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Appalachian Trail

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March 24, 2001

This morning I woke to the sound of bagpipes. Several pipers had carried their instruments in the 2 miles from Neels Gap. They played for us during dinner last night and again this morning. Looking out across the mountains, ridge upon ridge and valley after valley, I could pretend we were in Scotland. That all ended when I started my stove, the Dragonfly, which sounds like a 747 taking off.

Liddell and I spent almost 5 hours resupplying and cleaning ourselves, plus talking on the phone and eating Ben and Jerry's at Neels Gap. My resupply didn't arrive today, but we decided to push on anyway since there was a store right there. Instead, I got to experience trail magic first hand. In addition to food gathered from the ever-fluctuating hiker box, Underdog, Todd, and Liddell gave me their extra food. I didn't have to buy anything. Underdog even sought me out to make sure that I had enough. We lost some folks to town and cabins tonight, but I bet we'll see them later.

So far my body is doing well. Only problem I've had is meal sizes. I have so much food, and my appetite hasn't grown yet. I've been trying to eat it rather than carry it. I don't know which is worse punishment right now.

I'm really happy to be walking with Liddell. Aside from the peace of mind it brings everyone else, it also makes me feel secure. It's easier to meet people when you have someone you know with you already. The walk has also been a lot easier as we laugh our way up the hills. Liddell is such an amazing woman.

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