Date: 2003-07-05
From: Lexington, VA

To: US 40A
Miles today: 0.0

Once again I haven't been updating my journal. I'm still hiking and still having a blast and making my way towards Maine though.My last entry was from Lexington, VA, since then I've walked the rest of Virginia, all of West Virginia and about 16 miles into Maryland. Most of the way, (since Waynesboro) I have hiked with Indiana Slim, I met him on my third day back in Georgia and we ran into each other at the YMCA in Waynesboro. My friend Casey also joined me in Waynesboro for the first 45 miles of Shenandoah National Park. Casey's trail name is now Fitz. Not only did he come to enjoy the hiking experience, he provided me with some fantastic Trail Magic. He bought me a meal, a packcover and other party favors during his three day excursion. Fitz' parents came out as well. Karen, Sean and the rest of the Fitzpatrick family are dear friends and it meant a lot to have them join me on this journey even though it was only for one day. Hopefully you guys will be able to spend a night or two on the trail with me before the trip ends. They provided Trail Magic in the form of Natty Light and lunch at the Loft Mountain Wayside along Skyline Drive for Indiana Slim, Fitz and I. In Virginia, near Front Royal, the Scaddens provided wonderful magic to Slim and I with a ride and a trip to their farmhouse for a nap, Internet access and an otherwise relaxing afternoon with the entire family, including nine children, two of which just spent a week on the AT with some friends. Dave is part owner of Rappahannock Cellars winery, unfortunately he didn't have any samples at the house but I'm sure it's good stuff, check it out if you can, I know I will someday. I also got magic from Pam near Mt. Weather, VA, she gave me a tuna sandwich, a cookie and some much needed water on a very hot day. Thank you Pam. 2002 Thru hiker Shiz hooked me up with a pear, a Snickers, some Oreos, some Cheese Nips and a soda at the Rod Hollow Shelter the day after my worst hiking day thus far. It was on 6/27. The heat index was 105o, I drank 12 quarts of water and sweat out at least that much. It was too hot to want to eat so I only had a candy bar for breakfast, a tuna salad roll for lunch and some honey shots for dinner. I lived through it and learned a bit about hot weather backpacking that will help me get through the next few months. I also received daily goodies in Shenandoah National Park from many Trail Magicians that never even gave me their name. At the Blackburn Trail Center on the Virginia side of the ridgeline coming into Harpers Ferry, Indiana Slim, Tairo and I got sodas, tuna sandwiches and desserts from the caretaker Bill. Thank you all for your kindness. Also at the Blackburn Trail Center I ran into Puffy and Stumble for the first time since Trail Days. It was nice to finally catch up considering all the time I've taken off.After a night in Baltimore my dad, my little brother Greg and my dog Maxx came out to the trail for an overnight trip heading north from Harpers Ferry to the Ed Garvey Shelter. The Jim and Molly Denton Shelter was nice but I think this one took the cake for the nicest shelter so far. It is a two story log cabin and the privy is even a log cabin with some wild looking art deco windows in it for good soft light while you're handlin your bidniss. The spring was kind of far away but was nice, cold and clean. The trail was easy with about 3 miles of it meandering along the Potomac on the C&O towpath. Maxx got plenty of swimming in and it was a good way to ease Dad and Greg into their first overnighter on the AT. It was so great to finally get to hike with my dad. I wasn't sure if he'd make it back from Afghanistan before my trip ended but everything worked out in the long run. Now he's been bit by the AT bug and will be joining me often I hope. Greg seemed to like the trip too but I don't think any long trips are in his future, that's cool, I was just happy to have him out there. Maxx loved it but I carried a gallon sized bag of food for him and he scarfed it all down within the first 7 miles of hiking. I don't think I could carry six days of food for him along with my gear and food with the pack I have. I spent the 4th in my hometown and had a great time. I got to see a lot of people that I haven't seen in awhile and ate like a champ. The festivities were fun all weekend but I'm ready for the woods again even though it will be a short lived trip. I am flying back to California on 7/15 for a week for the wedding of my good friends Ian and Carrie, I've been looking forward to this trip, it's going to be fun. After the wedding I'll have one more summertime event while on the AT, Chuck and Sarah's wedding reception in Portland, ME on 8/2, more good times for sure. I'm going back to the trail tomorrow morning for a week, I hope to make it to at least Duncannon before I leave for the California trip.