Date: 2007-08-04
From: Fingerboard Shelter, NY

To: Education through Leadership Camp, NY
Miles today: 1.2

Woke up around daylight when the through hikers were milling around. I went back to sleep and awoke again when I heard some water pouring. I could not believe it; this one thru-hiker helped himself to about a liter of my water that I carried up for 5 miles. I was still half way asleep and did not really take into account what had happened. The thru hiker left before I got up to investigate. Since this guy did this. I will tell a little derogatory story. Most people on the AT are good people and at least tolerable to be around; some are real jerks, especially when they are safely embedded within a "crew" of thru hikers. Well, yesterday, I went across Lakes Rd; kind of in a bad mood, due to the heat, terrain, and lack of water; when I see 3 male and 1 female thru-hikers. My greeting was nearly, "Hey, what's up @#$%ers?" I caught myself and said, "hey, what's up fellers?" They just kind of looked at me and grunted. I immediately thought to myself, "what is wrong with you?" Then I flashed back to around July 7th this year at the Billville feed in Duncannon, PA when I was talking with a guy from Bellevue, Tn. We had a alot in common and he was telling me about his girlfriend when one of the aforementioned thru-hikers said, "yeah, but, who is she doing now(he used the more graphic term), while you are on the trail?" I just about said something in my buddy's defense to punk this guy; but, just let it ride. Hell, my buddy was a grown man and he could defend himself; so, I just stayed out of it. I guess that is why I had the reaction when I saw these through hikers this day(Aug 3). Then today(Aug 4), one of the dudes takes my water. Not that I would not have given it to him anyway, you just ask. Water is a high commodity out here right now. Guess what, next time I see this crew. Guess what my greeting will be? Ive noticed groups of hikers over the years like this. Usually the first impression is correct and it is best to stay clear of them. Alright; so I get going and walk down to The Tiorati Lake and circle. It is just east and down the hill .3 miles from the 2nd intersection north with the Arden Valley Road. I get down there and hit the beach, ya'll. It is the most ethnic diversity that I have ever seen: Hispanic, black, white, Russian, etc. You just dont see this many different people mixing socially like this in NashVegas or Dallas. Quite a seen to watch. I got some more sun and called a place called Education Through Leadership Camp. They came and picked me up. A guy named Leo who is an American Ecuadoran and wound very tight. He has an MBA and is pulling his hair out to make this came profitable and to get it to run like a well oiled machine. I told him that in order to do this; he would have to think less like a holder of an MBA and more like a kid. I got a glazed stare. I did spend alot of time "coaching" Leo. I wont bore you with all of this. I got to the camp and it was the most laid back therapeutic milieu that I have ever seen. The director, Joe, took me around for the grand tour. Wow, it is like unplowed ground, undriven snow, etc. Joe, said that when I was done with the AT come back and show us how to do it. Since this conversation, my head has been spinning. I just cant get into all the possibilities. Could I actually fianlly be my own boss; enjoy what I am doing; and make a little money. Lord help me! I was going to bore you with alot of stories about my 10 years of outdoor therapy(I get so many questions about it); but, I will just tell you one interaction with one kid, while at this camp. Ok, I am sitting in the dining hall updating trail journals(what else) with Leo's Laptop computer when this one 12 year old boy comes up to me. Now right away he is doing wrong. He is supposed to be out at the group meeting by the fire with the rest of the camp. Ive learned over the years to not discipline kids at someone elses camp; so, I just kept updating my journal. First thing to know in this type of setting: if a resident/student/client asks you a question it is either to get permission to do the wrong thing; to get something he should not have; or to test your intelligence/street knowledge/level of caring. Well, this boy talks like a little girl and from spending some time with him. I can tell that he has been sexually abused, has no male figure in his life, and is a "mama's boy". As he sits down next to me, I am thinking, "oh boy, here we go!" He starts out with asking about "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movies" and "The Psycho" movies. Stuff like, "Why does Granpa drink blood in The Chainsaw Massacre, does it keep him alive?" I said it is not real, it is a movie, no one lives to be a 130 years old. He said, "why does the guy in psycho look at girls undressing in the shower and is it wrong?" I said that I think you know the answer to that, no one wants to be seen naked without their knowledge. Then the kicker,"if someone sneaks into your house and touches your private parts; do you kill him." I heard him; but, said, "What?" To give me some time to focus and think of a good answer. I also noticed that we had gathered an audience. One thing as a leader at one of these camps is to remember that you are not only talking with whom you are directly speaking; but, with those around you. I said that he should not kill them; but, go tell someone what has happened so they can help you, whew. At this time Leo said that he needed the computer. What he meant is that I was causing a distraction. I then went back to my tent and went to bed, thinking of how I could impact this camp.