Date: 2015-05-16
From: Snickers Gap

To: Wilson Gap
Miles today: 6.2

Invading Proudfoot's adventure (and journal) again.While I can assure you that the sentiments were genuine, I will try to spare you the melodrama that characterized my last guest writing endeavor : )When I met Proudfoot yesterday, for perhaps the first hour that he was off the trail, he repeatedly noted how odd it felt to leave the woods behind, and how immediately his world changed, just stepping inside my car. He was thrilled just to sit. I got the impression that his mind was still wandering the woods, even several hours after the white blazes were out of sight. It's been almost a month since I hiked with him near Damascus. The distance he's hiked since then is amazing, but I sense that the mental journey has been an even greater one. He is truly entrenched in the hike, and in his identity on the trail. His concerns are so different, and to a large degree, he is alienated from anything non-trail associated.After getting the opportunity to shower, he seemed much more present, but it is apparent in his demeanor, that he is almost uncomfortable being off the trail. Proudfoot's thought patterns are very much wrapped around the task at hand; he seems determined and consumed.He covered over 30 miles yesterday. So today, the idea was relaxation and recovery. And of course, a fire alarm at 4AM started the day for us. As we exited the hotel with the swarm of confused and pajama wearing guests, we decided IHOP was the best way to proceed after the rude awakening. The hotel did not burn down, and after blueberry pancakes, we returned to "relax", which apparently meant going for an early morning run, including speedwork and vicious little hills, during which Proudfoot managed to remind me why I hate him (and am so privileged to have him coaching me on occasion). And for anyone who was concerned - don't worry folks - he's still got his running legs about him. (Todd - He's coming for you.)Second breakfast was at Bob Evans, and the day was subsequently wonderfully filled by a trip to the ATC in Harper's Ferry, (which Proudfoot will arrive at via trail tomorrow), wine tasting at a local vineyard, flea market browsing, pulled-pork sandwiches, grocery shopping, and ice cream. A storm hit in the afternoon while we were still in the shelter of my car, and it stopped pouring just before I left Proudfoot back at Snicker's gap. The timing could not have been better. No hiking for me this time, but PA is coming up fast, and our favorite dirty hiker will be hiking closer and closer to home.Congratulations to Proudfoot on 1,000 miles!-ArwenAfter spending most of the day off the trail to relax, recover, and refuel it felt good to get back in the woods again.Arwen dropped me off at Snickers Gap again, and I slowly made the climb up out of the gap in the dense forest that was still dripping from the rain that I was fortunate not to have been in. There is something about walking in a dark, wet, forest as dusk is approaching that is soothing to the soul. I saw countless deer and even a cat (not sure if it was a domestic or wild cat) as I slowly, and quietly made my way to Wilson Gap where I tented for the night.