Time for a Change

Here's the latest on Will and his AT adventure. He made it to Linden, VA where he picked up the latest mail drop. He said it was the "best" box yet. I was a little worried when packing it up since Rex and I were sitting in the post office parking lot packing it up. I thought the items would be too random to be useful but Will said it was just what he needed. I guess that is Mother's Intuition.

After getting the box and sharing the contents, Will moved on to Front Royal. He is doing well and is looking forward to our visit next week. I should back up and tell you he did have a bear encounter while in the Shenandoah. He was enjoying a hike when up ahead he spotted three bear cubs, knowing that Momma Bear had to be close he remained still and waited for the rest of his group to reach him. Sure enough, they spotted Mom not too far from the cubs and she created a spectacular diversion giving her cubs the time needed to climb a tree. Will and the others enjoyed the display from afar and says he got some pretty good shots of the Bear Family. Still waiting to see those but promise to add new photos when we get his old media card - a new card was one of the things in the box he received last week.

Will decided he would enter Harper's Ferry by water so he and a few others are on a three day Canoe Trip with Front Royal Canoes. I am sure he has been missing being on the water. Tanner and I have been missing him on the water for sure. Can't wait to hear how everything is going. More to come ~ Happy Memorial Day to everyone.

Day 66

Today marks 66 days on the trail................well not 66 days on the trail but 66 days since I dropped Will off on Springer Mountain. THere have been a few off days............days with no hiking, spent relaxing and mending sore feet. Two days recently involved a different kind of break............volunteering to work with a group dedicated to giving something back to "the trail."

Will felt giving something back was an important part of his overall experience. After "trail days" in Damascus, he along with other volunteers spent two days carving out new sections to the trail. I am not sure of the reason, but there were a few places along the trail that required repair. THe volunteers cleared trees, busted rock, and moved portions of the trail. He told me "it's the hardest I have ever worked." He went on to say he was glad he took the time to experience the work as it made him feel good about giving back. It's great to hear he is growing in his appreciation of life's greatest lesson........giving is blessing.......even when it hurts a little.

TOday, Will is in Waynesville, Va. camping outside of the local YMCA. With him is a hiker he has spent some time with when hiking from NC into Va. (Trail name Upgrade) There are several other hikers who are camping with him tonight. They all hitched into town from the trail together.

He seemed excited about entering the Shenandoah Valley tomorrow and expects to be in the Shenandoah about four days. Now that he has 853 miles in he felt he could be in Harpers Ferry by next Sunday. Harpers Ferry is the halfway mark on the AT.

He sounds good! After two days of hiking with a heavy coating of calamine lotion and looking strange he finally has gotten relief from the Poison Ivy outbreak. He has endured a few hardships on the trail but to me this has got to be one of the most uncomfortable aliments one would have to endure. It's all part of the experience. Through it all Will has persevered and continues to be full of awareness of all of the beauty around him.

Just today he talked about this gorgeous Diamond Back Rattler he saw as he took a moment (biological break) off the trail. Luckily he remembered my advice not to handle venomous snakes while on the trail, however he said it was tempting not to do so.

Beth packed a nice box and shipped out "Mom's Goodies" on Saturday. She sent it to Linden, Va. We talked about how this must be kind of like Christmas for these hikers when they receive a package from home. It led us to think about how those kids must feel when getting their shoeboxes from Operation Christmas Child. Inside Will's box was;

1. a new media card (so he can send us his.......we can't wait for his pictures)

2. Mom's trail mix

3. new recipes - complete with ingredients

4. que tips

5. one thermal pad (he will use this to make flip flops to use around camp and a seat cushion)

6. Probably some other stuff I can't remember

THis week we received a post card from Will that I will share with you;

"Man you would not believe how well the churches are treating me. I just got a medical screening and this really cute college girl washed my nasty feet. I felt terrible! I weigh 158 now and have 8% body fat. I have lost ten pounds in two months that I couldn't really afford to lose. I love and miss my family so much. I hope that I am making ya'll proud."

Actually, he has been doing that the past nineteen years.

Health Report

Will is enjoying his time in Damascus at Trial Days and I can't thank the FBC enough for everything they are doing for these hikers. He has bragged on the great meals and hospitality every time he calls. This morning he had just participated in a free health screening. He now weighs 158 lbs and and an 8% body fat. He seems to think he has lost about 10 lbs. He has reported his hydration levels were well within the acceptable range and there was nothing to be concerned about at this time. Great news!

Last night the movie Trail Angels premiered and how neat to see those who helped you on screen. There is a solid network of support all along the way. Who knew?

One bad piece of news...Dangermouse lost her wallet in Damascus. It contained all ID, cards and money and now there is a strong possibility her journey will come to an end. We are praying that it will be returned.

Will was getting ready to walk in the parade of hikers today. check out Trail Days online and look for Darkstar in the pics.

Catching Supper

WIll called today .............. three times!

Cell coverage is spotty in western Virginia. Each call was interrupted by poor cell coverage. Each call we talked about food. Will loves food and always has loved creating masterpieces. His first call was this morning around 10 am. He said he could hardly wait till lunch. He was so excited about eating lunch today. He had just resupplied a day ago and it seems he purchased some things that he felt would satisfy his cravings. The meals he prepares covers both ends of the spectrum......gourmet and gross. One interesting meal that qualifies as the later is instant oatmeal. He is now opening the end of the pouch, adding cold water, waiting a few minutes and eating cold, instant oatmeal. Why? To conserve cooking fuel. I am beginning to wonder if he will one day be able to survive without any modern camping luxuries. He has already shipped his tent, boots, compass, jacket, pants, etc., home to reduce weight in the pack. His pack now weighs around 25 lbs, most of which is food he purchased at the re-supply he hit a day ago.

THe last call of the day was this afternoon. More talk about food. This time gourmet! As Will hiked along the trail this afternoon, he was lured to the sight and sound of a nearby stream. As he walked along the stream's edge, he discovered some old fishing line hung in a tree. He found more around the area laying on the ground. He was lucky enough to find an old rusty barb for a hook. Next was the search for bait. Not much of a challenge.................catch a few crawdads and a mosquito hawk and he would be ready! Other hikers looked on. All were laughing as Will's line had five splices. The line he had collected, he joined together. Five knots, one barb, one long stick and a mosquito hawk later Will was able to score the main ingredient for his gourmet dinner tonight............one brown trout! Sounds delicious!

He hooked a much larger Rainbow trout but lost it when one of the five knots gave way as the fish snapped in defense.

When he arrives in Glasgow he has a package waiting on him that includes the following;

1. letter from Grandma

2. pre=packed dry food meals complete with recipes from Mom. (Mom's concocted meals not just add water and stir meals) these will be "gourmet"

3. One Kuba Kuba Cigar from dad

4. 10 meters of fly line, 2 leaders, 6lb tibets, assorted split shots, assorted dry flys and nyphs (he will be fully outfitted for fly fishing minus the rod - he can improvise.)

Will is still undecided on Trail Days that will take him back to Damascus for 2-3 days. He is torn with continuing to hike on or drop back for trail days. Explore more about Trail Days in Damascus by googling White Blaze. Trail Days sounds like a great experience but it will require a 200 mile trip back. He can catch a hitch to and from to get back on the trail exactly where he leaves it. We will wait to see what he decides.

We agreed we need to begin researching more about the bicycle trip home. Beth was able to find maps online tonight that would take him down the east coast from Maine. The maps are a set of 7 maps that actually cover the entire east coast from Maine to Key West. We thought we would only tell Will about 6 of the maps. That will get him about 2000 miles down to Savannah......minus the Key West portion. Next, we will survey the equipment to see what he will need.

We miss Will.........but rather than wanting him here with us.........we wish we could be there with him. We love fresh trout!

700 miles

50 days

700 miles

1/3 of the trail behind him

2/3 of the trail ahead

Will checked in today. It's great to hear he has reconnected with his early trail family, or at least in part. Danger Mouse, Stickerbush and SpeedStick aka Super Mike and DarkStar have reunited. It's amazes me how we struggle to sync our calendars, arrange appointments, schedule our lives and for the hikers there seems to be little stress in who is where and when. Will seems to be more carefree than before..............was that possible? Most of me is excited for him.......part of me is envious.

Will was able to meet Danger Mouse's Mom this week. She drove them into a small town where the four starving trekkers stuffed themselves. Will described it saying, Dad, we ate so much food and they kept bringing more out and we kept eating more. When we were finished we just went outside and laid down. Everyone agreed they actually felt better when they were hungry rather than being so stuffed. Thanks to Nora's Mom for seeing the kids got re-nourished!

Will was excited to hear from his bud back home, Ethan! He asked if we could bring him up with us when we head up to Pennsylvania. I think Ethan may hike a few days with Will while we are there.

Our conversation closed with Will revealing his plan for the final stages of his journey. He asked that we hike up Mt Katahdin, ME summit when we arrive. I think this may be around 11-14 miles. Of coarse that means a hike down of the same distance. We better start getting in shape for that is one experience I don't want to miss. He said I should bring my Touring bike with me when we come. This is a 15 speed bicycle built for long distances. It has capability to carry packs and gear and offers a great smooth ride.

Will is planning to ride the bicycle home from Maine.

We calculated together this may take around 30-45 days depending on the length of his stops. It may take longer. He also entertained another method of a southbound trip home but more planning and connecting would have to take place for that to happen. More later on that idea.

Personally, I like his cycling idea. His mother on the other hand has a few reservations. Either way............it's a great idea.

Every time we talk, Will ask about all of you! He sends his love and appreciation for everyone's support. We plan to mail his next drop to the Glasgow, Va post office.

Trail Angels Visit Will

As Will closed in on Friday's destination (Bland, Va) close to where I-77 crosses the AT, he and his trail friends were greeted by Nannie and Papa. Being a pre-planned rendezvous, it was not a surprise but it was a fantastic welcome to Will and the gang. Homemade chicken salad, ham, turkey, blueberry brownies and extra trimmings were just in time for these hungry hikers.

We were thankful to get a "motherly" update on Will and his feet conditions. Our concerns were put to rest hearing Nannie's perspective rather than relying on Will's. He tends to minimize issues, that could be for two reasons........it keeps us from being overly concerned and he is able to stay focused on his goal. The feet are fine, reports Nannie and Papa!

The trail experience is dynamic in many ways; the weather, the terrain, the elevations, the daily challenges and the daily rewards. Will's appreciation for the dynamics of nature continues to fuel his passion for the trail. Sore feet and the elements of weather are forgotten, in fact never mentioned when we talk. Instead, Will only speaks of the beauty he is discovering and experiencing in nature and in the people he meets.

Currently he is traveling with "Beefstick." Beefstick holds a Phd in astronomy and is headed to Toronto to teach after completion of the trail. He has completed a through hike of the AT before. Accompanying the two of them is a couple from Florida. Hopefully we will find out more about Will's trail family as he continues. Brian, Skyrocket, Tumbleweed, Danger Mouse and Stickerbush all are about 3 days ahead and making good time across Virginia.

Beth and I are planning a vacation around the first week of June to meet up with Will somewhere in Pennsylvania. We are thinking he may be just south of Harrisburg by then. He said last night he plans a 24 mile hike today. The nourishment the Trail Angels provided today should be plenty of fuel to get them there!