioned this before, but I'll say it again...it can get lonely out there. Sure there are more hikers that you're meeting on a day-to-day basis, and yes you're making friends with some of them, but many times you are not together. And you don't know when you'll see them next, or even IF you'll see them again. Having a friend that you know from OFF the trail come visit you is refreshing. It's a reminder of your old self. Your other identity. Or maybe it's just nice to show them your new self.   When I get to Doc's BBQ, Vanessa is not yet there. I order some food and a Yuengling anyway, and wait.   After a half-hour, I wonder if she's lost.   After an hour, I wonder if she's coming.   After an hour and a half, I wonder if she's alive.   I've tried calling her a few times and get her voice mail. Finally, after another try, she picks up.   She's not coming. She tells me her mother hurt her knee and she has to be around to help her. I'm not ending my day here. I will be hiking back into the woods. And, as an added bonus, if I try to make the next shelter (3.6 miles up the trail), it'll almost certainly be dark by the time I get there. Great.   Frankly, I feel hurt. Hurt and a little pissed. This is the second time in a week that I have been looking forward to a friend visiting and have found out (on the day of the visit!) that they aren't coming. I understand that sometimes sh*t happens, but this doesn't make me feel any better at the time. The lady behind the bar can see the hurt and disappointment in my face. I appreciate the empathy in hers.   I try to find a lesson in this. Don't get excited about things.   I'm not just being a grouch; I'm serious. Enjoy the present moment, as opposed to anticipating enjoyment in the future. The future will get here eventually and if it's enjoyable, good for you. But if it's not, at least you didn't let yourself down.