Date: 2004-04-16
From: Campground, VA 606

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

The cowboy camping(sleeping without a tent, under the stars) went well, except that everything was covered in a dense coating of frost. Once the sun came out my sleeping bag was only slightly damp. I smell like dish soap because that is what I used for soap and shampoo. That¢s what was available. No towels either, but did it matter? Nope, not the least bit. Roughing it never felt so good. It¢s a fact that hiking has made me a more flexible person. The other day when I went to dairy queen I had mustard, and ketchup and everything else on the burger. Before the trip it was mayonnaise and pickle only, would have it no other way. Last night the stars were great. Saw 2 shooting stars for sure, maybe even 3. Did alot of thinking today about what Im going to do with my next 20 years. Job, family, where to live. Its scary but that time is fast approaching. Just going to let the cards fall and see where they land. When I get finished with the trail I don't really have any plans other than finish up college. As it stands right now I have decided to go into sales. Maybe some sort of marketing. Will look into it more when I get back.Talked to a group of Boy Scouts just before stopping for lunch. They were working on their 50 miler badge. Back in the day, I was a Boy Scout, and that experience is partially why I¢m hiking the trail today. It was neat to see the wonder in their eyes when they found out I was a thru hiker. Maybe some day they will also hike the trail. The trail today weaved mostly down between the mountains alongside the rivers. It surprised me how many paths there were connecting to the AT. In fact I¢m surprised I did not get completely and utterly lost. Was expecting a scarecrow to pop out of the woods and say..."It's this way... no it's this way" as in the ¢Wizard of Oz". For a while the path was so flat and lacking in views that it became boring. Well I was not bored for long! Up and up and up the trail climbed to the top of a ridge where it stayed for the remainder of the day. Just gradual ups and downs, and of course let¢s not forget the countless views from numerous rock overhangs.Goal setting has never been something I've been good at doing. On the trail its essensial. For example, when I get on top of that really big mountain I will eat a Snickers and take a 10 minute break. Before hiking the trail I would set a goal, but instead of finishing the goal, simply eat the Snickers first. So that¢s an important lesson already learned. It¢s important to have goals at different levels. Long term and short term goals. When I get to a town there are tasks that need to be finished before relaxing or those tasks will not get finished.My feet are throwing a rebellion. They are going to do one of two things. One, file a suit against me for unhealthy working conditions, forcing them to work overtime, and not giving them the appropriate attention that they require. Then they will go retire some place nice and live off workers comp. Or, they will simply walk off a cliff. They are a little upset about being wet all day today. When I got to camp they were all white and wrinkled on the bottom. Sunshine should have a good picture of out feet when we got into Damascus. If it¢s not on his trail journal now, it will be soon. Trust me it¢s not for the weak of heart. Bet you can smell those feet just looking at the picture!Just before reaching camp I sat on a rock overlooking the valley, watched two hawks slowly float on the breeze, and enjoyed my last Snickers for the day. Oh what an experience. On to town in the morning. The plan is to wake up at 5:30 and be on the trail by 6:15. With town on the mind it should not be too bad. Perisburg is only 8 miles away! Moonpie and Tell it like it is are in the shelter tonight and plan to also get an early start. Need sleep, will talk later.