Date: 2003-07-02
From: Mills Gap Overlook

To: Black Horse Gap
Miles today: 6.3

So, I have come to a conclusion...you have not lived til you have hiked with a 12 year old boy! Trust me on this one!! :)Bumpkins grandson, Cody, has arrived on the scene, along with the energy of a tornado! Blonde, bright-eyed, and crackling with excitement, I immediately liked him. He had not been here three hours when one of the other hikers had dubbed him with the perfect trail name...EverReady! So with his new backpack fully packed, proudly wearing his new title, he woke up today ready to take on the AT!   It was raining steadily, so we decided to spend the morning at Natural Bridge. A huge rock bridge that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson is now a family tourist trap complete with petting zoo, haunted house and wax museum. Well, we went to see the bridge itself, and it really is remarkable. It towers above you, pure testimony to the power of water. The small stream one hundred feet below it is said to be resonsible for its making over the centuries. You can still look up and see where a young George Washington carved his initials in it the first time he visited here!   We all had little interest for the rest of the hoopla surrounding the Bridge, except, of course, for the Haunted House! After a black-robed figure greeted us and lead us inside, we proceeded to scream, laugh, and push each other through the house and accompianing 'black maze'. We were weak with laughter when we exited, agreeing that we had a blast! Still giggling, we headed for a quick lunch and on to the trail. We decided that this was a great day to make up the miles we had missed meeting dad the other day. With the truck, we were able to slackpack, and two of us started at each end of the hike planning to meet in the middle and swap car keys. Bumpkin and Papermaker, (Jerry), droppped EverReady and I off and into the woods we went. Me and my little fanny pack, and EverReady and his huge backpack! He was determined to do this first hike with his pack, and I respected him for it.   From the moment we hit the trail, I knew I was in for a great hike! EverReady was carrying a huge walking stick which he used in a state of continual curiosity. Whether he was turning over rocks, or knocking it against trees, the stick was in constant movement. Here is what I learned about hiking with a 12 year old boy:1. If there is a hole that is possibly hiding a critter of some kind, genetics dictates that you MUST investigate thoughorly!2. If there is something potentially disgusting on the trail, he will find it.3. And play in it. :)4. If you pay attention, you will see the trail in a whole new light, and learn a great deal from your new friend!   We had a wonderful hike and saw lots of cool things. We talked constantly and STILL managed to see some wildlife! :) A deer amd a big, bright orange salamander made our day complete. And of course, I did learn a lot! EverReady is an avid hunter and described in detail how to hunt, shoot and gut a deer! :) Needless to say, I got an education!   Being EverReadys first hike, he started to struggle after awhile. His pack was heavy, his feet were killing him, and his shoulders were burning. But, he really gutted it out! This is one strong kid and I was really impressed with his tenacity. Today will go down as one of my favorite hikes.   A late dinner and drive back to the hotel finished out the day. I will leave you with a final sample of EverReadys outlook on life. Driving home we were telling jokes and brainteasers. I tried to stump him with my favorite: A man and his son go fishing for the day, and on their way home they have an accident. They are rushed by ambulance to a hospital. The boy is wheeled in, the doctor rushes in and says, "Oh my...this is my son!!"How is this possible?   The answer is that the Doctor is the boys mother. However, after hearing the story a few times, when asked how it was possible, he said, "Well....I guess the accident could have put a strain on the marriage!". I cannot wait to see what tomorrow holds.... :)   Love, Anna aka Mud Butt------------------------------Local access to PocketMail mobilee-mail now available in Europe, NorthAmerica & Australia http://www.pocketmail.com