Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

June 12, 2001

Back on trail after a sleepless break in DC. But boy was it fun. Don't even remember when I last wrote. Did some big miles to get to DC on a weekend when Jes and Will could hang out--24, 27, 22, 8 after the Shenandoahs. Did I write about the two taprooms in the park less than a half mile off the trail? Crazy. I enjoyed a big double bed to myself in a cabin.

Met Butterfly Man again in the roller coaster in Northern Virginia. We talked about the Mankind Project--support groups for men. Talked about how men are isolated by society, taught to be independent, an island. They don't get all they need growing up. Gives them small man syndrome and makes them selfish. Much of violence against women and destruction of the environment can be traced in part to men feeling small. Did I mention Butterfly Man was a psycho-therapist? Synchronicity... something I need always seems to find me on trail.

Gypsy moths are horrible. Walking down the trail I wade through confetti from the oak leaves devoured by them. The smell of oak sap wafts through the air. And fat, ugly caterpillars are everywhere. It's a resurgent year.

Twenty-five miles today. Caught up with Norway. DC was packed full of fun--Ethiopian cuisine, locks for breakfast, technology, good friends, Heidi, Crouching Tiger, new backpack. Glad to be back on trail as always. Maryland is smooth and beautiful. Summer is here.