Date: 2016-06-07
From: Lewis Campground

To: Big Meadows to Luray
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

I stayed overnight in a bunkhouse at Lewis Campground. The woman, Fran McConnell who allowed me to stay was very nice and I certainly appreciate her generosity.  I left about 7:00 am and hiked the 9.6 miles to Big Meadow Campground in about 4 1/2 hours. The trail was fairly easy comped to other areas I've hiked so far. I met my friend Richard who is taking me to Luray to get my stitches out. I felt bad when he said it was about 2 hours from his house.  He brought me cold gaterode, fruit and personal hygiene items. I was glad I was able to shower and wash my clothing yesterday or I'm pretty sure our friendship would have ended then and there.  Richard was so gracious he even offered to take me back to his house to stay and then take me back to the AT the next day.  He had already did plenty so we decided after we finished my chores for the day I would spend the night in Luray. We could not find a clinic and were forced to go to the Emergency Room. It took all of about 10 minutes including registration time. I wonder how much that's going to cost.  Richard and I then went to lunch at an Irish Pub. I thought the least I could do was buy him lunch for spending the day helping me. But Richard insisted on paying for lunch.  When he comes to Wisconsin I owe him big time. After lunch we went to find a hotel.  We stopped at the Budget Inn but ithey wanted $75 and I wouldn't let my dogs stay there.  The Best Western was a few blocks away.  When I walked in there was another hiker at the counter.  The hotel clerk said I could have a room for $100. I told him I was a hiker and asked for any special rates. He said how about $75 and I told him I was a veteran and asked him if he could do better.  He pretended to look around on the computer and then said how about $64.  I looked at the other hiker and asked what his rate was and he said $75.  So I was satisfied I received a good rate and took the room. Another type of Yoging like I explained the other day. I just realized  I've been Yoging people my entire life. We then went to Walmart and I purchased plenty of food for the next few days on the trail. My pack is going to be heavy. I was going to take a zero day tomorrow in Luray but decided to get a ride back to the AT early tomorrow morning. Thought of the day: Food is the one variable In your pack that will have the biggest impact on your hike. Too much food will make you pack heavy which may ruin your trip, too little food can have the opposite effect and ruin your trip.  Your attitude is the  variable that has the biggest impact on your life.  If you have a good attitude you'll go far no matter what you do.  If you have a poor attitude you'll create many more problems for yourself.  Outside the West Allis Police Department is a statue of a Police Officer holding the hand of two young children. I love this statue because it shows exactly what cops do - help people. On the back is an inscription that says Attitude is everything - life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.  The bottom line is you control your life.These journals are really sounding preachy. That's probably the last thought of the day. Sorry I got carried away. But on the other hand who doesn't want to hear an inspirational message. My favorite so far is the one about the fan.