330 miles down

Spring has hit the trail and all creatures are starting to move around. Will has been able to catch a few snakes this week, tried a little fishing and caught a newt or two. The others in his family are referring to him as Steve Irwin's replacement but I am sure Bindi has that spot locked up.

The group has made it to Erwin, TN and are making good time. Brian's shins and Will's blisters seem ok now. I am just praying that they both continue to heal and grow stronger.

The group is really looking forward to hitting Damascus, VA. They say that is the spot to change over winter to summer gear. That may mean the packs get a little lighter. Damascus is also a good place to send mail to Will if anyone wants to do that. You can find directions on whiteblaze.net as well as lots of other interesting info.

Will's story today was of his frugalness. Instead of spending $6 to stay in the hostile he decided to sleep under a bridge near a road. He was awaken by a fly fisherman wading in the Nolichucky. He also found it amusing when he and Skywalker bathed with soap in the river and looked up to find a group of research students from ETSU wading in the river collecting water samples. Probably going to be some interesting test tubes in that laboratory!

I received an email from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy which stated that there have been 644 hikers have started the trail from the South Terminus - Springer Mountain. Can't wait to see how many of those actually finish. I think I know of at least 7 that will!