April 24, 2000

Knot Maul, VA · 12 Miles Hiked Today · 542 of 2167 Miles Hiked Total

It was hard getting dropped off today. Harder than I was expecting. Not because I was wanting to go home, but because it was great seeing Whitney. We had a perfect time at the movies, hanging, and eating.

Of course it started drizzling as I was dropped off. And it drizzled or rained off and on all day and is expected to do so through Friday. Great. I guess its obvious I decided to keep hiking. There was no debate or doubt in my mind. No rain, no pain, no Maine!

Stopped today about 3:15 and met Almanac, Profile, Guman, Candyman, and Happy Hour. The moved on. But, two other new guys Lauren and Red Forest showed up, as well as Love Shack whom I haven't seen since just after Hiawassee, and Zoom, whom I hadn't seen since Fontana. I'm glad some cool guys I know showed up. We'll probably hike together through Friday (Pearisburg).

Lastly, today was the first time that I know we crossed through private property. I believe its all been owned by the ATC or public property this whole time. It is marked as private property w/ a "scenic...easement." There are nice people left in the world. One stretch today went right through some cow pastures. Luckily for me (others, I heard had problems) they moved aside as I came. I think it was because I talked to them as I walked, a little knowledge carried over from the cattle-drive days.