Day 17 on the Trail

I spoke to Dave yesterday evening; this is his Wednesday discussion.

As of 6/29/11:
Miles today - 14.4
Miles to date - 200.7

In spite of it being a rather significant mileage day, hitting 200 miles, Dave did not have a lot to say about his hike today.  He was enjoying his breakfast and coffee so much at the Holiday Inn Express, he had to tell himself to get going. He walked a mile and a half just to get back on the trail.  Then, he crossed the Bear Mountain Bridge.

Here's a snippet form Wikipedia:  "When the bridge formally opened on November 27, 1924, it was the longest suspension bridge span in the world, and the first of its type to have a concrete deck...Construction methods pioneered on the Bear Mountain Bridge influenced much larger projects to follow, including the George Washington (1931) and Golden Gate (1937) bridges."

Dave did meet up with Smokey Mountaineer, the 74 year old hiker, but Dave wanted to hike further than did Smokey.  He learned later in the evening from another hiker that Smokey had lost the trail and spent an hour going his last mile. Dave said he's probably seen the last of that guy.

He was in a rather nondescript campground, having gone a few miles beyond one at a Spiritual Life Center he picked out while planning his trip.  He was in great spirits, and said he feels like he has his legs back - meaning he felt stronger and not tired as he was two days ago.  It was good to hear the change in his voice. He wants to try to listen to his body more, go longer when he feels strong and fewer miles when he doesn't, rather than sticking to the schedule he made in the comfort of home.

About an hour after my phone call with Dave, Pyro the Wise called, to see how Dave was doing!  I got his email address and sent him a link to this blog so he can catch up on more than he'd ever want to know.  I thought it was great that he and Dave were able to connect again this year, and as Pyro said, they picked up right where they left off, as though this past year between hikes just vanished. He told me the story of when he had to go into town to get food, and they arranged a meeting point since Dave was going to keep hiking.  On the way back to the trail, a guy stopped to see if he wanted a ride, and told him to throw his pack in the back of the car.  Pyro did, and noticed there was a single stem to a rose in the back.  As he got in the car, Pyro asked the driver if he was a florist.  No, this was not a floral delivery truck, it was a hearse!

He also had very kind and appreciative words for Kelly, saying he's sure she does not even realize what a BIG favor she did for them, picking them up and delivering them to the trail.  Thanks again, Kelly!  And thanks for calling, Pyro.