Date: 2015-07-21
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Stealth Camp mile 1389.3
Miles today: 1.2
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles got going a little late, but immediately came across a place to swim at Tiorati Lake Recreation Area. So, they went swimming. As the heat of the day increased, it became hard to move on, but they decided they should hike. As they got ready to go, who should show up but Pac Man! He naturally felt the need to bug them again about the other night. He claims that he has a resupply box for the lady involved, M A. They tried to tell him to leave them alone. Finally, they went to the office and talked with a Park worker. Up there, the Park workers are not Law Enforcement. They have Park Police. The lady in the office said she would call one if they needed. They declined since Pac Man decided to moved on. Scout did talk to a Park Police officer a little later about it, and he said give them a call if they need assistance. By this time they decided to meet up with Padre and get a ride to town. So they went swimming again while they waited. As evening approached, Pac Man showed up again, and would not leave them alone. Tumbles went into the womens bathroom to get away from him and Scout just stood out there dealing with the guy. By now, they had let their mom, IceCube know what was going on and she was in a panic. When I found out, I called Scout, and he said the guy was still right there with him. I called the Park Police in Harriman State Park and spoke with their dispatcher. He took Scout's number and made contact, verifying their location, and sent a Ranger out there. Pac Man was still there when the Ranger arrived. Scout said he was nervous about explaining everything in front of Pac Man since he felt the dude is unstable. The Ranger sent Pac Man off with a good talking to, and Scout got a chance to really explain what was going on. So now there is a report filed. We have not filed one with the ATC yet, and since we know one was already filed on the origional incident, we are not sure if it would benefit anything. During all this, Padre showed up and took the hikers to town for dinner and a resupply.Scout and Tumbles have decided to slow up a bit in hopes Clean Shaven and Doppel will catch up with them. Since Clean Shaven is a Marine, they figure it will be handy to have a tough guy around for a few days. Hopefully they have seen the last of Pac Man. I really hope that the lady, M A is still getting to continue her Thru hike. I would hate it if this drama forced her off the Trail. On a side note, Tumbles mentioned that she started to buy a Blue (her favorite color) pool matress to replace her pink one at Walmart tonight. When they got into camp, and she blew her pink matress up, and it developed a leak. Now she wishes she had bought the other one. Hopefully they can get to an REI or outfitter soon and square away some gear. Keep the hikers in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you. Scout did want me to stress to everyone that this is the first time they have had to have contact with Law Enforcement on their hike. These type of situations can happen, but don't think this is an everyday ordeal. Personally, I beleive getting on your white horse and charging the windmill will do that to you. But that is the way I raised them; they did what they know, and intervened when they saw someone needing help. They have always stood up for the weak or abused. If you wont, who will. If you don't, then you are enabling the abuse. Meanwhile, they need to get back to living their dream, and hike to Katahdin.