Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

June 1, 2001

I love the Shenandoahs. Today I hiked 26 miles with YOLO (You Only Live Once). I was kind of bummed out before that--thinking about the phone call with my Dad and just generally waking up feeling sick and stiff. YOLO caught up with me late morning, told me a story from his life far worse than my current situation, then listened to me rant awhile, and soon I felt better. I still haven't called whom I need to. Emphasis is on miles again for the week--riding the rolling hills on the coattails of others' motivation. There are a lot of good books in my pack and a lot of good friends coming up soon. I'm hiking fast because I can. It's all rainy anyhow. The views are all shrouded in thick fog. But I can sneak up on deer in the same thick haze. I've seen a lot of deer lately, as I hike later in the day. I feel myself slipping back into a cycle of rage. Two steps forward and one step back.