Date: 2008-05-08
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hey everybody. Where to begin?I hitched into Bland VA (581.1 trail miles) and was informed that the AT was closed. On Tuesday, a man shot two fishermen on the trail. This same man killed two hikers on the AT back in 1981 and spent 15 years in prison. Although the men were shot in the face and neck, apparently they survived. The shooter stole one of the victims vehicles' and crashed after being chased by the Highway Patrol. The local paper had a picture of 3 of my hiker buddies awaiting a shuttle around the taped off section of the trail. I found out that the trail was reopened this morning so I will resume tomorrow morning. Never a dull moment. I was going to start this e-mail off with the fact that I was so proud to not be full of crap. Let me explain. Last Thursday I came down with giardia, an illness stemming from parasites. I had forgotten to sterilize a couple bottles of water from streams. I filled up my water bottle and told myself that I would do it later. Big mistake. Without getting too graphic, I was constipated for 6 full days. I was able to procure two strong antibiotics, Cypro and Floxin. I have had 7 movements yesterday and today, and feel much better. My mileage suffered, along with my tummy. I am hoping to get back into the swing of things tomorrow and start kicking out some big mileage days. I need to start doing bigger mileage to get this hike finished in 6 months. I need to average 12-13 miles a day, but with all the zero days, I will need to do something closer to 15 a day. Last Friday, knowing I need antibiotics, I came off the trail for a few days. I rented a car and went back to OH for my dad's 80th birthday. Surprised my parents big time. I was on my cell phone wishing Dad a happy birthday and walked through the door to their house. Pretty cool. My sister Nancy came down with her family and made it a party. It was good to see everyone again. My parents were given an electronic picture frame for their birthdays. I only hope they can figure out how it works. On the way back to VA, I stopped in KY and found a little Doctors office and got my meds.Got my hair cut real short. I had my barber use the clippers, not the scissors. This the shortest it has ever been. I actually like it. It makes it easier to search for ticks - trying to avoid that Lyme disease. Don't want any more illnesses. I wanted to attach a picture, but I am afraid I can not do that from this location.Found out I might be hiking for a period with the son of my cousin Scott. His name is Seth, and he lives in Manhattan. Looking forward to it. He put me up in his apartment when I was on my way back to Columbus from London. That was fun. I also found out that I might get to see his Aunt Carol (my cousin) and her husband when I pass through NY. Looking forward to that too.Finally, Trail Daze is next weekend in Damascus VA. Last year, 25,000 people showed up. It was there last year that I decided to do the trail, after talking to Uncle Tom. I am really hoping that my girlfriend Holly can visit - really want to see her again. When I was in OH, we decided it best for me not to visit, because both of us were sick. Hope things work out.Gotta go - I will try for pictures next time.Troutbum- I was not able to make it to Trail Days to visit Troutbum; I have been sick for weeks. Maybe in June. Meanwhile, am relieved to report that the guy who shot two fellows on the Trail will not be shooting anymore. - Troutbum's g.f.