Day 46 on the Trail

Dave's shelter tonight is on top of a mountain, which is unusual.  Fortunately, he had good cell service!

As of 7/31/11:
Miles today - 11.0
Miles to date - 540.9

He said he had gorgeous mid-70s weather, a not-so-difficult hike, and very pretty views.  He also said there was nothing exciting to report, not even any wildlife.  He's at the Moose Mountain Shelter near Grafton, NH, elevation 1850'.

When he was in Hanover, and wanted to mail a food box to Franconia Notch, he called a motel, asked if he could get a room next weekend and if he could send a package there.  The answers were yes and yes.  Today he told Country Gold he had a room, and CG could share it with him ... and it would be a good place to have his friend pick him up (to take him to wherever he was going next).  CG seems to be wavering, as now he's not sure he wants to go home.  Dave said CG needs to start taking responsibility for himself, and Dave finds himself helping out too often.  Maybe next weekend will be the end.


Marianna McKim sent me pictures of Dave as he left their home this morning -- Thank you, Marianna!

The first picture is of Dave with Marianna and Reinhart's daughter Emma, who is 6 years old.  What a cutie!!!

The second picture is Dave, Marianna and Emma.  What do you think about the beard?

Day 45 on the Trail - In NH

I'm going to combine Dave's Day 45 - Friday 7/29 when he crossed into NH - and Saturday 7/30 when he took Zero Day #4.  We spoke for just a few minutes Friday night, but had a 35 minute conversation today.

As of 7/29/11:
Miles today - 9.6
Miles to date - 529.9

Dave said his Friday walk, from the nice backyard campground in West Hartford, VT, to Hanover, NH, was quick and easy.  A neighbor of ours here in Savannah, Clint McKim, insisted Dave call his daughter who lives in Hanover.  Thanks to Marianna, her husband Reinhardt and their daughter Emma's generosity, Dave is staying with them for two nights.  He has showered, had his laundry done, was treated to a fabulous out-of-the-garden dinner, fresh fruit in his room and very friendly conversation.  My cousin Denise's son Alex lived in Hanover until just a few days ago.  We met Alex last April and Dave was sorry he wasn't able to connect with him again.

Solomon Goretex boots

One of the first things Dave did after reaching Hanover was to go to the Post Office.  He picked up the two boxes of food I sent him, and a package from REI - new boots.  The only problem with his old ones was a lacing grommet that came apart.  He called REI about 3 weeks ago to tell them, as he was concerned the laces would eventually cut through the leather.  They offered to send him a new pair, and will credit his account when they receive the old ones.  Dave has been walking around Hanover in his new boots, which he said feel pretty stiff compared to his broken-in ones.

Today Dave reviewed the food he has in his pack and boxes, supplemented it with more snack food (dried fruit, protein bars, nuts, etc.) and chose what he thinks should last him just over a week.  He mailed the rest of it to himself at Franconia Notch, NH, where he should arrive in 7-8 days.  He also mailed his camp shoes (the 5-toed ones) and a few other items he can do without for two weeks to Gorham.  He wants his pack as light as possible for his trek in the White Mountains.   I will be mailing his next food box to Gorham.  Dave went to a food co-op to do his shopping, and said everything looked so good he ended up with 2-3 pounds more food than he needs.  His pack is now 31-32 pounds, an easily manageable weight at this point.

Dave on the Trail

Off the Trail and still eating Little Debbies

The one snack food Dave could not find was his favorite Little Debbie's coffee cakes.  He said the food at the co-op was too healthy for anyone to carry Little Debbie's.  He likes them because they offer so many calories in such a light package.  I told him he will have to drastically alter his eating when he gets off the trail.

Country Gold is staying at a shelter Dave found for him.  Hanover seems to be a very welcoming town to hikers.  Several different places offered free coffee, bagels, ice cream, etc. if you are a through-hiker.  Country Gold was making the rounds of these establishments while Dave enjoyed homemade guacamole, sautéed squash, salad from the garden, blueberry pie and ice cream at Marianna McKim's home.

Dave is treating them to dinner tonight.

Country Gold has texted Dave several times today, making sure he will meet him at the Post Office tomorrow morning to start back on the trail.  I said, Is he afraid you will leave without him?  Dave said, Probably so.  There was a bit of a mix up already.  They were supposed to meet at the Post Office at 10 AM today, and although Dave waited for over half an hour, CG didn't show up.  When Dave was returning to the PO to mail his boxes, he texted CG to say he would be there again.  CG did show up that time, and said he was 'late' last time because someone asked if he was a hiker, they started talking, the stranger offered to buy him a cup of coffee - and so he just didn't meet Dave.

I asked if CG was still wearing Dave's do-rag and if Dave ever told him it was his. He said he did eventually tell him, and CG offered to give it back, but Dave said, It looks better on you than me, and it looks horrible on you.

Downtown Hanover

Dave was having a nice relaxing day with beautiful high 70º weather, catching up on the news and snoozing.  He had lunch in town and ran into other hikers, some he had met before and some were new faces.  He said CG is now planning to get off the trail in Franconia Notch.  I think Dave is (finally) ready to find another hiking companion.  Dave said CG is a really good guy, but he is needy and Dave prefers a more independent buddy.  Yes!

Day 44 on the Trail

Dave had perhaps one of his best days of hiking, feeling great, getting good mileage and he felt he could have gone farther but stopped where he did due to the great campsite.

As of 7/28/11:
Miles today - 16.6*
Miles to date - 520.3

(*follow up to original post - When I told Dave the campground signage (below) did not match the number of miles he told me he hiked, he consulted his guidebook and found the campsite is now at 1729.6 - the trail mileage changes as the trail changes.  The Miles Today and Miles to Date are now correct.)

The campsite was someone's backyard! The owner is in the sign business and a hiker himself; he created a great campground on his 2 acres.  There were several well done signs such as: Camping in Back and Mile 1722 on the Appalachian Trail.  He provides water, made a big fire pit and a 2-hole golf course (is anyone carrying their clubs?). Dave is always SO appreciative of the Trail Angels.

There is a little country store close by where Dave picked up some drinks and a pint of ice cream. He and Country Gold shared chicken and noodles for dinner, which came out of CG's most recent mail drop.  Dave said CG is now carrying about 15 pounds of food.  Dave is glad the dehydrated food he carries is lighter weight.

It was an unusual day in that Dave came across no other hikers, not even at the campsite. It was the first day he saw no one else on his section of the trail (except Country Gold, of course).  He saw one deer.

Thursday was Jimmy's birthday.  Dave tried to call but could not get through.  I told him Jimmy is on Martha's Vineyard and does not have good cell service. They'll have to connect another day.

Days 42 & 43 on the Trail - 500 Mile Mark!

Dave could not call at all yesterday and we had a very poor connection today.

As of 7/27/11:
Miles yesterday and today - 16.6
Miles to date - 503.7

Winturri Shelter 'The Red Roof Inn'

Dave didn't make as many miles as he wanted to yesterday due to rain. He had stopped to eat lunch when the rain started, so he set up his tent and stayed there for the evening.  It was dry today and he made it to the Winturri Shelter which is on his schedule.  He is now one day ahead of plan.

He said his left foot was a little swollen so he was going to take Advil.  And that's all I know for today!

Zero Day #3

Red - Killington, VT

Dave didn't have a lot to say about his day.  He walked around Killington, VT, getting new supplies and eating breakfast and lunch at a diner.  He said he bought a half gallon of orange juice and drank the whole thing.  He did not have to buy rope after all, he found a clothesline that was left behind by a previous camper.  He's staying at the Gifford Woods State Park.  He pitched his tent and slept in it last night, but tonight there were thunder-storms so he's in a shelter.  He was laughing because he just picked up his tent and moved it into the shelter.  He called while in his longjohns, in his tent, in the shelter.  They had made a campfire in the late afternoon, then decided they'd like to roast hot dogs.  Back to the store they went, and got campfire food.  The ranger's wife joined them and they had a fun dinner.  Later, when Dave decided he'd like to get out of the rain and lightning, she let him move into the shelter and waived the $20 upgrade fee.  Nice!

Gifford Woods State Park

Day 41 on the Trail

Today, Day 41, Dave reached his half-way mark for this year's trek!

As of 7/24/11:
Miles today - 9.6
Miles to date - 487.1
Miles to Katahdin - 484.6

Dave called at 1:30 in the afternoon, and said he was at "Home Sweet Home."  I couldn't imagine where that was ... turns out he meant he is in his tent (!) at a campground in Killington, VT.  He's going to stay there two nights, taking a Zero Day tomorrow.  Country Gold is expecting a package at the Post Office, and Dave will resupply his own pack, including finding more rope.

The first thing he did after checking into the campsite was to go into the shower, clothes and all.  He had not been able to find a laundromat, so decided that was the best way to get all his clothes as clean as possible.  He no longer has a towel, as he sent it home several weeks ago.  He found that the hostels that offered showers also had towels, so to lighten up his pack, he sent it home with a pair of long pants and one of his long-sleeved shirts.  This time, with no towel, he used his 4 bandanas to dry off as much as possible, then walked around to try to get his clothes dry.

That was all his news, except that his feet are bothering him.  He has had symptoms of planters fasciitis and we are hoping this doesn't get worse.  He had been using a night splint at home, but does not have it with him.  He plans on a day of rest tomorrow, with limited walking, and hopefully his feet will rejoice.

Day 40 on the Trail

40 Days and 40 Nights!  (Plus two Zero Days)  Wow.

As of 7/23/11:
Miles today - 13.8
Miles to date - 477.5

Dave's day started well with a short detour when he crossed Rte. 103 and there was a diner a half mile down the road.  He and Country Gold ate breakfast, then tackled the day's hike.  (When Dave first met Country, he didn't know his age, but now he does - he is 49).  They went from an elevation of 883' to 3900'.  Not only was it steep, there were trees down everywhere and they had to climb over or go around them, and avoid the big holes left where the roots came up.  There must have been wind similar to a tornado recently.

Dave said he was staying at Cooper Lodge, which, just by the name, sounded kind of nice to me.  I asked about it, he laughed, and said it had 4 walls, which made it a "lodge" instead of a "shelter" but it was a pit.  He said it was if not the worst, then the second worst shelter he's been in.  It has a rock floor, windows though the frames and glass are gone, a door that barely shuts, and broken bunks.  He said, "Sometimes you get a nice surprise and sometimes you get a surprise."

Cooper Lodge

The good news is that it is at the top of a ski run and has a great view.

Dave carries 50' of rope that comes in handy for many things, including hanging food from a tree to keep it away from bears and other critters.  Dave had washed his clothes the night before and hung them on his rope to dry.  In the morning he packed up his clothes, but forgot his rope.  Oops.  He's planning another resupply detour soon and will have to put rope on his shopping list.

Day 39 on the Trail

Another tiring day for Dave -- is there any other type of day on the AT, especially in New England?

As of 7/22/11:
Miles today - 5.1
Miles to date - 463.7

Dave had a low mileage day today as counted on the trail.  However, he had also made a resupply trip into town (sorry, I forgot to ask what town) and he did extra hiking around the Minerva Hinchley Shelter, where he was staying for the night. One reason he chose that campsite was because the guidebooks mentioned a wonderful, cool lake nearby.  As Dave was hiking in the 93º weather, with a 35 pound pack on his back, he was planning his afternoon swim, taking his soap with him, and washing himself and his clothes.  He hasn't had a shower in two weeks.

Once they got to the shelter, Dave and Country could not find the path to the lake. They hiked 30 minutes up the nearest hill and could finally SEE the lake but once they got back to the campsite, they still could not figure out how to get to it.  A ridge runner came into camp, and he didn't know how either.  Poor Dave, he was so disappointed.

I was hoping the heat wave didn't reach into the Green Mountains of Vermont, but no such luck.  Thursday's high in nearby Killington was 92º and Friday's was 93º. Dave said he fills up his Platypus at every available spot and drinks lots and lots of water.  The high today should be 88º and then drop back into the 70s for the next several days.  Now I want some of that!

He said his hike is still tough, changing elevations from 1300' to 2500'.  He is still going over lots of rock, but mostly it's heavily forested.  He has seen numerous springs and beaver ponds.  In fact, the ridge runner was telling him it's become an issue for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in trying to maintain the trail.  The land is protected national forest, beavers can't be hunted, and they are creating more and more dams which create more and more ponds, some as large as 30-40 acres.  The water gets backed up over the trail and makes boggy areas. They've attempted to place boards down, making small bridge-type structures, but even some of them are now underwater.  Maybe the path to the lake was underwater?

A beaver dam creating a pond

Here's what inside the dam

Beaver at work

Days 37 & 38 on the Trail

Dave called rather late tonight, but he had already talked to Dale and Chad.  He was very tired by the time we talked.  We were not able to connect last night.

As of 7/21/11:
Miles in the last two days - 22.6
Miles to date - 458.6

Dave was 2 days ahead of his schedule last week, but has lost a day with his shorter mileages this week.  One cause for fewer miles was taking an unplanned trip into town, and he will be making another unplanned detour in the next day or so.  He said he's been supplementing Country Gold's food and is running lower than he would like.  I cautioned him against being the safety net for another hiker. After all the months of planning he has done, I don't want him to throw it away for someone he just met and who is not as determined to get to Katahdin.  I recognize that's selfish of me.  I know Dave can take care of himself, but I would hate for him to look back and regret that he lost time and energy because a hiker in a do-rag (Dave's do-rag) with no plan or money latched on to him.

Dave said he took his first fall today.  The rocks were moist due to the heat and humidity, he was going downhill, and he slipped.  Thankfully his pack caught him as he landed on his back.  I hope that by tomorrow he's not bruised nor sore.  I also hope he wasn't minimizing what happened.

He said the last two days have been hard, with steep ascents and descents and he's tired.  He said going uphill is hard but downhill is much more difficult.  It's harder to keep his balance with the pack and poles when he's taking big steps down.  Let's hope for better days ahead!

Day 36 on the Trail

As of 7/19/11:
Miles today - 12.7
Miles to date - 436.0

Dave got to his stopping point fairly early today and was able to make some phone calls.  He was happy to have decent service.

He had a good walk with nice weather and Trail Magic!  When the trail ran up against a parking lot, there was an ex-trail hiker sitting there offering the other hikers water and beer from a cooler.  Dave filled up his Platypus with ice and water, then on second thought decided to sit and have a beer.  (He didn't want to take the can with him -- something else to carry!)  He drank about half of it and could already feel the effects, so poured the rest on the ground.  He said he didn't realize he was so dehydrated he could get tipsy on half a beer!  It took about 15 minutes, and lots of water, for him to feel normal again.

There are several people in and around the Bromley shelter tonight, including an 83 year old hiker.  He started at Harpers Ferry, WV, and is going all the way to Mt. Katahdin, a distance of 1166 miles.  Rumor has it that a hiker ahead of Dave is 88 years old and started from GA.  I should have asked Dave, What year?

Dave was fascinated by the beaver ponds.  These ponds, including a 40-acre one, were created by beavers damming the streams.  He saw 18-inch diameter trees chewed in half.  In some areas, the trail is below the level of the lake.  The hikers were commenting they hope the beavers built sturdy dams!  Dave also saw moose tracks and said they were wider than his boot.

Now that he's told me that, I have a hard time getting this out of my mind:

Dave said the mosquitos and some sort of gnats were bad again tonight.  He was wearing his head-net, and even wears it to sleep in.  It's been so warm lately he sleeps in his bag liner, not the whole sleeping bag.  He hears it's going to get really hot tomorrow.  I should look up the daily weather forecast and have it ready for his evening call.  Tomorrow he should have a high of 87º with low humidity. Sounds great to me!

He will be going into Wallingford tomorrow, and Country Gold is going too, to pick up a mail drop.  They are hoping they'll be able to hitch a ride into town, but if not, the PO is supposed to be just two miles off the trail.  "Just two miles" - four miles round trip.  That's in addition to whatever miles they walk on the trail.  This is an unplanned stop for Dave, but he's fine with it.

Day 35 on the Trail

Dave couldn't get through on his phone yesterday, but he did call this morning.

As of July 18, 2011:
Miles today - 10.4
Miles to date - 423.3

He stopped short of his planned mileage because it was raining, he was wet, and it didn't look as though the rain was going to let up.  There were a surprising number of people in the Stratton Pond Shelter, and one of them had seen Cloud Walker a day or two ago.  Dave hadn't thought CW would be getting back on the trail.  He thinks CW is a day or slightly more behind him, but CW is a faster hiker, so he may catch up with Dave.

A day of drying out when Dave was in PA

The trail had gone up and over Stratton Mountain, where the US Snowboard Championships were held last March.  Dave said it was a big climb, but not too difficult.  I am sure he has really increased his endurance and strength over the last 5+ weeks.

Dave is running short of his snack food (Cliff Bars, almonds, dried fruit) so will have to take a detour into Wallingford to stock up.  He doesn't like to get off the trail, but he's learned he really needs the extra calories during the day.  He won't be getting his next package of food from me until 10 days for now.  I'm adding another box of Cliff Bars!

Country Gold is still hiking with Dave.  I'm a little concerned - just a little, as Dave can take care of himself - that Country has latched onto Dave and may sap him of some energy, at least mentally.  Country is a big talker, and wants to stop to talk to everyone they meet.  He spent at least 20 minutes talking to the fire ranger yesterday.  When Dave said he was leaving, Country decided he would leave, too, but commented he wanted to stay because the fire ranger is probably lonely. This morning Dave was getting packed up ready to go and Country was trying to talk him into staying, taking a Zero Day or at least not leaving so early.  Dave said no, he's going, so Country got ready and went with him.  They don't necessarily walk side by side, but Country is always close by and sometimes gets discouraged about his life and the challenges of the trail.  I'm sure Dave gets some reward from having a hiking bud, and I'm glad he does.  I just hope it far outweighs dealing with someone that doesn't have the same sense of optimism and urgency.  Dave wants to get to Mt. Katahdin before it gets too cold and he has 550 miles to go.  What is most important to Dave though, is enjoying his hike. He is more conscious of that than he has been in previous years.  He wants to hike the AT because it's fun, not just to get it off his bucket list.

Day 34 on the Trail

Dave called 5 times this evening, because we couldn't talk for more than a few seconds before he lost the connection.  Here's what I know:

As of July 17th:
Miles today - 8.9
Miles to date - 412.9

He said his hike was not bad and they walked by beaver ponds.  He is at the Story Spring Shelter.  That's it!

Story Spring Shelter, VT

Beaver pond along the Appalachian Trail in VT

Day 33 on the Trail

Dave called about 8 PM tonight and said he was dead tired.

As of 7/16/11:
Miles today - 14.4
Miles to date - 404  Over 400 miles!!

Dave said the trail elevations were brutal today.  He hiked "straight down" a 1500 foot drop, then up for 1500 feet.  The trail leveled off for a while then went up another 1000 feet. I suspect there is another way to get to the campground other than the way Dave and Country Gold approached it from Mt. Graylock.  There were at least 20 people in and near the campground.  Dave said weekends are always much more crowded with people out for a night or two of camping.  Maybe there is a parking lot nearby!

Some of the younger guys at the shelter where Dave was last night said they were headed to the campground about 5 miles farther than this one - but guess what - they were all in the same spot as Dave tonight.  They said, "We're DONE."  I think Dave feels better when the youngsters are just as whipped as he is.

He realized he had not eaten as much as he needed to for breakfast and lunch. When he starts eating more to fuel up for the rougher New England mountains, he's thinking he may need to add another stop for reprovisioning.  He doesn't like to have to get off the trail.  He still walks a lot to get to a grocery store (or gas station) but those miles don't count and don't get him closer to Mt. Katahdin.  It's important to get enough food, though!

Here are two more pictures from Pyro:

 Dave after yet another rocky climb.

Pyro demonstrating his firemaking wizardry.

Day 32 on the Trail - VT

I heard from Dave this morning, though not at all yesterday, as he didn't have cellphone service.  Yesterday was the first of the 34 days he's been gone that he hasn't been able to call.  We had a poor connection this morning as he's in a very remote area and there may be more days without phone calls.

As of 7/15/11:
Miles today - 12.6
Miles to date - 389.6

Dave crossed into Vermont on Friday!  He had only three things to tell me before it became too difficult to hear him.  First, a hiker named Cyron (pronounced 'Siren') came into camp late last night.  He was doing night hiking.  How do you do that, with a headlamp?  I'll have to remember to ask.  He was talking about how on his hike last year he carried an iguana on his shoulder.  At that point, Dave remembered him.  Naturally, they started comparing notes on places they stayed and other hikers they knew.

Second, Dave saw what looked like small horse droppings and wondered if they were from a moose.  Then he read in a couple of log books that a moose had been spotted around the shelters.  Dave would love to see a moose, though not too close up.

The third thing was that he wants me to include his alcohol stove in his next food package.  Tom Lavardi told him propane canisters are hard to find in New Hampshire, but alcohol - for stoves - is plentiful.  By the time Dave gets his package, he will be in New Hampshire.

The alcohol stove.  Look how small it is compared to my iPhone.

It was 8:30 AM when Dave called and he was eager to get some miles under his belt, so that's all there was to that conversation.  Since this is short, I thought I'd throw in a few pictures from the album Pyro sent.  The following 3 pictures are from PA when they were doing a lot of rock climbing.

Dave at the top of a rock hill...

Pyro looks like he's having fun!

Other hikers taking care on their way down.
Those are Dave's knees in the lower right corner of the picture.

Day 31 on the Trail

I received an envelope from Pyro the Wise today.  It had a CD of pictures and one of videos he made while he was hiking with Dave.  Here's one of the first pictures;  Kelly must have taken it.  Look how clean they are - clean clothes and clean shaven.  Thanks, Pyro!

As of 7/14/11:

Miles today - 15.5
Miles to date - 377

Dave couldn't call until about 9:30 as he didn't have cell service.  He was already in his sleeping bag, dog tired.  His 15+ miles today were up and over Mount Greylock which is the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,489 feet.  From the summit, you can see 70–135 mi. into five different states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

There is a Veterans War Memorial Tower at the summit.  It has an interesting history, as does the whole Mt. Greylock, and you may want to look it up on wikipedia.  Dave told me the story he heard about this monument and the nearby lodge.  It was supposed to be a lighthouse on the coast, but due to some problem, it was built on the mountaintop instead.  I wanted to know more of the story. Wikipedia had a slightly different history - it was always meant to be a war memorial but was originally intended to be erected in Boston's Charles River Basin, before plans were changed to build it on Mount Greylock.  It takes the form of a perpetually lighted beacon to honor the state's dead from World War I (and subsequent conflicts). The light used to be the strongest beacon in Massachusetts, with a nighttime visible range of up to 70 miles.

Dave said the climb up wasn't so bad, but the descent was awful - very very steep.  He said he had to have his "breaks on" all the way down and his legs were tired.  Then, to get to this evening's campsite, he had to hike another mile uphill.  I cannot imagine.

Cloud Walker decided to get off the trail in Adams and may not come back.  He was having some marital issues that were overpowering his enjoyment of the trail, and he needed to deal with them before he went any farther.  So, it was just Country Gold and Dave making the hike up and over Mt. Greylock.  As they were starting up, they came across a guy camping under a rock outcrop.  He was wearing tight black studded jeans, sunglasses and a knit cap.  Very unusual camping clothes, Dave thought.  They could see he had gear stowed back under the rock.  As they walked on, Dave said, That was a nut case.  Country said, That was Vermont.  (Sorry for the confusion, but their "Vermont" is my "Packer"! He didn't give a name, but had said at one point he was going to Vermont, so that's what Dave and Country called him.  I had dubbed him Packer.)  Dave hadn't recognized him with the complete change of clothes and disguise of sunglasses and hat.  They wondered how he got ahead of them, as they knew it took him 6 hours to go 3 miles a few days ago.  They walked on, summited Mt. Greylock, Dave had lunch at the lodge, and did the descent.  They stopped at Sherman Brook Campsite for the night.

Five people ended up there - Dave and Country Gold, Bennie, and two women, Mother Goose and Clover (whom Dave had met earlier in the summer).  The two women, much to their disappointment, had ridden down in a car from the top of Mt. Greylock rather than walking down, but there was a good reason.  They told Dave and Country there was a weird hiker at the summit that followed them around, kept asking for food, money, gear, etc. and would not leave them alone. They decided to ask a complete stranger for a ride down, to get away from him, and he even followed them to the car as they approached someone in the parking lot.  They said he was creepy, with tight black studded jeans and sunglasses. Yep, it was Vermont/Packer.  Dave could not believe he had made it to the summit, but decided someone must have given him a ride up.  He sounds dangerous the way he was following the women, so they all will be reporting him to the first ranger or ridge runner they come across.  I assume they will leave warning notes in the log books, too, but I didn't think to ask.

Country Gold has no money on him, just a food stamp card.  He was getting low on fuel when they were at Tom Lavardi's, so Dave bought him a fuel canister over Country's protestations.  There was a town and grocery store about a half mile off the trail and close to the Sherman Brook Campsite, so Country went into town to get food.  He came back with strombolis and sandwiches and told all the campers "dinner is on me."  Dave commented on how some of the most generous hikers he knows are the ones that have the least - and yes maybe they have the least because they are generous - but they also seem very happy.

Day 30 on the Trail

Dave and I were able to talk for a little while yesterday afternoon - my busy day got in the way of a longer chat, though Dave said he had an easy day with no news or stories worth writing about.

As of 7/13/11:
Miles today - 9.3
Miles to date - 361.5

Dave, Cloud Walker and Country Gold planned to walk together to the town of Cheshire, MA.  Cloud Walker was still sleeping when Dave and CGold were ready to go to breakfast and they didn't disturb him.  When they got back to Tom Lavardi's to collect him and their gear, CWalker was gone.  He had left no message, so they thought he must have started for Cheshire.  Dave and Country Gold had an easy hike and arrived in the early afternoon.  They stopped at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, their planned shelter for the evening. The church provides hikers an empty room for sleeping and a bathroom.  Very charitable!  Cloud Walker wasn't there.

St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church

Dave went to the Post Office to pick up his package of 12 dehydrated meals, Cliff bars, tortillas, almonds, etc.  He also stopped at a store to round out his food supplies, with peanut butter and some fruit he can eat right away.

He went back to the church and there was Cloud Walker.  Turns out, he decided to go to Mass in Dalton but had not told anyone where he was.

Dave and I talked about 3 pm while I was at the pool, so I don't know how his evening went or how many hikers showed up at St. Mary's.  Here's a tidbit completely off the subject of Dave's hike -- when I had my stationery store and was doing a lot of invitations, I learned very quickly that Catholic Churches (at least in Chattanooga) are not named "St. Mary's" nor "St. Peter's" as the Episcopal Churches are; they are "St. Mary of the Assumption" or "St. Jude Catholic Church" - no apostrophes.  I just checked the phone book here in Savannah - There is a St. Michael Catholic Church and a St. Matthew's Episcopal, a St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and a St. Peter's Episcopal Church.  Interesting -- at least to a stationery-and-conventions-lover.

I had a great day yesterday (I warned you early on I may inject some of my own unrelated comments!).  I went out to get my paper early in the morning, and the bird that has a nest in our patio tree immediately dive-bombed me, as she does whenever I water my plants.  I heard a faint little cheep cheep and saw two baby birds with their mouths open in the nest!  I'm very happy the eggs hatched.  I discovered them when I was trimming the tree and the bird would not leave me alone; I finally saw her nest.  I didn't know if she would come back, but she did.  I didn't see the babies or hear them this morning; I hope they are okay in this heat! It's been so dry, food such as worms may be hard to find.  Back to yesterday, I went to a cardio-dance class at the fitness center, then stayed for beginners' yoga.  I ate chicken salad on fresh spinach for lunch and later met my girlfriends Fran and Allison at the pool for a leisurely afternoon.  At 6 pm we met again, along with 9 other girlfriends for our monthly Birthday Belles celebration.  We first went to the Fitzgibbon's beautiful home for appetizers and cocktails, then walked to the Deer Creek clubhouse for dinner.  I thought of Dave often (and all the girls and John Fitzgibbon asked about him), and how he enjoys being able to carry his world on his back.  I enjoy having a whole community to play in.

It's been so dry here, the lagoons are very low, there are rampant fish kills, and we see deer and fawns looking for food in the afternoons instead of waiting for dusk.  We've heard the alligators are becoming more aggressive as they also look for food.  Those of you with weak stomachs should stop reading now.

One member of our Birthday Belles, Shirley, was golfing earlier this week and hit her ball over a bank near a lagoon.  She went to get it and as she approached, she saw a little fawn drinking the water.  Then, an alligator rose up and let's just say, got him.  I'll spare you the details, but Shirley found herself screaming.  Let's hope we get some rain, as predicted this weekend!  And don't go near the lagoons.

Day 29 on the Trail

Trail magic of the ultimate kind!

As of 7/12/11:
Miles today: 12
Miles to date: 352.2

Dave read in a guidebook - and heard from other hikers - that a guy named Tom Lavardi has a house right next to the trail in the town of Dalton, MA, and he often lets hikers camp in his yard.  He and Cloud Walker headed for Dalton and had a fairly easy walk, with just two steep hills.  They found Lavardi's home and asked if they could stay the night.  He said sure, and feel free to use the shower AND he would do their laundry for them.  When Dave asked where he should set up his tent, Lavardi said don't bother, take a bedroom!  He also provides several bicycles so hikers can ride to restaurants.  Can you believe this guy takes complete strangers into his home (8 of them tonight), lets them shower and does their laundry??  He has done a lot of hiking and is also full of advice and information about the area.  He doesn't charge a cent.  What a guy.

Dave stepped on the scale in the bathroom and he's lost close to 20 pounds.

I asked if he expected Packer to show up there.  Dave said it was unlikely as he was still asleep when he and Cloud Walker left the shelter.  He said Packer stayed up late talking to the trail crew until the crew leader told him to go back to his tent, his crew needs to sleep.   This morning they said Packer is homeless and is hoping to stay on the trail, but they are concerned he was on drugs or alcohol.  They were going to call the local ranger to have him checked out.

Dave was quite happy - he had a good hike, he was clean, he'd eaten a great Reuben for dinner, and had a bed to sleep in tonight.  He's looking forward to getting to Cheshire tomorrow to pick up his next box from Savannah.  Dave is happy, I am happy.

Day 28 on the Trail

Dave's day was filled with interesting people!

As of 7/11/11:
Miles today - 8.8
Miles to date - 340.2

After a hearty breakfast of pancakes cooked by the Upper Goose Pond Cabin caretaker, Dave and Cloud Walker headed for the October Mountain Shelter.  In about 5 miles, they came across a guy sitting by the side of the trail.  His gear included a 4-man Coleman tent, an 18-inch charcoal grill on a stand, 8-10 pounds of charcoal, a fat heavy sleeping bag and a heavy tarp.  Whew - Dave figures his pack had to weigh at least 60 pounds!

He must have looked something like this.

The guy asked how he could find the October Mountain Shelter.  Dave told him to follow the white blazes, and he should get to it in about 3 miles.  The hiker said he's been doing that but keeps coming back to the same spot.  He was taking a rest; he'd try again soon.  Dave never asked him his name, so I'm going to call him Packer.  Dave and Cloud Walker kept walking and saw the point where Packer must have veered off the trail to go around a pond - and around and around.  Dave and CW got to the October Mountain Shelter in the early afternoon and 6 HOURS LATER Packer, doubled over with his belongings, walked into the campsite.  He asked Dave where he could pitch his tent, and Dave suggested an area close by.  He got the big tent all set up, and his charcoal grill, then went to get water.  (Dave noticed Packer's back was scratched up, probably from the heavy load.)  When he came back with his water, Packer said, "There's a better place over there."  He took down his tent, lugged it to the new site and set everything up again.  I asked Dave if he talked to him and he said no, he doesn't seem to want to join in with the group.  Other people at the shelter tonight include Country Gold, Saber Tooth and Bennie.

Dave came across Country Gold at the cabin last night, and as Country was talking about his background - recovering alcoholic, mother died recently, lost his front teeth - Dave realized he had met him last year.  Then they were trading stories about other hikers they knew last year and where they left or finished the trail. Dave can't tell how old Country Gold is - he could be 40 or 60.  He acts young but looks old.

Dave wears a do-rag under his hat to help keep his head warm on colder days. It's lightweight, easily packable, black and looks awful on him, but he doesn't care.  It does the job.

The weather got chilly last night, so Dave had it on last night and when he started his hike this morning.  When the day warmed up, he took it off and put it in his pocket.  Well, when Country Gold came walking into camp tonight, he was wearing a black do-rag!  Dave started checking around for his - it wasn't in his pocket nor in his pack.  He must have lost it.  Later, Country Gold said he found it along the trail.  Dave didn't say anything; he decided it looked better on a weathered guy with no front teeth than it did on him.  I hope he took a picture!

Actually, this was the second time this trip he's lost his do-rag.  The first time, Sherpa (the hiker with the fish in his Platypus) found it and gave it back to him. Dave said he figured he wasn't meant to keep that do-rag.  Thank goodness.

Day 27 on the Trail

When Dave called this evening, I was quite surprised to hear he had quit hiking about 1 pm, as he had planned to go 19 miles today.  However, he had a very good reason to stop at the Upper Goose Pond Cabin near Lee, MA.

As of 7/10/11:
Miles today - 10
Miles to date - 331.4

All the hikers swap stories about trail conditions, shelters, trail magic, and wildlife. Dave likes to meet sobo's (south bounders) who have just passed the conditions he'll soon encounter.  Fortunately, he heard about the Upper Goose Pond Cabin and decided to cut his planned mileage short to enjoy the afternoon.  Isn't that what a long hike should be about - not just getting your miles in??!!

This wonderful cabin has a kitchen, living/dining room, 

an upstairs bunk room and rocking chairs on the front porch.

And a canoe if you want to go out on the pond.

And maybe the best part, there are two caretakers who make pancakes 

in the morning.  No wonder Dave succumbed to the temptation to stop early.

Dave said the second half the day was very restful.  I asked about the first half. He said, Well, it was a "shit, damn, hell" day.  For those of you who knew Dave's mother, you will recognize the Esther phrasing.  He said not only was the trail full of roots, rocks and mosquitoes, it was difficult to find and follow.  It was not well maintained, not well marked and evidently not well traveled.  It's unusual that Dave had to look hard for the next white blaze as soon as he reached one.  In more heavily traveled areas, Dave has walked for a quarter mile before he needed to find a marker.

I asked if Vegan was with them.  No, he was not feeling well, decided to head for town, and fortunately one of the caretakers noticed him and picked him up.

Dave saw wild turkeys today.  I told him we had two little fawns prance across our back yard but they were gone before I could get my camera.  This was in the hot sun about 5 pm; they must have been hungry.

Day 26 on the Trail

Dave has been gone 4 weeks (26 hiking days, 2 zero days) and has walked a third of the miles from PA to ME!  He called before 5 pm, a little earlier than usual yesterday.  He had stopped at the Shaker Campsite as on his plan, even though it was early and he had gone a moderate 11 miles.

As of Saturday 7/9/11:
Miles today - 11.1
Miles to date - 321.4

He said the weather was good and the trail wasn't bad, but he was tired.

The Appalachian Trail near the Shaker Campsite

Dave hadn't slept well Friday night.  He said there was a loud sound in the shelter. Me: Someone snoring? Dave: More of a grinding noise. Me: Someone grinding their teeth? Dave: No, louder.

He said he had been looking forward to getting into his dry clothes and sleeping bag after being soaked during the day (we're talking about his Friday downpour). He laid his wet and sweaty clothes over the railing to dry and went to sleep.  Then came the loud grinding noise. Dave got up to see what it was, and could not figure it out, but it stopped.  Later it happened again.  Dave took his flashlight to go outside the shelter but still couldn't see anything.  The third time they were awakened, Cloud Walker got up, but, nothing.  The fourth time, Dave very quietly went outside the shelter with his flashlight and finally saw a porcupine, gnawing at the wood where Dave's wet and sweaty clothes had dripped.  Dave assumed the porcupine was looking for something salty, but too bad, he shooed him off.  The porcupine was persistent, though, and came back.  This time Dave dropped a rock on him which must have finally scared him away because he took off running and never came back.  I asked if the porcupine shot any quills at him; he said there were none anywhere.

Though Dave went "only" 11 miles on Saturday, Cloud Walker was also tired and stopped even earlier.  Dave was sharing the Shaker Campsite shelter with Vegan, a young hiker.  Dave would like to catch up with Wakarusa and/or Arthur Dent, but they are still a day ahead of him.  There is a log book in every shelter, and at many commercial places that welcome hikers - supply stores, hostels, etc. The hikers check in, using their Trail Names, of course, since no one knows their real names.  Thus, their hiker friends know where they've been, and in case of emergency, their location can be narrowed.  Dave can see that Wakarusa and Arthur Dent had logged in the day before he reached the shelter.

A typical AT shelter log book

Sometimes hikers leave messages for each other, so even if he isn't staying at a shelter, Dave often checks the log to look for messages and he notes the time and date he was there.

Day 25 on the Trail

I was in my bed last night, watching a Netflix DVD (True Grit), enjoying the comforts of air conditioning, feather pillows and fresh sheets when Dave called - from a wood shelter in the Berkshires, while drying out his pants and boots.

As of 7/8/11:
Miles today - 13.4
Miles to date - 310.3

Dave was very upbeat, in spite of having hiked in a downpour.  He heard thunder in the afternoon and decided to stop at the nearest shelter.  He had a few miles to go before he got to one, and the skies opened up before he got there.  It had quit raining by the time he was making dinner, so he was optimistic his pants would dry out overnight though his boots probably would not.  Fortunately his rain jacket had been handy and he was able to get it on when it started raining.

Earlier in the day, the trail crossed Route 7.  Dave saw a sign rather far down the road that said, Good Food.  He started thinking about sitting down for a little while and having a hamburger for lunch, so he made the turn and headed for the sign to see what else it said.  When he got closer, he saw it said, Good Finds.  It was a antique store, not a restaurant.  How disappointing!  He turned around to go back to the trail and passed a small shop he hadn't noticed when he was thinking about a hamburger.  Its sign said, Hikers Welcome.  He went in, the owner had drinks and snacks for sale though the store was a real junk shop with old hammers and machine parts for sale.  Dave bought a couple things (food, not junk) and asked if he could sit outside and eat his lunch.  The owner said, "Go out back to the gazebo and sit at the picnic table."  As he did, she also told him he could plug in his phone and recharge it.  Very nice.  He said said the name of the shop was Dolls and Dwellings.  Sounds to me like a miniature shop with dolls and dollhouses, but Dave didn't see any.  Then I wondered if it was the same sort of 'dolls' on the billboards in SC who want to give you a 'massage'!

Later in the afternoon, the trail went through swampy areas.  The places where Dave was supposed to be able to get water, according to the guide books, were not looking good at all, some with black water.  His water bladder, a Platypus, was getting low.

Dave was thinking, I sure would like a bottled water.  Soon afterwards, he came upon some Trail Magic!  There was a cooler by the trail full of bottled water, Vitamin Water and other drinks. Amazing.  Dave drank a Vitamin Water and took a plain water with him.  Hopefully the Trail Angels know how much their gifts are appreciated.

Dave thinks he got some good pictures of a big buck today.  He whistled, the buck looked right at him and Dave snapped a couple of pictures. The buck didn't move until Dave made a motion, then he took off.  I asked Dave if he saw any other wildlife.  He said, Besides mosquitos?  No, the buck was all for today.

He was quite surprised when Cloud Walker showed up at the shelter.  CW walked 3 hours longer than Dave to make up mileage from the day before.

To follow up on yesterday's post -- Dave was able to talk to Chad about his tick bites.  He hasn't had any symptoms or rashes that look like targets, and he doesn't think the ticks were on him very long, so he is saving his meds.

Day 24 on the Trail - In MA

Dave made it into yet another state Thursday, Massachusetts!

As of July 7, 2011
Miles today - 14
Miles to date - 296.9

It took Dave 9 hours to go the 14 miles.  He went up and over 4 mountains.  One of them was Bear Mountain, which is has the tallest peak in CT at 2,316 feet.  A hiking website says, "There are a few ways to get to the top and all of them fall under the strenuous category. It's a long hike and steep. But the views from Bear Mountain are breathtaking and well worth the effort."  Dave stopped for his lunch at the top - he had a pot roast sandwich (rehydrated pot roast in a tortilla) then a jelly sandwich.  It takes a lot of energy for those climbs!

Dave saw "hundreds" of little springs near the top, which eventually merged into a big creek.  He said the scenery was some of the most beautiful on this trip.

The trail went over Race Mountain where the path was just two feet from a very steep precipice.  He said it would have been very easy to fall 300-600 feet with a misstep.  argh.  

The last mountain of the day was not the highest but it was even steeper.  Mount Everett has a 2,624 foot summit. The hiking website says, "The wind blows hard, the trees' growth is stunted and rugged looking, with views second to none. You'll hike by one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Berkshires. It's a very tough hike for the average day hiker since the total elevation gain is about 1,800'." Dave said the waterfall was beautiful.  Then he was in Massachusetts!

Dave met up with two Ridge Runners and learned a little more about their jobs. They work for 10 days then are off for four.  These two young fellows have a 65-mile route they cover in their 10 days; they hike the route that Dave just covered from NY to the MA border.  They are hired by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to do trail maintenance and hiker education.  As Dave mentioned earlier, they sometimes have to clean up after hikers who leave food in bear boxes, or trash in their campsites.

Dave started off the day hiking with Cloud Walker, but keeping true to his style, Dave chugged along while Cloud Walker took several breaks.  CW did not show up at the campsite and Dave assumes he stopped at an earlier shelter.  Dave was hoping to catch up with Arthur Dent.  AD left Salisbury (where Dave took a Zero Day) the day before, but called Dave to let him know where he was.  Dave may or may not be able to catch up with him.  AD just left the military after 7 years and is in great shape (and young).  He is letting his hair grow out, but just had it cut into a mohawk.  He, like most hikers including Dave, has a full beard. Everyone on the trail recognizes Arthur Dent.

Dave was going to call Chad next, as he had a bite under his gaiters - and he thinks it was a tick - his second one.  He was wondering if he should start taking the antibiotic for lyme disease as a precaution.

Dave had a lasagna dinner, then set up his tent, rather than rolling out his sleeping bag in the shelter, because he needed the mosquito netting his tent provides.  The Ridge Runners did the same.  He could hear the brook nearby and was very happy with his evening location.

Zero Day

Wednesday, July 6th was a Zero Day for Dave. He had a big breakfast then went to the Post Office to pick up the three priority mail boxes I sent him. One was full of his dehydrated food, instant potatoes, almonds and Cliff Bars, the second had his rain gear, and the third had tea bags, Starbucks Via packs, and now-belated anniversary cards from me. All arrived in good shape. If you are a regular reader, you may remember I mailed these boxes to Kent, CT, then Dave called the PO and had them forwarded to Salisbury, CT. The system worked!

Maria McCabe, the woman renting Dave a room, offered to do his laundry for him and take him to the next town for any shopping or eating he wanted to do. Wow. He declined the transportation, but not the offer of laundry service. When Maria got back from her shopping, she brought Dave a banana. She seems to like Dave, and Dave likes her. The price was right, too, $35 per night.

Dave enjoyed his day off, sitting outside, going a short way to a deli for his lunch and dinner, and chatting with Maria. He threw away his old raingear, mailed his cold-weather clothes home, repacked his backpack and put on clean clothes. He was excited about the prospect of another big breakfast and getting back on the trail Thursday morning.

Day 23 on the Trail

It was another short conversation with Dave on Tuesday, this time because he called while I was at book club.  We chatted awhile but our group was breaking up for the evening and I needed to get going.

As of 7/5/11:
Miles today - 26.5 - Whoa, I think something is wrong...
Miles to date - 282.9

Dave did have a long hike today, but he thinks it was just under 20 miles.  Here's how I calculate Dave's mileage - he tells me the name of his shelter and I refer to a chart to see what the mileage point is on the trail.  Then I figure out how far he went from his last stopping point.

Yesterday when I reported he hiked about 11 miles, I used the mileage point for the Pine Swamp Branch Lean-to, where he said he was staying.  He felt he walked at least 18 miles, but I attributed his 'overestimate' to the rigorous hike he had that day because the numbers showed a lower distance.  Now I believe either the chart was wrong or Dave was at a different shelter.  Either way, I know the "Miles to Date" figure is correct for where he is now.  Let's just say he hiked 42.5 miles in 3 days, one of which was a very short day (about 5 mi.) because of the downpour he encountered.  It's still unbelievable, isn't it?!

Dave intended to pick up his forwarded package at the Post Office in Salisbury, CT, and he heard about an 82-year old woman that welcomes hikers into her home for a modest fee.  Fortunately, Dave called to make a reservation.  He showed up rather late (after his 26.5 mile - or less - hike) and she told him it's a good thing he came.  She saved a private room for him, making the hiker that showed up without a reservation sleep on the couch.

When Marie McCabe welcomed Dave, she gave him a towel, washcloth, clean shorts and a shirt and told him to go take a shower!  Feisty!  And I don't blame her.  Dave said she has the same personality as Susie Boyd - his first mother-in-law.  He felt very much at home.

Dave was tired and looking forward to getting into bed.  He was hoping his packages were going to be at the Post Office when it opens on Wednesday!

Day 22 on the Trail - July 4th! - in CT

It was a very short conversation with Dave tonight.  I called after getting home from the Lindgren's annual July 4th party; Dave left the shelter so he wouldn't disturb the others while we talked.  In a few minutes he said, I don't want to be rude, but I'm getting eaten up by mosquitos.  Okay, get under that netting!!

As of July 4, 2011
Miles today - about 11
Miles to date- 256.4

It was another hard day of steep ascents and descents, with a short flat period along the Housatonic River Dave said was really pretty.  One of the climbs was over St. John's Ledges.  Dave said the trail was so steep going down, he had to use both hands and therefore had to let his pack and poles slide down ahead of him.  It must have been nerve-wracking to let go of his pack - hoping it would land where he wanted it to!

I found several pictures of St. John's Ledges on the internet, most showing sheer walls where hikers rappel down, but I could not upload them to the blog.  Here's one picture, though it's hard to see how almost vertical these rocks are compared to other pictures I saw.  Some parts were so steep "steps" had been carved out, but they were about 16-inches tall.  That's hard enough to climb, but imagine adding a 30-40 pound pack on your back.  Whew - what a day for Dave.

He's been meeting up with a couple of guys - Tin Man from Baltimore and Sherpa and his female companion.  Tin Man hopes to do the entire trail this summer, from GA to ME.  He asked Dave when he started.  Dave replied, "March 28th."  Tin Man said, "Really?  I started on March 27th.  I can't believe I haven't run into you before now."  Dave said, "Maybe that's because I started on March 28th, 2006." ha ha ha

Sherpa carries the same water hydration system (bladder) as does Dave.  He was filling it up in a stream today, and let it sit there by itself for awhile.  Later he had it lying on a table in the shelter.  Dave looked at it and told Sherpa there was a fish in it!!  I forgot to ask if it was big enough to have for dinner.  Probably not if it could swim into a water bladder.

A few of the hikers were going to climb the next mountain to see fireworks tonight, but Dave had had all the climbing he wanted for one day.  Happy 4th of July from here at home to Dave at the Pine Swamp Branch Lean-to near Cornwall, CT!

Day 21 on the Trail

Dave's 21st day of hiking was on July 3rd, our 24th anniversary.  We were able to talk twice, in spite of cell phone difficulties.

As of 7/3/11:
Miles today - about 5?
Miles to date - about 245.4

I did not get the name of his shelter so I don't know exactly where he is.  Dave called in the morning and had already been walking for an hour.  It was very humid, his clothes were already sweaty, and as we were talking it began to rain. We were able to speak again in the afternoon.  He had stopped at the first shelter he found, as the light rain had turned into a downpour.

I was really sorry he couldn't participate in all The Landings' activities with me, yet I want nothing more for him than to fulfill his dream(s).  I don't think he dreamed of hiking in the rain, but he has finished one-fourth of his trip for this summer!

I spent the first part of my day with Molly, Chad, Chase and Coleman.  We went to Wassaw on their boat and stayed for several hours.  Chase found sand dollars and a hermit crab, and is learning to balance on his boogie board.  Coleman built a big sandcastle, loves to be in the water and is fascinated with everything about their boat.

I spent the second part of my day with good friends - and met new people - at the Wadsworths'.  The guests brought appetizers, the hosts provided dinner and drinks and my gosh we could have fed an army.  I left the party to walk to the club's festivities as I was participating in a Katy Perry Firework flash mob dance. I hadn't told Molly, as I did not want to embarrass her.  Of the hundreds of people milling around, there were the Huggins, right by our planned dance area.  The best part of the flash mob for me was when Chase jumped in to dance, too!  You can disown me if you want, Molly.  If you haven't already.

Back to the Wadsworths' home; the next thing I know everyone was gathered together and singing Happy Anniversary (to the tune of Happy Birthday) and presenting a beautiful cake!  I was still eating a yummy barbecue and slaw sandwich and was SO SURPRISED, I didn't know what to do.  I swallowed and got tears in my eyes, and I don't even know what happened next.  Beth started cutting the cake and I asked her to stop so I could take a picture.  I put some cake in the freezer for when Dave gets home, but I also plan to stick a piece in the next box of food I mail.  What awesome friends.

I had taken Ken as my date.  He is no substitute for Dave, but he sure does generate a lot of conversation (and some whispers behind my back, I think).  To dress him, I sorted through my bag of Ken clothes sent by Kat - and she was the one that gave me Ken, too.  What luck!  I found the perfect outfit for him.

Everyone wanted me to pass on their hellos to Dave.  It was a great day - I'm sorry Dave missed it but I'm glad he's so motivated to follow through on something he's wanted to do for a very long time.  Happy Anniversary, Dave!