May 5, 2007

(short update)

I am now in Pearisburg, VA (Holy Family Church Hostel) at the 621 mile mark. I was able to hike about 142 miles in the last 7 1/2 days. However, I am having trouble with my left foot little toe at this time. Went to the podiatrist yesterday and she is having my boot stretched overnight. I should be getting it back some time this evening. As for now, I am hoping to make Harpers Ferry 8 June (with some rest days) so that I can hike the Virginia and Maryland C&O Canal tow path portion of the Appalachian Trail with my sister Judi and daughter, Sara (Wash DC teacher) on 9-10 June. Then on to PA. I am hoping to average 112 miles/week for the next several weeks. as I pass through some of the most beautiful parts of the country now that Spring has overtaken me and I am seeing more wild animals ponies, deer, rabbits, ground squirrels, turkey, cows (farm pastures). Each day is a wonderful experience and I am meeting new friends and sleeping/tenting at some absolutely wonderful places. Streams you can drop your feet in and chill them back to life after long miles. I dropped my glasses in quick moving brook as I was changing my shirt several days ago and had to chase the glasses for over a quarter of a mile down the mountain side trying to catch up with them. Although I have a backup pair of glasses to minimize risk, I considered this one of the great rescue operations of my trek thus far.

31 May 2007