Date: 2004-07-23
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I write to you amazed by how awesome my day has been, and I didn't hike anywhere. But I was productive, and I had a wonderful time, and I have two surprises to report. In addition, I've read 120-pages of The Dawn Treader and I can't wait to dive back into it. First, however, I'll recount my amazing, relaxing day.I awoke at 7:00 am and began to read. An hour later, John, the kind old man from the church showed up to take me to his house for much needed Internet (e-mail update) time. From the way John spoke, I was expecting a Commodore 64, but John had a nice Dell with a relatively fast dial-up. It still amazes me that people invite me into their homes! In checking my e-mail, I discovered I'd received so much support from my friends. And a man I'd hiked with sent some Birthday money to me in Kent, CT! I also received more amazing news: three people who don't even know me have offered to help me catch up on transcribing my journals. I've wanted to feel that the long hours spent writing this trail journal were not in vain - thank you Frey, Bernard and ****. I was beaming by the time I had finished reading my e-mails. I had contacted home, contacted friends, received emotional support, received journal support, and received financial support...all on a computer that wasn't even mine...wow!Dingle and Skirt are a cool couple and they actually met on the trail. After my computer time I joined them for conversation at a cafe. Aware of my financial situation, they gave me ten dollars for food. I thanked them and ordered a "Monty Python." That's a turkey and ham sandwich with honey mustard, hot, with French toast-style bread. It was simply delicious! I talked with Dingle about the upcoming section and my morning news. Dingle and Skirt also let me know I could get money by returning my unused gear to REI. Apparently, REI has a "no questions asked" return policy. By the time I returned to the hostel my day was getting better ~ and it would only continue to improve.In The Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan, the lion, is a God figure. Aslan appears in all seven novels because he is always present. I reflected on how much my Aslan (God) is there to watch me, guide me and bless me. Two visitors arrived while I was lost in reading. The first was Pastor Karen. We talked about the novel, C.S. Lewis and "good reading" in general. Not only did we have a pleasant talk, but she told me I could take Pride and Prejudice with me. I was excited because it's on my list of books to read:The Chronicles of NarniaPride and PrejudiceLes MiserablesPilgrim's ProgressMere ChristianityA Brave New WorldThe SilmarilonPastor Karen left and my second visitor arrived, Joe.When I looked up from my reading and saw Joe, I was intrigued. Joe seemed to be in his 60's and very "high-energy." He explained that he was writing a book on "totally positive thinking." At first, I thought he was a bit loopy, but I listened, nonetheless, while he asked Dingle questions about being positive.Without a conscious decision to do so, I found that I, too, had been drawn into the interview. On my trip I'm always optimistic. I believe God wants me to be out here ~ therefore, I remain positive in the midst of low rations, lack of funds, tough days (rain, rocks, etc.), and fatigue. (Dingle slid away to escape, at this point!) I continued to talk with Joe for another hour about how I focus on the positive of where I am, instead of the stresses of tomorrow. I explained that, for me, a day on the trail, no matter how rough, just feels right, and thereby keeps me filled with hope as I push on. To sum up, I feel blessed to be hiking this beautiful trail surrounded by strangers and friends who encourage me along the way. All said, I am very positive!!! (Still, I found Joe to be 'funny!'). I may not agree with him that all of life is, "Yeah, positive," but the talk was engaging. The Dude, on the other hand, laughed throughout the entire interview. Finally, I told Joe that I had to read. He thanked me and joked that I could be his co-author with my picture on the cover. Then he said, "Let me help your cause." With that, he dropped forty dollars in my hand. In stunned appreciation, I thanked him before he went on his way.I had just returned to my reading when two old friends, K-less and Gaia arrived. I greeted them kindly and we caught up, but a short time later I returned to my reading. My next pause was to say goodbye to Don Magic Wand. Then it was straight fantasy until 5:00 pm when The Dude and I went to the diner for dinner. I had a good bacon cheeseburger with home fries over conversation about Joe, and the trail, in general. The Dude and I laughed throughout the meal and kept a running commentary on our waitress's performance. To say it nicely, it left a lot to be desired...and that was nicely. The Dude insisted on treating (I got her salad yesterday!) so I obliged and was thankful. It also kept me from leaving the tip or having to address my mysterious 40-cent extra charge for my burger. I think I'm picky about these issues because as a waiter I strived so hard to be a good server.We returned to the hostel. I didn't think my night could improve, but it did. The Dude and I were playing Boggle (where I proved that I'm a dork) when suddenly, Gordy and her mom arrived. I was shocked to see them. Apparently, Gordy sprained her ankle and had to skip the rocky section. She will take 3 or 4 zeros here. We embraced and she excitedly relayed her story. I also said, "Hi" to Gordy's mom (who rocks). She gave Gordy one of her classic looks for something she said, which made me laugh. Within five minutes Gordy was playing her guitar and we were singing, "Angel from Montgomery" together in harmony. I think I saw a tear in her mother's eye. It was wonderful.We all (Gordy, K-less, Gaia, The Dude and I) closed the night with a visit to a jazz bar...we went TO the jazz bar but not IN....the $7.00 cover charge was just too steep for a hiker budget! Apparently, The Gap is a jazz hot spot. Instead of jazz, we returned to the hostel for another game of Boogle. I retained the title of "Big Dork of the Group," winning every round, hands down, with words such as fiat, sloe and breezy. Shortly after, K-less, Gaia and The Dude went to bed. Gordy strummed on her guitar and I read my book. Now I'm going to walk Gordy to her hotel, The Ramada, and then I'll drop off to sleep, too. In at least six ways, today was just unbelievable.Pennsylvania is definitely my most awesome experience. People opened their homes to me and helped me with whatever I needed. It's been an awesome and humbling experience to be on the receiving end of such hospitality.Now back to my book.GoodnightBeatbox ttt[This is the last of my stack of journal entries. Beatbox, let me know if you would like me to forward the originals home, or add the next set (if you're sending me a 'next set') to these. I have them all in a folder for you. robin sue]