Date: 2008-05-31
From: Symms Gap Meadow

To: The Captain's Hiker Fest.
Miles today: 7.9

Peeling back my rain fly, I could see the dampness from a heavy dew.It did however, look to be a beautiful day.I usually am up early which allows me to leisurely get ready. There is a routine for pretty much everything that is repetitive. I never like to rush and especially out here. As I started preparing my breakfast, I noticed "Sherpa Dan" in an unusual position several yards away. He was already packed and getting ready to go. At first I thought he was doing yoga. I quickly realized he was on his knees with his arms back trying to get his pack on. I offered my help which he readily accepted.Sherpa Dan carries an unusually large load. He is a retired Navy doctor and in good shape, however his load keeps him bent over as he walks. He uses a short treking pole like a cane, it seems to work for him. For the past several days we have noticed an occassional posting, either in a shelter or stapled to a post. It's advertising a Hiker Fest at the residence of the "Captain" who's home is adjacent to the trail on an opposite side of a trout filled creek.FOOD, DRINKS, Camping and a good time is provided. Since it's on the way it is definitely worth checking out. 7.9 miles later we stroll up to his house. There were a couple of tents set up and some hikers sitting in chairs eating.I recognized most of the faces. We were greeted by the "Captain " himself, he led us to the food and indicated where we could set up our tents.Originally, we thought we would only stop in for a snack. WRONG! This was turning into a good time fast. More and more hikers kept appearing. Soon the yard was full of tents, Laughter and more laughter was the sound of the day. This is the 4th year the Captain and his friends have put on this hiker fest.They had the BBQ going non stop into the night. Coolers of cold beer, pop, water, never ran dry. Side dishes of all kinds of food were always available. Here's the kicker, The Captain & his group of friends easily have laid out personally, several hundred dollars to make this happen. Under no uncertain terms would any of them accept any money. Several of us tried. They are just a group of friends who hike on their own on weekends and have a week long summer trip each year. This is just part of their thing!The Captain opens up his home unconditionally for anyone & everyone. You may use the bathroom, take a shower, use his computer, enjoy his hot tub or just sit on his couch.His hospitality is legendary! I am once again jaw-dropped baffled, at the generosity, the giving, the kindness? These people must be heaven sent, there is no other explanation that I can find. The rest of the day consited of swimming in the creek, riding his zipline that spanned across the creek from one bank to the other, seeing friends we haven't seen for awhile whom were either ahead or behind. There was over 30 people at last count. This was more than trail magic it was Trail Christmas!I finally got to meet Baltimore Jack, a down to earth good guy. I met some other new faces too. I have noticed there is a different "feeling" since Damascus. Perhaps it's because the ranks are thinning, or maybe we have graduated from Basic Training and are now advancing further. There just seems to be, In a good Way, a different air among everyone. Maybe, we are just coming closer as an overall trail family. Recognizing and learning to trust one & other even more? The unexpected down time turned out to be a gift. Not only for all the reasons I have mentioned, but for the rest I know I needed but wouldn't have taken, to recover with this pnuemonia. Another unexpected treat came from a 9 yr. old boy named Ian. He was the son of one the Captain's friends. The mass of hikers gathered around while Ian read a presentation he had written about the Appalachian Trail and the romance of Thru-hikeing that has been instilled in him.I am not alone when I say, we all beemed with pride and were impressed with Ian as if he were our own. A true passion lives within him, his family and hiking friends. I wish that my loved ones shared this same passion and enthusiasm with the outdoors,as do I.