Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

June 8, 2001

Perhaps many sound effects come from nature. Last night I heard birds that sounded like machine gun fire and car alarms.

Pollen was so thick yesterday, smelling of lilacs, azalea, and cheese powder, that I could hardly breathe at times. It's been like a rainforest, hot and humid complete with jungle rot on my toes. Long 27 miles started late.

Read about the horrible punishment of normalcy in Tom Robbins. "Shut up = stop talking. Grow up = stop growing." Just as I was thinking that I wouldn't wish that on anyone, I thought of Dad. I really have a lot more to work with than most people. He's weird, but he's willing to talk and communicate. I often think that if he weren't my Dad, I'd really admire him for not joining the work force in a career sense and being comfortable and true to himself. Now if I could only feel this way on the phone with him. Seeing my friends is the transfer point from trail to life.