Date: 2008-04-21
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Wow did it pour all nite and today. Someone said it's rained 4" by this morning, and more is expected all day, which has proven to be correct.This Inn does not have air conditioning, but it doesn't need it this time of year. We kept a window open, and the sound of the rain was wonderful. There were also about 8 trains in the middle of the nite, which reminded me of Hot Springs, NC. We got eveerything ready to go a bit before 11 a.m. I went downstairs and told Karan I'd be staying 1 more day, but would like to move to the hiker area (it's only $30.00). Get this, she goes, "Well, why don't you just stay in the same room, and I'll charge you the hiker rate though, so the other couple can still stay in their place too." Isn't that SO FREAKIN AWESOME of her? Thanks Karan!I did manage to peek into the hiker room, and it's cool. From what I could see, a full or semi-full kitchen, a long bar with bar stools, glassware, several bunks, etc. So Karen and I went to the P.O., I mailed my first memory card of pics home to my mom. Then we went up to the Country Cafe and got lunch. Club sandwich for me, burger for Karen. Again, pretty good food. Then we drove down to the other outfitter, mainly for biking, and looked around. Karen found these totally cool shoes made by Micon (I think). They have a "killer" dog named Wendy in the store. She was adorable and I played tug of war with her and her toy.Finally, we couldn't stall any longer, we knew Karen had to go. By now it was totally down pouring and my truck was parked several blocks away. I just took off running and got to it, but I got pretty wet. She drove me back to the Inn and we said our goodbyes (which sucked all over again). Then I walked up to the hiking outfitter, and got some earplugs (can you believe that after my earplug fiasco of last year, I didn't end up packing any? And can anyone tell me if the Hiker Hostel in Dalonegha is still handing out flame earplugs?). I think I'll probably end up utilizins that go through this town at nite. It's late afternoon, I'm just relaxing, all bundled up in my bunk. There's a chill in the air. Reminds me of the day Persistent and I "tried" to hike out of Franklin and only made it like 6 miles. It was pouring and cold, just like today. We were miserable that day I remember. I'm glad to be dry inside.I did want to share a thought on the safety of hiking alone, as a woman. I'm sure everyone knows of the tragic events from Jan. 1 this year, down in Georgia.uch an event has on the reputation of the AT, on women's basic trust that we can hike solo safely, and the perpetuation of the message that women constantly hear everywhere in this world, that we should be afraid.Every single person I run into, the first question they ask is if I'm hiking with someone. I always wonder if guys get asked this, and they might actually, because many people do see this whole journey as dangerous for anyone. But, when asked, I proudly say yes, I'm hiking alone and here's why. I believe women (and men) equally have the right to enjoy and commune with nature as solo hikers or partnered hikers. The AT should not be blamed for the wrong doings of sick people, and it is not fair to do so. It is not any more fair to "solve" the problem by telling all women to never hike alone. That too is a bandaid to a much larger social/cultural dilemma we have on our hands. See people, social and cultural changes happen very slowly, but they do happen. At one time in our country's history (and not so long ago really), most people would have laughed if anyone EVER suggested a woman or black man could seriously run for President of the United States. So what gives, how did this change occur?In every instance of social activism that led to change, someone had to stand up and say, "I'm not afraid, I'm going to do this despite the fact everyone says I can't or I shouldn't." And yes, there is always a price to pay which sometimes is human life unfortunately. But, eventually, change will become inevitable, and eventually, fear is replaced by education, real dialogue, and hopefully genuine understanding. We try to crush the thngs we fear, and we fear what we don't understand, so that is what we should focus upon...our own ignorance, instead of telling entire groups of people to accomodate the ignorance in order to not be seen and to keep the peace.   I, as a woman (just as I believe that men) have the right to take up space out here, I have the right to hike alone and feel safe, I have the right to enjoy and connect with nature as a solo hiker, and I will not hide behind the (false) protection of a male hiking partner, PURELY out of fear of what might happen to me if I don't. I believe that when it is my time, it is my time, and I refuse to make decisions based solely upon fear or "what if's". We all have to adhere to some rules, but we weren't born with common sense not to use it. I've had intuitive warnings, and I acted upon them accordingly. So the bottom line is this, know yourself. Know why you make the choices you do, and if you prefer hiking alone, then do it...male or female. I feel safer out in the woods by myself than I do in any town. And if you ever find yourself blaming the victim (as in saying, "Well..she shouldn't have been out there by herself to begin with", then I highly recommend you look up a short story called The Rape of Mr. Smith (author unknown). It might give you a different perspective. And that brings to conclusion, this episode of "A Certain Perspective," on tomorrow's show, we'll discuss the hot button topic of how Skittles candies should actually be eaten 1 at a time in order to taste the individual flavors, and if not eaten in this manner, the combination of flavors in a handful of Skittles just tastes like Pine-Sol. Tomorrow is a chance of drizzle, but unless it's a torential downpour, I'm hiking. I miss the woods and my hammock.         ~Certain