Date: 2014-04-05
From: unnamed spring

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 34, April 4, 2014Well, today we started out a little earlier than usual because we heard there were bad storms on the way. The terrain was not hard, just full of ups and downs. AT hikers call these PUDS - Pointless Ups and Downs. To that end I want to talk about PUDS.In trail jargon PUDS are again Pointless Ups and Downs. I think that is negative and was yakking with Radioman and Pooh Bear about it. The best alternative to that I could come up with was TUDS (Trail Ups and Downs). You see, I think keeping a positive attitude is very important and PUDS is not positive at all. They both agreed but were not sold on TUDS. Radioman came up with Trails Up and Returning Downs. TURDS Not sure if that helps, but it did make us all laugh! I'm going with it. On the same note on negative stuff - people have been taking to calling David "AWOL" Miller's The AT Guide the "Book of Lies". I asked Radioman yesterday if he thought that was harsh. He said yes and also he thought it was funny!! Here is my take - the book is a "GUIDE!!!". AWOL is trying to give us AT hikers a book that is light weight and has pertinent information on a trail and all it's surroundings that are changing every single day. He wants to keep the book as small as possible and light too. AND ITS A GUIDE! I like his book. If you want better info buy maps or other literature. Now to that end, Raman Shaman brought up a point that he, AWOL, should start a FB page where we all make fun of the mistakes and provide feedback to the Guide. I like that idea. Its a win win. Today Radioman got to help several folks again. He got a Guinness for treating a blister. He got a Budweiser tall boy for fixing a BBQ grill.He got brownies & cookies for treating another blister.The best part was using a great technique he learned from his brother Peter, at HealX Physical Therapy, to fix a guys shin splints. We are both enjoying this little hostel. It is our second hostel and Radioman thinks they are good for staying while hiking. He thinks I am less than thrilled because I am allegedly a spoiled hiker snob with a spoiled little dog.So my opinion doesn't really matter. Quoting Radioman, "We have met some great people here and this has been good". I agree! Per Paul's earlier comments, I don't love Hostels. I prefer motels. Pros of Hostels, they are close to the AT. Pros of motels, linens, wifi, towels, your own bathroom, and a TV for a few more bucks. Hostels are cheaper have more camaraderie. Bob, one of the owners Black Bear Hostel, said in the three years he had been at the hostel that we were the funnest group. In this case the hostel wins!! I had a great time. I stayed up late with the 20somethings. I told them they all need to get back to work after the and secure my pension. They made me laugh and I went to bed with a smile on my face. Ok, so the storms never really materialized, and we made it to the hostel.I got to talk to Mom for a few minutes. Her voice always comforts me for some reason. Tangent I know, but wanted to share. I am glad we took this break. You would be amazed at how the extra 4 hours not hiking heals the aches, but again I miss the trail and look forward to the next few days with Damascus in my sights! Have a great day!!Signed, Cowgirl, Radioman, and The Little ManHiked today: 10.3Completed: 417.0Remaining: 1768.3Start Point: Unnamed SpringEnd Point: Dennis Cove (Hostel)