Date: 2015-08-07
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Phelps Ave mile 1592.1
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles enjoyed the hike over Mt. Greylock. At the top they had decent views and took a short break. There is a War Memorial at the top. On the way down they decided to get in touch with Shaggy, a Section Hiker they met in Virginia. Shaggy had offered to open his home for a night at any point in Massachusetts. They both felt like laundry and a shower would really help them. Shaggy agreed to pick them up. After a brief debate with Master Yoda, concerning the merits of taking a short day, everyone agreed there would be a benefit in stopping early and spending the night at Shaggy's house. Scout was able to pick up a new camera and also a new Sawyer Squeeze filter. According to Tumbles, the spread that night was Fabulous! They had fruit salad, corn, and a hiker staple-PIZZA! They washed clothes, and got a good shower. Mr and Mrs Shaggy are the best of hosts. I received an email from Mr Shaggy and thought I would share it:Hi Laromie,I first met Scout and Tumbles in Virginia where I did a three and half week hike on my eight year plan to do what your kids are doing this year. At the campsite where I first met them, Tumbles was engaging and sweet while Scout built a fire. Then Scout and I started talking about, and comparing, our Boy Scout experiences. Then it started raining. So I retreated to my tent and started writing my daily blog. After the rain started in earnest, I guess your children also retreated to their tent. Next I heard them singing happy birthday to their Mom (it must have been May 17th). My children are 25 and 28. From my experience, I know that you do not get children like yours without strong family values and a nurturing environment. Scout and Tumbles are obviously loved and trusted.This weekend, it was nice to hear their trail stories. They had a busy night on Friday as they showered, Scout reviewed the guidebook to see how many days supply of food would be required, they did laundry, resupplied food and then after dinner Scout and I went to Walmart to get a filter, camera, batteries, etc., while Tumbles stayed with my wife, Mary Anne. The card for the camera did not work. So we were able to stop on the way back to the trail for a card and Scout discover that it worked! Hopefully this camera will serve them well. I dropped them off in North Adams within an easy hike to Vermont. Before I started hiking, I thought I would be able to hike 20 miles each day if all I did was hike every day. The first full day of hiking I was only able to hike about 8 miles. I slowly worked my way up to a maximum of 15 or 18 mile days. Going uphill is very hard on the hips and downhill stresses the knees. At first I ignored this and had to stop for several days to recover. Now that I am three years into my hike I know to listen to my body and not push beyond my body¢s limits.   What impresses me most about Scout is his executive functioning and planning. He is also looking to get what they need to make the hike work. Tumbles on the other hand impressed me one day when I was hiking. I got into a shelter for lunch and met MAK and Cheese, and Warm and Toasty, for the first time. Totally exhausted, I just sat for several minutes. Then Scout and Tumbles arrived. Tumbles asked us if we saw the snake and salamander that we just passed. She was noticing and celebrating everything along the trail. I think a good hike involves finding a balance between self-discipline and noticing what is around you. Scout does the discipline and Tumbles does the noticing in the most enthusiastic way that I have witnessed. After encountering them several times during my three plus weeks in Virginia, I found them delightful and refreshing. I also felt a little protective. Yet, there was no reason to protect them. I think everyone else I met on the trail sort of felt the same way I did. Anyway, it was my privilege to meet them in Massachusetts this past weekend. Scout is a soulful and reflective examiner of life and Tumbles knows how to celebrate life. Both so obviously love and adore you and their Mom. I listened to a story about you about your journey to your current job that only could be told in such a way by someone who loved you with all his heart. Anyway, your kids are one in a million and really special people. You and your wife are obviously wonderful parents and good people. If there is anything I can do to support your kids while they are in New England, please let me know. You can contact me at (508) -------- or at my work email (which I check more often during the week than this email) at ------@---. If you wish to travel up here, you are welcome to stay with us.My best to you, your family, and your yet to be born new baby,Bryan S---- (a.k.a. Shaggy)