Date: 2018-07-09
From: Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC)

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.0

Today's hike began with my saying goodbye to Harpers Ferry and quickly crossing the Potomac River and entering Maryland. For some unknown reason my feet ached more than usual and this was coming off two days of rest. I was hoping for a 20 mile day and ducked into a shelter at 16 miles and called it a day. The only noteworthy thing to mention while hiking was seeing a small copperhead snake right on the trail, the second one I've seen on the adventure.This journal entry is about a special day on this adventure. I was able to reunite with two great friends from my Air Force days dating back to 1988-91. I hadn't seen Duane (from Alaska) since 2001 and Ryan (from Montana) since 1995 when I attended his wedding. Attending the wedding was by chance as I was in Virginia to visit a now former brother-in-law and called upon Duane who also lived in Virginia. He said Ryan was getting married in Maryland and with a bit of luck I was able to attend both the wedding and reception. Ryan has now been married 23 years, amazing! This is how the day went.Duane called me Saturday morning to arrange for picking me up at the hostel. I was waiting on the sidewalk when he arrived in a convertible BMW. I'm not sure the last time I was in a convertible. And so we were rolling down the road to a nearby town where we'd meet Ryan. In riding with Duane, it was just like the old days when we'd leave the base for town. Except now we were in a BMW rather than a Subaru mini-wagon. That was Duane's ride of choice years ago, ha ha! We arrived at the Blue Moon Cafe and waited for Ryan.When Ryan arrived and walked past the window I recognized his side profile immediately, even after all these years. The two of them live fairly close to each other but have only seen each other once or twice since 1995. I guess it took me hiking the AT to get them together. We spent five hours at the cafe, had lunch and some beers. Putting it into words wouldn't do it justice. But believe me, it was a very special day for us. Ryan even had a medallion on his keychain that Duane gave him while they served together in Korea. This was after we parted ways from Fairchild AFB, perhaps 1994 or so. Ryan is still carrying the medallion around. And we all work in the IT (information technology) field now. Duane for the federal government and Ryan a fortune 500 company that deals in data centers.There was an older couple sitting next to us for awhile at the cafe. The lady and I made eye contact a couple times and she smiled. As they left the two stopped to chat with us. I guess they could hear us talking about our Air Force days. I think half the place heard us. We were having a great time. Turns out he was a Korean War veteran just like my late father. I'm sure listening to us brought back memories of his service to our great country. I'm glad he stopped to chat with the three of us.Eventually the day had to end. Ryan had just come back from Hawaii the day before and had yet to unpack. And Duane was going to drive me to Wal-Mart for a resupply. The two of them talked of getting together soon, I sure hope they do. And I promised to make another visit in the future by doing so before too many years go by. There was talk that another person we served with lived near by also. We will try to hunt down Frank Wells for the next visit.After Duane and I went to Wal-Mart he dropped me off at the hostel. And so came a close to one of the best days this adventure will ever see. Thanks for taking the time to be a part of the adventure my friends. Until next time, happy trails to both of you. For book followers, mile 1040.2 page 100.