Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

May 30, 2001

I'm now past Waynesboro, just shy of Shenandoah National Park. Norway, Beatle, and I hope to make a quick run of the park. Beatle is behind schedule. He graduated high school early and starts college this fall. Norway may start Vet school this fall, but she won't plan as far ahead as Beatle. I'm up for keeping things interesting. Seventy-two miles in three days sounds interesting. YOLO (You Only Live Once) may do the same. The motivation of others keeps me going as much as my own.

I'm rather bored with the inside of my head and now have a few books to read--an overload really, but I was really desperate. I've been moving slower since I caught up with Norway. I don't feel the need to push miles when I'm with people I like. Then the miles just happen.

Rusty's was really neat. I stayed there with Norway, Pigpen, YOLO, Al, and Snowbunny. Hilltopper (who hiked the AT in 2000) was also there, as well as Kineo, who is hiking this year but has been at Rusty's for over two weeks. Rusty is a generous man. He'll offer everything he has to hikers, including his land after he dies. Hikers are his family, but he has recently felt betrayed by hikers who misinterpret his riddles and believe their stay to be a free hostel or a gift of trail magic. It is not. It is Rusty's home. There are several springs there. One he uses as a refrigerator and water source. He doesn't have electricity or plumbing, but instead uses lanterns and a privy. He has a rainwater shower, chickens, and a garden. Signs about the trail and his rules hang everywhere, contradicting each other to weave the riddle of the Hollow.