Hitting the Trail

We camped overnight in one of these stone and wood shelters on the Appalachian Trail. It's very beautiful here; we’re surrounded by beauty everywhere.

We’ve had some really wild experiences. All these people taking us in have been great. Last night we were sharing a camp with two guys who have “Trail” names. One is “Pirate”; the other is “Hyena.” They shared their food with us. 

 

The main thing is having potable water. I have iodine pills [to purify water]. Somebody gave us Clif Bars; I was not familiar with them, but they really do have a lot of nutrition. We have one for morning and one for night, and raisins and nuts. The foodstuff we put into a “bear bag” and hang high in a tree. We have seen a number of bears. We think they’re out hunting.

There’s basically been little rain, and the times it’s rained we’ve been able to be at people’s houses. They keep telling us how [unusually] cool the weather is. Our feet our doing really well; that’s another little miracle. The only thing is ticks; they’re everywhere. Every little while you have to check your legs.

Friday or Saturday we’ll be emerging out of these woods, then on to Front Royal. -- Phone call from Mark, posted by the Communications Office

Comments

[Kirkland "hyena" Brooks]

Hey weirdos,
I was wondering if you fools ever made it into D.C. - Hyena

[Catherine Soehner]

Happy Birthday, Mark! I am so grateful for your presence in my life. I wish for you a day of low humidity and few ticks.
With love,
Your sister,
Catherine