Date: 2007-04-01
From: damn-ascus

To: Pearisburge, VA
Miles today: 160.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Man.....life is so good. All I can say is the trail gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it. i'm sitting in a new coffee house in Pearisburg that has a computor for hikers. it's called The Courthouse Cafe just off main st.. Great coffee and sandwiches. Spread the word, this is an oasis. Where to begin........I did the hike from Damascus to Pearisburge in 7 days finishing it off with a stellar 30+ mile day coming into town just as the sun set. I was singing all the way down the hill from the Angels Rest just above town. Boone and I hiked together till Bland but he got off the trail for a day or two to get some antibiotics for what appears to be strep throat or something. So, i'm solo again til probably harpers ferry where i am hoping the elusive Osprey will catch up. Spring is upon us and we are seeing wild flowers and trees blooming at low elevations. it is almost here and i can't wait. the animals are moving around alot and i've seen tons of deer, turkey and about a million grouse. a couple of mornings ago i was alone for the night in a shelter and i awake just at sunrise to the sound of turkey gobblers all around me. i sat there and had tea listening to the world awake around me and just couldn't believe my good fortune. there has also been alot of ridge walking the past week and the views have been awesome looking down to the east and west at this wonderful southern virginia farmland and rolling hills. everything is greening in the valley floor. two days ago i was met by my friend and Montrail teamate, david horton, outside of bland. he took boone and i into town for a subway fix and got boone situated in a hotel so he could rest. david was the former speed record holder on the AT, 51 days supported and the current record holder on the PCT of 62 days also a supported effort. He lives in lynchberg and is a trail maintainer as well as a professor at liberty college. he is going to meet me again later in the week to check up on me and bring me some ice cream. he is one of the most generous and giving people i have ever met, not to mention one of the best ultra-runners in the world. a legend in the sport. i feel really greatful to have such good friends and teamates. again, support Montrail if you can, they give back alot to our trails. david lent me the pack which he wore on his PCT trek and with a lighter pack and sending home my tent and a layer of clothes i'm down to about 22 pounds with food and water. it makes it alot easier. 10 lbs lighter than when i started. I just can't believe how much i've learned about backpacking thus far. the plan is to leave pearisburge in the morning, 4-2, make rockfish gap in 10 days where a friend from charlottesville is taking me home for a shower and resupply and make harpers ferry by the 19th where i'll fly back to memphis from D.C. and visit with my family and friends (i miss them so much i love you max,ben,erin,megan,lenore) and be back on the trail on the 22nd to rock this thing to maine. i am having the time of my life and learning how to live with next to nothing. i am facing my fears, doubts, myself like i never have and it is purifying. some days are very hard physically. some days are lonely, but there has not been a day that i have needed for anything or that when i was down, the trail didn't lift my spirits high and re-inforce the fact that i am truly a lucky and blessed individual. Peace to all.......Woodstock