Author Archives: donsbrother4

One aspect of the AT which continues to both fascinate and strengthen me is the uncertainty of what may occur on the trail on any given day. When Earl dropped Banzai and me back at the Three Ridges Overlook, a lone hiker was crossing the road headed north. He and Banzai exchanged greetings. It would be later in the morning before I introduced myself to Brass Rat. It would be even later in the afternoon before I realized how significant my meeting the MIT grad would be. He helped make the last eight miles of my 18.8 mile day pleasantly endurable, when I had little left in the tank.

The morning had begun with a bit of a downer when Cyclops confirmed what he had said last night. He is leaving the trail to return to Orlando. Better Man tried his best to get him to change his mind, but Cyclops had already booked a flight out of Lynchburg. The two who had hiked many miles together said their goodbyes after breakfast at the Dutch Haus B & B. So as Better Man and Smothers returned to the trail, Cyclops was getting a lift to the airport from Ranger and Julie. I too wished him well on his return to the “regular world.”

Before returning Banzai and me to our AT point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, he dropped our other passenger, ridge runner Regina, at Reeds Gap. When I started today’s hike, I used precaution by hiking slowly. I’m still pampering the Achilles for a few more days. With my slower pace pre-planned, I told Banzai and the hiker I would later learn was Brass Rat to go ahead. The strong, young man quickly disappeared into the distance. I never saw Banzai again throughout the day.

About seven miles into the hike, I heard the sound of poles on rocks behind me. A short while later I was overtaken by a day hiker, Brad, who was on his way to an overlook with his wife Libby and friend Tracy. Tracy’s black lab Dobie had also made the trek. Brad asked about my hike, so I told him about Don. He said that Libby’s father had also died from ALS. When we reached the overlook, which afforded beautiful views of ski slopes, I paused for a long break to visit with the three and enjoy the view. I also took Dobie’s pic as I let them know how much Don loved dogs.

As I hiked on up the trail, I met a few southbound weekenders and section hikers. Pony Stride and Preacher Man were the only two I engaged in conversation. Feeling somewhat undernourished and dehydrated, I rested often. During one such break I was caught by Brass Rat, who I had leapfrogged with all day but never really talked with much. That changed when I took a break in the mid-afternoon. After we both stated that we were feeling somewhat depleted, we hiked in tandem for the remainder of the day. I know that I hiked faster and with more enthusiasm than I otherwise would have. My new friend also happened to be my brother’s age. We shared a lot over the course of a few hours. I was especially interested in his trail name. He explained that it was based on the MIT class ring.

So all the way to Rockfish Gap we maintained a steady comfortable pace and conversation. Other than a rest stop at Paul C. Wolfe Shelter, we just walked and talked. Since Brass Rat had pre-arranged for a shuttle back to his car near Buena Vista, he offered me a ride to a motel in Waynesboro. When we arrived at Rockfish Gap, we only had to wait about ten minutes before the shuttler drove up. I was most appreciative for the lift.

Even though I only met the section hiker Brass Rat today, I felt like I had known him longer. Time tends too move slowly on the AT. As I said goodbye, he promised to read my web page and follow me the rest of the way. Section hiking requires a great commitment. I sincerely believe that my friend Brass Rat will one day get it all done. Thus a day that could have left me feeling a little down was transformed into another positive experience. Thank you my friend for making today another memorable one on my journey north along the Appalachian Trail.

Apparently everyone who owns a backpack in central Virginia decided to go for a hike on the AT today. If I had counted the south bound weekenders and day hikers beginning early this morning, the number would have easily exceeded one hundred. From Boy Scout troop 1893 out of Richmond, to Carter and his dad on Carter’s first hike to celebrate his 13th birthday, to “the Shack,” a group of five from DC, I had the opportunity to introduce my brother to many. My spirits were lifted by all the smiling faces.

The day began with one of the top five breakfasts I’ve enjoyed over the past two months. Lois served pancakes with strawberries, an omelet, sausage, juice and coffee to Ranger, Julie, Chrome Dome and me. After breakfast Earl drove me back up a portion of Spy Rock Rd. where he had to drop me off short of the trail. The remaining approximately one mile uphill walk over rocks of various sizes equaled anything I experienced on the AT today in the way of difficulty. It was a relief to finally make the left turn onto the trail.

The first challenge today was a climb up the Priest, with an elevation gain of 700 feet followed by a descent of over 3000 feet to the Tye River. From there the trail again elevated 2500 feet to Three Ridges Mountain. That climb was by far the most taxing of the day. Several beautiful views, however, helped to minimize the toughness of the uphill. Along the way I met another scout troop, 1932 from Williamsburg. For a while I thought I had inherited a dog when the troop’s collie mix followed me up the trail. Bhanzai, a thru hiker I had met earlier in the day, and I both tried to discourage the dog from trailing us to no avail. Finally Bhanzai asked a southbound hiker if he would leash the dog and hike with him back toward the scouts. Bryan was happy to so so.

A little later in the afternoon, the most spectacular view of the day occurred at the Hanging Rock Overlook. At the top I took several pics and chatted with .2, a former thru hiker who was camping there tonight. Bhanzai had also stopped at the overlook. Needing a night out of the woods, he decided to shuttle with me back to the Dutch Haus. We hiked briefly together before he pulled away on a downhill section, telling me that he would wait at the road.

Over the final three miles of my 20.3 mile day, I met Patty-cakes and Puddin’ who were slack packing a 30 mile day south bound. I also met two gentlemen from Alexandria who were out for an overnight trip with their young sons. Several other day hikers were climbing up to the overlook as I made my way toward the Blue Ridge Crossing at the Three Ridges Overlook. Bhanzai and I hiked the final .5 mile together. When we reached the road Earl was waiting. Before heading back to the B & B he drove back to the Tye River to pick up Regina, a ridge runner in the area.

When I arrived back at the Dutch Haus, I discovered that I was sharing a room with Cyclops, a hiker from Orlando that I had met last weekend in Troutville. Also at the B & B, much to my surprise, are Better Man and Smothers. Better Man (my friend Brandon who currently resides in Phenix City) and his wife started from Springer three days ahead of me. Today was the first time that I have seen them. Ranger and Julie are also back for another night.

So tomorrow I will hopefully hike to Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro, VA). It’s from there to Hanover, NH that I have already section hiked over the past decade. I’m actually looking forward to hiking a familiar area again. I already know where all the good restaurants are located near the trail. So if all goes according to plan I’ll begin the Shenandoah’s on Monday which will begin the last stretch of Virginia on the Appalachian Trail.

Solitude dominated the better part of an unseasonably cold, windy day. I never shed my rain jacket, the only warm article of clothing I still have since I mailed my fleece home two weeks ago. The wind chill hovered in the 40’s in the morning. In fact, the wind continued strong throughout the day. At times I had to use my poles to maintain my balance for fear that the wind would blow me over. Still the views atop Cold Mountain and Tar Jacket Ridge more than made up for the uncomfortable weather conditions.

The day began with one final ride back to the trail with Deidra. After dropping me off at US 60, she was headed for a day hike with a friend on Bluff Mountain. I can’t thank my former student athlete enough for her hospitality and the transportation to the trail each day. Visiting with Deidra and her family made my stay in Buena Vista very special.

The hike today began with a fairly steep climb up to Bald Knob. Even the switchbacks were steep. On the ascent I passed Etch-a-Sketch and shortly afterwards saw Boo Boo taking a rest. Not having seen him since last weekend, I paused to briefly chat. Hiking a little faster, however, I didn’t see him again all day. Within a few minutes I was passed by Puddin’ and Patty-cakes. For the remainder of the day I saw no other north bounders. I did encounter a few southbound section and day hikers including Freed Bird and his dog Colby. Having completed a thru hike in ’06, he now is out on a section hike of about 300 miles. Colby, decked out with blue saddlebags, cooperated for a pic. Don would have really liked Colby.

As I hiked the trail of rocks, roots, leaves, and mud in the cold afternoon wind, I thought of my long deceased granddaddy Harry Andrews. At about the age of ten, I received a Monopoly game for Christmas. After playing the game with me for some time, he declared the game should have been called Monotonous. I could say the same thing for the trail this afternoon. When I finally reached Spy Rock Rd., I had to walk down a rocky blue blazed road for about a mile before being picked up by Earl for the remainder of the ride to the Dutch Haus B &B, a hiker friendly establishment near Montebello. Other hikers here are Chrome Dome and Ranger.

The evening consisted of a delicious dinner prepared by Lois, followed by coffee and conversation. Chrome Dome just competed a section hike yesterday. Ranger, who resides in the DC area, is working on a section hike. Recently retired from the Forestry Service, Ranger talked of trips he and his family had taken in National Parks. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his travels. Along with his wife Julie, he has hiked in many scenic locations. Again, it was great to talk with a truly interesting fellow AT hiker.

Tomorrow the plan is a 20.3 slack pack that includes the Priest and Three Ridges Mountain. Unlike today, many challenges await. The heel feels good, so I hope I’m up for what the trail has in store. Above all else, I know that tomorrow will provide yet another aspect of adventure as the journey continues on the Appalachian Trail.

Zambian Squirrel, Weasel, and Skunk Foot departed from Springer together in early March. Today I met the trio from Vermont for the first time. They were doing a southbound slack pack when our paths crossed on the south side of Rice Mountain. Since the three were carrying little, I thought at first that they were day hikers. But after I introduced myself as a thru hiker, they in turn stated that they were as well. So again, after my four days of rest last week, I continue to meet new folks along the trail. They would not be the last hikers I would meet for the first time during the course of my short 11.0 mile day.

The day had begun at the Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 51.7, a short drive from Buena Vista. Like yesterday, Deidra played trail angel by driving me back to the AT. Today’s hike actually started out pretty level until a brief climb of only about one hundred feet. For the remainder of the day the trail alternated from nearly level to slightly downhill. I easily covered the short distance in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Other than several stream crossings, nothing really stood out.

One of those crossings, however, proved to be my undoing for the day. Not paying attention to where the trail continued on the other side of the stream, I attempted to cross at the wrong place. When I placed my right foot on a small slippery rock, I fell directly on my backside. Fortunately I did not hurt myself other than a slight bruise on the palm of my left hand. Ironically I had just been thinking that I had not fallen for around two weeks. Well, I suppose I can begin a new streak tomorrow.

In addition to the Vermonters, I also met thru hikers Patty-cakes, from Michigan and Puddin’, from Mississippi, who hiked right behind me for about a mile until they stopped for a break at Brown Mountain Creek Shelter. Once again I’ve had the good fortune to meet a personable young couple who seem to be thoroughly enjoying the thru hiking experience. Other than the two, I also passed a lady about my age, K-Fox. She was hiking more slowly, so we merely introduced ourselves before I moved on up the trail.

When I arrived at US 60, Spider and ET were waiting for a shuttle. Without cell service, Spider used my phone to make contact with the shuttler. About twenty minutes later Ken arrived to drive the three of us to Buena Vista. Before we drove away, Patty-cakes and Puddin’ crossed the road to where we had been waiting. They were able to secure a ride from a lady who was dropping two other hikers off at the trailhead. Within fifteen minutes I was back at the good old Budget Inn. Several other hikers are here tonight as well.

After a hot shower, I walked downtown for lunch at the Bluedogart Cafe, an establishment that is known for its hospitality to hikers. My waiter offered a sharpie so that I could sign the “hiker door.” While waiting for my meal, Howard, a motorcyclist from Ontario, asked about my hike. I answered his questions and also asked him some about his trip. He and a friend, after having biked on the Blue Ridge Parkway, were on their way to DC. I continue to enjoy all the non-hiking people I’m meeting.

When I finished my lunch I headed toward a barber shop, figuring it was time for a haircut and shave. It was closed. So I stopped by the Family Dollar for scissors, shaving cream, and razors. Even though I cut much of the beard with scissors before shaving, it still took seven razors to become a clean shaven man again. Sorry Mac! It was just getting too hot and uncomfortable. After the shave I also gave myself a haircut, something I can’t remember doing in a long time. I’ll get a professional one when I get to Waynesboro or Front Royal.

The day again culminated with supper at Deidra’s home. It was good to get the “with beard” and “without beard” pics. There are so many special moments on the trail. During my hike there have been just as many special moments off the trail. Being able to share two meals with Deidra and her family ranks right up there at the top. So tomorrow I have to say goodbye to Deidra and her town. Like Helen, Hiawassee, Hot Springs,
Erwin, Troutdale, Pearisburg, and all the other small towns along the AT, Buena Vista has been special. I’ll miss the faces of those I only met a couple of days ago. But the trail awaits. Tomorrow I’m back to a full pack and a longer day, but I’m ready to see what lies in store next on the hike north, up the Appalachian Trail.

Deidra Johnson Dryden excelled as a student and as an athlete at Shaw High School in Columbus, GA in the mid 1980’s. From the first time I saw Deidra run, her competitive nature was evident. Now three decades later, she serves as an administrator, mathematics instructor, and coach at Southern Virginia University. She also still competes at various distances including the marathon. Deidra and her dentist husband Brent are raising five children in a beautiful home in small town, America. This morning I had the privilege of being driven back to the trail by Deidra. The conversation quickly turned to running as she wound her way back up the mountain.

Before hitting the trail I took a few minutes to meet and talk with Spirit, a lady who is driving a small RV up the roads along the trail to support hikers. Taking a break inside were Shaman (the girl) and Steady, an older fellow that I had not met before. I departed, telling both that they would probably pass me in a few minutes since I planned to hike slowly today. Neither did, but Shaman caught me just as I was about to leave Big Rocky Row after a short break. She sat atop a rock taking in the view as I headed back up the trail.

With an already hot day developing at 8:30, the climb from the James River up to Little Rocky Row followed by Big Rocky Row presented a challenge. I stopped often for water and Gatorade. After the two Rocky Rows the trail leveled comfortably for a little over two miles. During the level stretch I came up on Sleeping Beauty with whom I hiked until the Punchbowl Shelter. Sleeping Beauty, with his fiery red beard and bandana to match, set a pace that seemed just right for me today. I continue to find it interesting how trail names are often not gender specific. SB had been hiking sporadically with Etch-a-Sketch, a twenty-something young lady. As the three of us hiked together I discovered that SB had left Springer one day after me and that E-a-S had begun her hike one day after Sleeping Beauty. Today, however, was the first that I had seen either of them.

The final climb of my hiking day had me going up Bluff Mountain. From the beginning of today’s hike I had ascended over 2700 feet. Thankfully, much of the climb involved switchbacks. At the summit of Bluff a monument has been erected to Ottie Cline Powell. According to the inscription, little Ottie’s body had been found at the spot in 1891, after he had wandered away from his school some seven miles away. The poor little guy was not quite five. I continue to be fascinated by the various types of monuments along the trail.

Sleeping Beauty continued to lead me up the trail from Bluff Mountain toward the road where I would end today’s walk. Both he and Etch-a-Sketch took the side trail to the Punchbowl Shelter to have lunch and re-fill their water supply. I said goodbye and headed on toward the Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 51.7, only .3 of a mile away. When I arrived at the road, Ken was already waiting for my ride back to Buena Vista. Since it was only 1:00 I had ample time to ice my Achilles, do laundry, and rest. So as I thought about the 10.8 mile day, I reminded myself that once again all is good on the Appalachian Trail.

One good thing about my restless night’s sleep was that I awoke at dawn ready to hike. Not wanting to disturb my four shelter mates, I remained in my sleeping bag until around 5:20 when I also heard War Cry rustling around. With her first movement, I began my “getting out of camp” routine. As quietly as possible I moved all my belongings to the picnic table in front of the shelter before deflating my sleeping mat. Knowing the sound would likely awaken everyone else, I saved that task for last.

After packing up and drinking as much as possible of my Carnation Instant Breakfast concoction, I was on my way. A little quicker to pack up, War Cry beat me out of camp. With gentle terrain and a heel that hopefully is much better, I anticipated hiking the 14.6 miles to US 501 by 1:00. Early on I took a short break at the Thunder Ridge Overlook where Bill, an AT maintainer, was shooting some early morning photos of the clouds below the mountains. I took a couple of pics as well before moving on up the trail.

When I reached Petites Gap, War Cry was sitting on a rock taking a break. I likewise stopped briefly. She started up the trail ahead of me; however, I would see her again later in the afternoon. When I got to Marble Spring I walked the 100 yards to fill my water bottles. Then at the Gunter Ridge Trail crossing I took another break to call shuttler Ken to let him know that I would be at 501 by 1:00. From there I hiked toward the next shelter on what was becoming a very hot afternoon.

Matt’s Creek Shelter is the only shelter that I’ve seen with a flash flood warning sign attached to its front. Having to hop over wet rocks across the creek to the shelter reinforced my confidence in the stability of my heel. War Cry was taking a break and asked about my shuttle. Having a little knee issue herself, she decided to hike the final 2.2 of the day with me and also ride to Buena Vista. A Wake Forest graduate with two degrees, War Cry has been hiking big miles, having begun her hike on April 6. It was the first time I had hiked with anyone for some time. I enjoyed our conversation as the trail paralleled the James River. The last .2 mile was across the longest foot use-only bridge on the AT.

When we got to US 501 Ken had not arrived. After unsuccessfully trying to reach him, War Cry and I were offered a ride to Buena Vista by Tom Davis, a gentleman from Florida who was on his way to Wisconsin to visit relatives. A retired accountant, Tom and auditor War Cry had a common thread for conversation. Tom was more than happy to become our trail angel for the day as he first dropped War Cry at a hostel before taking me to my motel. Before departing, Tom got both of our web pages’ addresses and said he would check them out. It was a real pleasure getting to meet and chat with Tom.

The highlight of my day, however, occurred after I arrived in Buena Vista. Deidra (Johnson) Dryden, a former Shaw student athlete that I coached in cross-country, had invited me to supper at her home. Meeting her children, Jack, Will, Sophie, and Sadie made the evening even more special. The outstanding home cooked meal more than made up for the diet I have been subjected to the past two nights in shelters. Visiting with Deidra and her family brought to a conclusion another wonderful day on my continuous adventure along thenAppalachian Trail.

Monday, May 20………A hard rain awakened me at midnight. It felt peaceful and secure under the tin roof of the shelter as the rain pelted it. Quickly returning to sleep, I may have slept better last night than any other night I’ve stayed in a shelter. One thing is for sure; it’s the first night’s sleep I didn’t have to pay for in over two weeks. Plans are to repeat the night in the woods tonight. It’s unfortunate that all shelters aren’t as nice as Bryant Ridge.

Knowing I only had a 10.2 mile day planned, I lingered at the shelter until 8:25. Spider and ET headed out before me. They always hike about an hour and then take a break for breakfast. When I did start to hike I was immediately greeted with a tough climb. The initial climb was followed by two more of about the same length before I finally got some breathing room at the crest of Floyd Mountain. After passing Spider and ET while they were having their breakfast, I saw no other hikers all day.

Later in the morning just as I was thinking that I hadn’t seen a deer in a couple of weeks, a white tail flashed across the trail right in front of me. Don must have been hearing my thoughts. The large deer paused for a minute before moving on. I also saw two large red-headed woodpeckers. Birds of varying species are plentiful on the AT. Hawks can be seen soaring through the sky almost every day. I’ve yet to see an owl, however.

Even though I hiked slower than usual throughout the day, I still reached the Thunder Hill Shelter before 2:00. I really dislike getting to shelters so early because there’s literally nothing to do. Being the only one there, I picked out a sleeping spot and laid out my tyvek. Then I decided to walk back to a crossing of the BRP to see if I could get cell service. None was to be found. So I walked back to the shelter where I swatted flies until bedtime. The pests made journaling as well as eating a challenge.

A while later Temp, Stumbles, and Onyx (formerly Alex) arrived. They immediately began debating whether to stay or continue on for an additional 14.6 miles to Glasgow and a shower. Asking my (parental) advice, I stayed clear of the discussion. Finally after cooking and eating a meal, they set out at 5:35, fully expecting to do at least a couple of hours of night hiking. I admire the enthusiasm of the young. After their 30 plus mile day, I doubt that I will see them again. Then with the Appalachian Trail one never knows.

While the debate was underway, David, a hiker out for a few days to get ready for a southbound thru hike he hopes to begin on June 1, and Spider and ET arrived for the night. Just before dark War Cry also walked up to claim a spot in the shelter. After the trio departed the rest of us sat around the picnic table chatting over our meals. War Cry, like myself, has no stove. She too said she just wasn’t using it, so she sent it home.

As dusk approached I made one of my fundamental shelter errors. I got into my sleeping bag (mainly to avoid the flies) and fell asleep before dark. Then at a little past 11:00 I awoke to remain so for over two hours. When I go to sleep that early my body thinks it’s a nap. I believe I could have gotten up and started hiking at midnight. Until probably after 1:30 I rolled from side to side numerous times before finally getting back to sleep. It proved to be a reckless night, but all in all the day couldn’t have been more important because the heel feels fine and once again my hike appears to be going well. Tomorrow I’ll add mileage as I continue to test the Achilles on the Appalachian Trail.

Sunday, May 19…..With a cool, drizzly day awaiting, I couldn’t be more anxious to get back to the trail. After spending now what seems more like a month than a week in Daleville/Troutville, I need to hike. In fact, if I don’t get back in the woods soon, I fear I may become addicted to the Big Bang Theory. It’s always interesting how one occupies his time when confined to a motel room for days. As much as I like rooms and the conveniences that come with towns, I’m actually looking forward to a shelter tonight. Anyone who has met me on the trail is probably doubting the remark, but at least for today I state it with sincerity.

The Comfort Inn, where I’ve resided the past two nights, provides about as impressive a breakfast buffet as any establishment that I’ve stayed in thus far. While dining this morning I chatted awhile with thru hikers, Cyclops and Shaman. Also preparing to hike out today, they were loading up on a hearty breakfast before venturing back out into the woods. At the next table were Smurf, Pops, and Cub who live in northern Mississippi. Having finished a section hike yesterday, they planned to drive home today. Interested in my reasons for hiking, the three listened attentively as I shared with them my strategies. Cub said he liked my methods.

After checking out of my room I took a seat in the lobby to kill some time before my shuttle arrived. While waiting I spent about half an hour talking with Kyle and Johnny, two players for the minor league Frederick Keys. Playing in the Carolina League, the Baltimore Orioles affiliate had a weekend series with Salem, a Red Sox farm team. Kyle, who is from Montgomery, asked some specifics about my venture when I told him I was hiking the AT. Johnny noted that I would be out longer than their baseball season.

Right on time, Homer’s son Bennett arrived to shuttle me back to the trail at Jennings Creek. Riding and chatting with the former thru hiker and now Virginia Tech sophomore reinforced my faith in the youth of today. At nineteen Bennett seems mature beyond his age. But then what should one expect of a young man who thru hiked the AT with his parents and eleven year old sister when he was eight. It was an honor being taken back to the trail by Bennett.

So as I stepped foot on the trail for the first tome since Tuesday, the rain commenced. Fortunately it never got harder than a steady sprinkle as I tested my Achilles on an uphill section from the outset. Very slowly I began to re-acclimate myself with the nuances of the trail. All appeared fine at the beginning. After the climb I faced a downhill section of about the same distance. With each step I gained confidence; however, I reminded myself often that I needed to remain patient. And that’s exactly what I did.

When I arrived at the Bryant Ridge Shelter, which is regarded as somewhat of a “penthouse” that sleeps 20, Doodles was there. Only stopping for a break, he headed out toward the next shelter shortly after I arrived. I picked out a good spot to place my mat and sleeping bag and then hung my damp clothes on pegs in hopes that they would dry overnight. Just when I had everything organized, two hikers I had not met, husband and wife Spider and ET walked up. They are on a lengthy section hike which will end in Waynesboro. Already having finished the Pacific Crest Trail in sections, the couple from the San Francisco area are great company. Spider and I talked about the Pacific Coast Highway and Pebble Beach as he readied his space in the shelter.

So I’m finally back in the woods. It was the perfect way to continue the hike. I walked pain free for 3.8 miles over both uphill and downhill terrain. Now I’m in a luxury shelter (as shelters go) on a night when more rain is in the forecast. My fellow shelter mates are congenial and about my age. I have burgers in the food bag for supper and my cozy sleeping bag ready when darkness comes. I’m a very contented hiker at the moment. It feels so good to once again be hiking on the trail I hope to follow all the way to the Maine, the very special Appalachian Trail.

As I planned this hiking adventure throughout the fall and winter, I wrote about my reasons for referring to the endeavor as my “hike of hope.” One objective was to raise awareness of the multitude of challenges a person with ALS faces. I wanted people following my walk to understand that a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail, be it difficult in its own way, pales in comparison to those challenges a victim of Lou Gehrig’s disease must confront. Hikers of the AT have the use of their arms and legs to navigate both strenuous as well as less difficult sections of trail. Most ALS patients eventually can’t use any of their extremities. Their mind remains the same; their bodies just stop working.

Each day that I hike I remind myself of just how active my brother was before his diagnosis and just how quickly he lost all ability to be active. He knew there was no cure, and he knew that he would never get any better. Still with a strong faith and surrounded by so many who loved him, he persevered. Sometimes, I don’t know how. Watching his transformation from an avid bass fisherman, hunter, and excellent softball player to a man forced to sit in a power chair and have others do everything for him was excruciating for all Don’s family and friends to endure. For him it must have been beyond any agony the mind can conceive.

So another of my “hopes” as I started the walk from Springer to Katahdin was that I could raise some funds for ALS research. I didn’t set a monetary amount as a goal because I wanted my brother’s friends, my friends, and perhaps those who never knew either of us to give because they wanted to help make a difference. I don’t know if whatever monies I raise will be substantial enough to provide researchers with what they need to finally determine a cause and treatment for ALS. But they just might. What I do know is that every time a new diagnosis is given, another person, along with his family and friends, has no hope. None. That’s a sobering thought.

While I’ve hiked each day I’ve spent a lot of time thinking and reflecting. Always enjoying numbers (even though I was an English teacher), I often find myself doing trail math. How many miles will I need to average to finish the hike on a certain date? How many days off can I take if I average 15 miles a day? If I only hike 10 miles tomorrow, can I do 20 the next day? If I cover two and one-half miles an hour, when will today’s hike be complete? I seem to always be thinking about numbers.

Numbers are important on the trail just as they are in research. So now that I’ve completed over one-third of the trail with the full intent to get it all done, I would like to ask my readers to consider making a contribution to the ALS Association or The ALS clinic at Emory at my website, donsbrother.com If 100 people gave $50…….I’m thinking about numbers again. There is a “Make a Donation” drop down tab at the top. While you’re at it, if you haven’t already, please spend some time reading about my brother on the “Don” pages, also at the top. If my brother were here he would be saying, “Stop asking these people for money and get on with your hike.” But Don is not here which is why I feel a need to try to help find a cure for the disease that took him from those he loved and from those who loved him.

As I wait to return to the trail on Sunday, I just felt like it was the appropriate time to reach out. I won’t do it again. What I will do, however, is keep walking north on the Appalachian Trail. And every day that I hike I’ll keep remembering my brother and of course reminding myself often that above all, Donald was a man of faith who loved his family, but I’ll also keep remembering how much Don loved the woods.

One good thing about taking a few days off is that I’ve had the opportunity to meet some new hikers as well as reacquaint myself with folks I passed weeks back. Last night Boo Boo was relaxing in the lobby of the Super 8. Having read his trail journal since before I started, it was a real pleasure finally getting to meet him. Also dealing with some minor injuries, Boo Boo has had to rest some as well. This morning he was getting ready to hike out of Daleville. I have a feeling, however, that I’ll see him on the trail in a few days.

Two of the Germans, Pacemaker and Runner-up, also were here. I had first met them around Hot Springs. Runner-up speaks better English than some of the locals I’ve met along the way. He even referred to something as a “catch 22.” Gotta like a reference to Yossarian. Hiking with visas that have expiration dates, the foreigners must confront other time issues. Runner-up’s visa lasts until mid-September. He and Pacemaker seem like strong enough hikers to reach their goal by then. It would be tough to find oneself within a couple of days of Katahdin with a visa about to expire.

Big Red and Yooper were also getting ready to hike north this morning. Big Red, the first hiker I’ve met from Missouri, said he had heard of me. I’m not sure what that meant. In high school Don had an Irish setter named Red. I hadn’t thought about that dog in a long time. Amazing where the memories appear. Yooper, who calls Michigan home, appeared refreshed from the town stay. With a pleasant smile under her brimmed hat, she looked ready to resume her hike.

As I’ve rested over the past three days I’ve thought of all the hikers whose paths I have crossed over the almost two months I’ve been on the trail. I wonder how many are still hiking and which ones have ended their hikes. Yesterday I decided to text message Rocket and Whiskers, the couple from Cambridge. Whiskers messaged back that they were headed into Waynesboro today. That’s a little over one hundred miles up the trail. I also contacted Slim Jim. He was almost to Woods Hole, about five days behind me.

So I continue to rest, take care of the tendon, and wait. I also continue to remind myself that it’s better to wait than to hike before I am ready. As one of my old buddies has stated in a message, “the trail will wait for you.” Roger is right. It’s waiting as I wait. Hopefully, I will be ready again soon because one thing the setback has reminded me is just how much I want to get back into the woods. It shouldn’t be long now before the walk toward Maine resumes on the Appalachian Trail.