Date: 2006-04-05
From: Deep Gap

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

We both slept in Dad's tent last night, which was a really good thing because it was much, much colder outside and very windy. We got a bit of a late start today but that was mostly due to the fire that we built. That sucker took a solid hour just to get it to the point where I didn't have to blow on the thing in order to keep it burning. That cold wind just wouldn't let it warm up. Finally the stupid thing started acting like a fire and actually burned stuff.After breakfast and packing, off we went. We were excited about today because today was Pony Day in the Grayson Highlands. The wind today was probably the strongest we've seen it yet. I mean that junk was tossing everyone around like rag dolls.Finally we ran into some of the famous wild ponies we kept hearing about. There were four of them and they were just eating away at the grass, and didn't seem to mind us at all - well, one almost backkicked Dad in the face but he moved before the horse attempted a kick. And yes, I touched one, and I think he liked it. I let everyone else go ahead because I wanted to hang out a bit more with the ponies. I got to hear one "bay" at me, or whatever sound wild ponies make.After I caught up with Braveheart and Dad we found a spot and ate some lunch. I noticed that all Dad ate was a little bit of beef jerkey - not enough calories! Knowing that he would run out of energy later, I stole his food bag from his pack while he was laying down, resting his hat over his face. I want to get the most miles out of him AND keep him around. So I let them go ahead because I had to go number two. While I was doing my business, I found out very quickly that I wasn't as covered by bushes as I thought because when another hiker came down the trail I found myself very exposed - luckily they didn't look my direction so I wasn't seen. So I tried another spot for my number one business and ended up almost flashing a family that was walking on a ridge line - I guess 100 yards off the trail isn't far enough these days. What a comical set of occurances that was.So I caught up with everyone while they were getting water and we made plans to go to a shelter that was about 5 miles further away. So Braveheart took off for that shelter. Dad and I got lost for a bit due to bad markings on a tree but found our way eventually. Dad was looking kind of bad and walking slower than one mile per hour so I made the call for us to call it an early day at the shelter before the one intended. I'm a bit frustrated because I think Dad is purposely not eating enough food because he wants to lose weight while he's out here, but if he doesn't load up on calories then he won't be able to continue. But he did do 7+ miles his second day which is more than I did so I guess he did pretty good, and plus, I think God is teach me some patience.I was able to call Keri, which I loved! She got me a cell phone, and no I am not handing out the number, it isn't for daily use, so tough. So now I'll be able to talk to her more often, which I can't wait to do. I'm learning that I love her more and more.cinnamin and spice oatmeal with gorp---PB&J x2---chicken polynesian - mountain houserasberry crisp - mountain house