Jimmy B's Blog

"What's Next"?

2015-11-05T08:44:00.001-05:00

I've been axt several times already, "so what's next?" Well, let's have a bit of review first or better yet

"LET ME SHOW YA SOMTHIN!"

The Appalachian Trail is a true blue national treasure first proposed by Benton MacKaye back in the 1920's

To provide an environment where we find relief, recovery and refreshment from urban and industrial life.

The ball was later picked up by Arthur Perkins:

And Myron Avery when in the 30's the blazes started appearing.

Completing the Trail from Maine to Georgia in 19ought37. I threw in ought cuz that's how they talked.

My favorite section? That's tough as I saw beauty every day, have hours of GoPro video and hundreds of pics to prove it but I'm looking forward most to seeing the Green Mtn section in Vermont again and am hoping to help coordinate a week long excursion next year to include service work in the Berkshires with teens and chaperones.

The worst section for me was Pennsylvania, the hardest was between the Whites and the finish.

Although there was no lack of natural God given beauty in all States.

WHATJA SAY?

The eye candy is infinite

Shelters every 5-10 miles

Wonderful, like minded, generous people everywhere

You've been following, you know.

What about the hair?

Options include but are not limited to;

The combover

The 7Eleven or Quickymart:

That was a terribleawful. How about the hoodlum

Orrrrr how about, the Kip?

Either way, it seems I must now reenter the matrix:

It is easy to sense the societal tension, 2 minutes of news, grocery stores, just out and about and the drive from Mass to Maryland to visit mom and Bluebird was choked with "I's and A's" weaving in and out trying to play NASCAR on the highway.

About six weeks ago I came across an almost hidden trail magic site next to a small stream in Vermont with soda, a seat and this anonymous note and poem.

I'm not sure if you're able to expand and read. The note mentions Robert Frost reciting the poem two miles away in 1957. A few lines from A Prayer in Spring:

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today; and give us not to think so far away

For this is love and nothing else is love, To which it is reserved to God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that we fulfill.

We so easily get tangled up in tomorrow that it so often strangles our today.

The longest foot path in the world provides a wonderful respite whether for a few hours, a few days or a few weeks to help spirit, mind and body.

And I remain at your service to answer questions or support those interested in taking a closer look or greater advantage.

GK Chesterton made many great quotes in my opinion: "Don't teach the children they are a body with a soul, rather that they are a soul with a body" and for those who maintain their rejection:

“If there were no God, there would be no atheists.”

While I eagerly seek a permanent position with FEMA I am far more excited, humbled and sobered by what begins on November 15th. After essentially a 25 year vetting, the elders and congregation have asked me to be their full time minister. Yes, they know about the sense of humor, many appreciate it, if nothing else it teaches patience and we all must practice forgiveness. A word about the art of forgivenes; like a lawyer who always only "practices" law or a doctor who always only "practices" medicine, forgiveness has always only practiced and only perfected once in Hisstory. Those that know me understand there will be many opportunities for various ministry fields to participate in as we seek to serve: prisoners (juvenile and adult male) with my buddy Steve;

An open wellness program and a food pantry ministry with the lovely and ever positive Maretta;

Maretta's famous quote when being described as a cup half full person replied "please, I'm just thankful to have the cup"

Widows & orphans, youth, veterans, Christian business owners ministries etc., surrounded and infused with real deal Bible and book study and an incredibly gifted, enthusiastic, generous and engaged church family.

The Greater Springfield church of Christ in Chicopee (gee I wonder what that Indian name stands for) http://gs-churchofchrist.org/ is a wonderful and diverse family of believers. It is what's known as a mainline church of Christ not to be confused with either the United Church of Christ nor the International church of Christ.

I've preached many times over the years but my first official sermon is titled: A Declaration of Dependance and will revolve around the story of the rich young ruler found in Mathew 19. We would be glad to see you, just be forewarned, if you sit there and make funny faces at me, I will call you out! Haha

In closing, I thank God from whom all blessings flow, for prayers answered, for His one and only Son who escorted me for six months and despite my weakness resides with me still, for my incredibly prescious family and outstanding friends and loved ones who boggle my selfish mind with support and encouragement.

For up to 3 months I will be finishing up a personal project in Huntington staying with my wonderful friends Phil and the one and only bestest Marylou;

I'd like to find a permanent dwelling in the Chicopee, Holyoke, South Hadley area to be close to the church and turnpike.

At some point I hope to further use and abuse my more computer savvy friends to produce a multimedia AT video which I will share. Till then take care and please, don't hesitate.

Non Propositional Knowledge

2015-10-31T10:16:00.001-04:00

Non propositional knowledge is a term I recently learned that I'm sure you can relate to; it describes the inability of words to accurately express the depth of an experience. We share a sunrise or sunset, we watch a movie or see a game together but then sometimes we alone experience something that we could only wish but know we can't fully nor even closely recount the myriad elements and nuances contained within even something lasting but a moment let alone six months.

Nevertheless I can tell you my body is glad it's over. The 21st mile of a marathon (26.2) is commonly referred to as "the wall". It's a psychological barrier where body and mind are in full agreement that continuing is not a good idea and only the will remains to finish.

I hit the wall or rather it hit me in the Whites and stayed till Oct 27 at about 4pm after the crawl up and down Katahdin.

A couple of common trail phrases: "everyone hikes their own hike" and "the trail provides". The latter refers to the abundance of Trail Magic, Trail Angels etc which seem to appear out of nowhere at times but so often at just the right time in the secular sense due to sheer coincidence.

When viewed on a profile guide the "100 Mile Wilderness" looks mostly flat, manageable and like a terrain one might make up time and distance on. It's the 100 miles heading into Baxter Park where Katahdin is.

Warnings abound as many look at the guide and make false and in at least two occasions life threatening assumptions. From Monson Maine to Baxter access to towns, resupply, rescue, signal etc is scarce if at all.

Hikers are advised to carry 10 days worth of supplies, and especially in these weeks all manner of weather gear.

Others agreed, at this late date between the Whites of NH and Baxter of Maine, around 350 miles, maybe around a dozen NOBO thru hikers remain. And marching along makes intersecting without advance contact and coordination at least a "random" occurance. Stay with me now.

So when I finally hobble into Monson around 10am the intent is to eat breakfast, find a place to stay, prep for the Wilderness and possibly locate a shuttle to bring me to Katahdin the next day so I can head south back to Monson vs hitting Katahdin too late as already many have had to turn back half way up due to weather.

The shuttle would've cost $100 and pretty much from there I would've hiked totally alone as I had since Georgia except now rarely seeing another soul.

So in Monson I find the Lakeshore Hostel. The owner says I will have the whole place to myself, walks me upstairs for a tour and that's that.

Within about 30 minutes of unpacking and starting an inventory I was surprised to see a young couple enter. They're not staying just hanging out to watch tv as they plan to sleep at the trailhead before heading out the next day.

We introduce each other and they immediately recognize my name as the Sparky that Perk had spoke of the day before who I had met briefly the week before. Meet Camel, Canundrumb Jubilee (CJ) and Perk the Scholar. At the Lakeshore in Monson Cam describes an opportunity as his back problems prevent him from hiking what CJ and now Perk want to complete, the Wilderness.

Cam has a truck and invites me to slack pack the entire Wilderness while he meets us nightly after 15-19 mile day hikes along dirt logging access roads. This means all I would now need to carry is the day's food and water and one set of dry clothes in case of a fording accident. There are about 5 streams where one must ford up to their thighs to cross.

This opportunity cut my daily pack weight from about 60+ lbs (10 days food, tent, sleeping bag etc) to about 12lbs, increasing my mileage from 8-10 to 15-19 miles daily.

This cut the trek from 10 days down to 6 days 5 nights!

Although I got soaked twice I was able to just hike to the truck, grab gear, set up tent, eat, sleep and repeat. While I kept telling them they were a Godsend I fear they only may have seen it as "the trail provides".

The Wilderness does not provide many vistas and is covered with roots, rocks, mud, bogs and combinations thereof.

But once in a while one comes across a nice spot:

And as one approaches gets a glimpse of the beauty and one in the same beast.

Rumors abound as Baxter considers terminating their longstanding relationship with the AT due to the small (3%) but powerfully effective and sometimes destructive forces among thru hikers against the mission of the park.

Katahdin is an incredible piece of property as noted by several notables including but not limited to:

It rises from 1106 to 5268 feet over a 5.2 mile stretch.

As one ascends they climb up to an incredible rock scramble called the Abol Slide

an area where one must climb hand and foot without poles over, under, around, lifting, pulling and grabbing hand holds.

The Abol Slide section

leads up to the area known as the Tablelands.

Which eventually brings us to the summit approach:

Perk (the only other thru hiker there on this day) was heading down as I approached and was kind enough to return and take my pic:

Then he left me alone to myself to take a few minutes in solitude:

To record a short video (unattainable on blog), take a few pics:

And reflect and pray before heading back down.

Now what?

Well if you don't mind, and even if you do, I'd like to give it one more post to summarize the hike and share some news about likely and possible futures if as we say the good Lord Will's and the creek don't rise. Give me a couple days whilst I visit me ma and kin.

Luv luv luv

The Boonies

2015-10-20T18:27:00.001-04:00

Maine loves water, even on the mountain ranges, loves wind turbines for good reason but not cell phone towers, ja miss me?

Easily the hardest part of the trail was the Whites of NH thru the start of Maine.

Lots of 4000 footers:

Lots of trees:

Into the woods:

I never realized there are so many lakes in Maine:

Water everywhere:

The colors have been incredible:

Clouds above and clouds below:

I met two Gridiacs in NH. To complete "The Grid" one must summit each of the 48 4,000 footers each of the 12 months of the year!

Yes I've run into the white stuff:

The cold and wet stuff (so much for keeping the feet warm and dry):

The green stuff:

A monster:

A critter:

I don't know if they mate for life but apparently they eat together:

Although not this one, on top of a range I slipped into a mud bog up to my knees:

Cool Breeze check out the furniture:

This was a very cool tent site:

All to myself:

The trail is empty but I'm certainly not complaining:

The scenery spectacular:

The days short but full:

There's been little or no cell coverage. Tomorrow I enter the famous 100 Mile Wilderness where the coverage won't exist. So how ironicalistic (Webster adds new words every year and that will make sense to mi familia) to be sending my last post before the finish, you know how and if, from:

Apparently the two departments, Maine and Mass, met in Springfield Mass at a convention several years ago. I landed here this morning to prep for the days ahead. By noon I was invited to a bible study at 630. To say "God is good" seems so elementary.

Getting Warmer/Colder

2015-10-09T22:31:00.001-04:00

Closing in on it, "good Lord willin and the creek don't rise" hope to finish in a couple weeks. From the Whites to now near Rangeley ME (Rangeley is known for being half way point between the equator and North Pole) the trail has been absolutely brutal but incredibly beautiful.

The terrain is insane but I'm hearing aside from Bigelow and Sugarloaf the worst is behind me.

The roller coaster of mountains slows me down to 1 mile per hour

Slow ups:

Up,

N up:

Slower down:

but offers great vistas in between:

And sometimes a place to sit, relax and enjoy:

Anyway, who really cairns?

The cairns are actually signs.

The "Arctic Zone" is above tree line (either no trees above 8 ft or none period) so the cairns replace the blaze:

SPEAKING OF the blaze, in 2002 NoBo thru hiker Gary Monk (bet he hiked alone bahaha), trail name "Blaze" counted every blaze he passed 80,900. I say there were still only 7 or 8 in the Smokeys but hey that's ancient history.

I've been going thru some old pics that I don't think I shared. This one was a sign that I should either have escargot for breakfast or I really was moving too slow.

Speakin of slow, tho I will forever remain Sparky, I thought of another trail name, Creepy Crawler:

Speakin of makin momma proud, look ma, "crussoo";

What DOD would call "skutah":

Another name could be Jimmy Feral!

I've lost so much weight so fast that the skin of my fingers can't keep up,

Speakin of signs, this one said to go back; right, eyeah, okay, sure, not, indeed:

Speakin of sign:

In moose country. Scat and track all over and in the trail but I haven't seen one yet.

Okay, you decide. Since day one April 9th I have had only one single eating utensil, a titanium spork that fits in a pocket on my JetBoil. I've used it virtually every single day in the woods. It's all I got to scoop the food! Ya feelin me about the spork? Several days ago, woke up at 5am, snoozed till 530, fired up JetBoil for coffee. "WHERE IS SPORKY SPARKY?" I swirled the coffee and Truvia(Christian sweetener) that worked fine but I have no other utensil to eat with. Went thru the pack, sacks and tent, it's gone. Then it "dawned" on me, the very night before, however many nights there have been, I had scoped out the only other two tent sites, there are no other humans mind you, on a rock next to a fire pit I remembered spotting this:

While one technically could make this up, I did not.

Speakin of (aren't u sick of that phrase now haha) food and signs. Check this privy sign out talkin about composting your human waste:

Y'all be likin that humus?

Nummy num num.

I see red:

Do see see a creature?

That was easy. Hey kids, how about a creature double feature? This ones not so easy:

Do you see what I saw?

I also saw signs of spiders:

Thousands of them:

And sometimes just one:

They don't survive if they venture into my space btw.

What every other state calls a shelter:

Maine calls a lean to:

Signs are everywhere, aren't we all always watching, for signs?

I am looking forward to the conclusion of the hike, looking forward to what lies ahead though not too excited about returning to what this devo describes as the unstable world in flux. Perhaps reminders will help to fix the gaze.

Cow Hampshire

2015-09-30T10:14:00.001-04:00

Back in my dad's day they called it Cow Hampshire as apparently at one time there were more cows than people in New Hampshire. All I know is big huge hills. The Whites kicked my butt "8 ways to Sunday".

In the reading I did a year ago, one book said; when a single season NoBo thru hiker reaches the Whites, they have spent only 20% of the energy needed to finish. Until now I've questioned that statement.

I have aches and pains not felt since GA and NC. The daily mileage is back down to 10 but indeed the views are spectacular:

Btw the word indeed is a man's word. Think about it. If you're one of the women reading this blog

Go ahead and say the word.....indeed. Feels awkward doesn't it? You can use certainly, absolutely, etc. Whenever a guy uses the word indeed, think of him like this:

Speaking of words, the hike and audio audible have given me a great opportunity to further my way along a list I started years ago. The 100 books everyone should read before they die. A couple things about said list; there are a hundred such lists with wide variations yet many books in common. Unfortunately the Bible rarely appears on the list, ironic as it is alive and active not to mention the Worlds best seller for generations. Did you know the first US Congress, the same which wrote of government and religion, actually used tax dollars to print and distribute the Bible as a school primer? So back to the list(s) of 100. Another facet of the list is not to finish so as to prolong ur life, get it? Well there are several books common to most lists regardless of variation and here's how I felt when finally finishing one such most commonly listed:

If you're interested in reading the most verbose(wordiest), blue bloodiest, soap opera yet perfectly well titled books or you're expecting an interview with Loyds of London, try Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice. In Ct I came across a retired English teacher who loved the book then laughed admittedly when I said "of course, it's filled with gossiping women".

Gee, this post has taken on a somewhat gendered tone, let's go back to the scenery.

The Whites remind me of PA in some way as there's no small amount of rocks.

Both on and off the trail:

But these rocks are different, they tend to be more level, and stickier though just as hard.

Some rock trails lead up to:

Places like Mt Washington;

On a sunny day no less;

That for a little while got a bit uglier:

Then prettier again:

Then about 2 hours and just 4 miles later I was given a sign saying "stop here".

"Down here at this very place, the Madison Hut"

Ok I did, before crawling up and down that nasty beast behind it. The night before, I tented 4000 ft up to watch the blood moon. This was the moon at 7ish

Unfortunately this camera did not capture the lunar eclipse that looked like a natural orange hanging in the sky at 10:30pm.

Surprised (not) by waking the next morning, to find a morning after what many said would have been the world's end, I was able to capture a great sunrise:

Then at the day's end a great sunset:

The Word's Out

2015-09-23T21:13:00.001-04:00

Meet Chopper and Murray. What a tremendous encouragement and heart string pulling father and son duo:

Chopper is the handsome guy in the back with the baseball cap, his dad Murray is better looking, in better shape, and at 80 is kickin his son's butt. We played leap frog several times during their 11th year together on the trail. They're sectioners who plan to finish in 2 years. How cool is that? Within a couple days of their last day of their annual 2 week trek, while Jet Ski and his future son in law (not in pic) and I were literally standing in the middle of an intersection, in the middle of nowhere (the "geographical oddity" following me since Georgia) receiving directions, Chopper and Murray popped out, yelled out then essentially adopted us for 2 days. Each with a truck they ferried us to dinner, breakfast, re supply, then after giving us the opp to slack pack treated us to dinner and brew at their shelter. Chopper is a 20 yr Army man(stock rose immediately in my book) he's been flying the latest and greatest helicopters we produce for 10 yrs and training others. Murray was a machine maker and cop for 10 years, we spoke of how insane the recent news has been.

The Green Mountains of Vermont were nothing short of spectacular. Who doesn't love the smell of pine?

The Greens were verdant, covered, packed and alive.

Certainly not without great vistas:

And reminders that others are still here, though I don't dig graffiti:

I guess no state along the trail is now complete without one of these:

It has come to my attention that what I've witnessed is now making the news, there has been an element, a small portion of hikers, we call hickers, wreaking havoc everywhere and driving businesses, parks and even entire towns to consider banning AT hikers next year. Sad it's really just a small but pervasive percentage of bad apples.

On the lighter side, this one still has me laughing though the guy was def sketch. He is heading south, comes up on me and says "you thru hikin?" I look the part ya know. "Yes sir!" I reply. "You retired?" "What's ur trail name" he asks. "Sparky". Then he launches, "I'm a section hiker , done the trail umpteen times, go out every weekend blah blah blah but totally serious face then says his trail name is "Blaze of Glory" I immediately laughed but he stayed straight and serious. I asked "do you have kids" guessing he's mid fifties. He says "yeah" then proceeds, he was on the trail down south a few years ago "witnessing" to a young girl (sketcher) when he got up "kissed a tree" then the girl says "your name should be blaze of glory!" Ooookaaayyy. So I can't this go, I said "well at least ur kids will know what to put on ur tombston" He totally straight pan faced just no expression says "well take care" and I walked away (quickly) laughing.

One of my kin says she won't be seen publicly with me till I shave.

Another says when I'm done she's gonna feed me straight lard! Lard like blubber and blab is a perfect word isn't it?

I'm still reading my devo book but can't remember nor have the time to go back and see those I've already sent.

Suffice it to say, the more I see, the more I'm amazed.

There's so much evidence.

I'm in the Whites as I write this and will share more of that next time. Signal is scarce to say the least.

I hope yall are doin well.

Love

A Fungus Amongus

2015-09-21T17:57:00.001-04:00

Have you ever felt like things are movin just too fast? Where has the time gone and where's it going? Ahhhhhh just to take a deep relaxing breath to drink in the moment. Walking along a 1 mile stretch of road between Norwich Vt over the Ct River to Hanover NH (home of Dartmouth) I couldn't help but feel the tension amongst the hundreds of commuters inbetwwen traffic lights as I realized it won't be long for me now as this sabbatical's end draws near.

Something's take time.

Scout is fascinated by snakes and mushrooms. We've seen enough snakes but I've been savin up on shrooms since NC.

I actually got a shuttle ride from a young man in Virginia who admitted being in a mushroom club, this country has something for everyone.

They are interesting and varied for sure:

I went on line to learn the Smithsonian has the best guide to mushrooms including testing for consumption. This one looks like a pancake:

Or snicker doodle:

A bouquet

Hen of the woods?

A mushroom anemone

Something's been nibbling:

One wonders what natural cures might be stored within:

Caulimush

I hope that doesn't itch

Such variety

Mushroom birdbath

Tree coral

Remember Chaga from early post? It worked for me in PA in tea. Only good from birch. Ask prof Google:

This one tree

Was for some reason more attractive as they crawled all the way up

More Hen of the woods?

My brother Mike B taught me about the Artist Mushroom about 5 yrs agp. AKA the Mushroom Conk on the top becomes dark and hard by October.

While underneath is a thin veneer of white.

Using the right instruments, given the time, inspiration and talent, take a look at a sample of Mike's work:

Looking forward to breakfast soon Mike! Oh yeah bring on the bacon!

Mass to Vermont

2015-09-13T20:27:00.001-04:00

I'm so proud of our own backyard in Mass as the AT from beginning to end was varied and beautiful.

There's a nice little stream that runs through Sages Ravine that constitutes the Ct/Ma border in our corners:

Complete with several swimming holes:

Ladders:

And Bear Mountains:

Nope didn't see any bears but lots of beauty:

Including real live Hemlock forests so far unscathed by the nasty Woolly Adelgid mite.

Not long after entering Mass I had an awesome 24 hour period which started at around 5pm when after 15 miles I met my brudder Tim:

And yes he brought me one too and bought me pizza! The next morning my udder brudder Steve picked me up and took me to bfast at the Norman Rockwell famous Joe's Diner in Lee:

Theeeeennnn my udder brudder Toby showed up and hiked with me for a couple hours up Becket Mtn:

Mass reminded me of gooooood humor, look at the comment on the left side:

Then in a privy, instead of all the rules and regs of moldering, composting, spread the duff messages, classic:

I miss that cartoon and now so do you, if old and moldy enough. Looks like the Berkshires baby!

Hah look what I found Scout!

That's where I learned zat z mustache can actually be used as z pantry, storing z milkshake for reconstitution 2 hourz later while hiking z trail monamee:

Theeeeeennnnn as I'm closing in on Mt Greylock Steve and my udder brudder Darrell come out to join me on one of the best weather days of the last oh I'd say 427 years!

Z monumenta:

Z viewa:

All my buds comin out and seein my kin and ya know being fitty plus i was reminded by a reading and devo about how short life is but how important relationships are. Life is like a puff of smoke, like a shadow:

Thankful....so thankful.

It's A Wonderful Life

2015-09-04T14:24:00.001-04:00

A few minutes after crossing over the line from NY to CT I was picked up by Cool Breeze and whisked off to Huntington Mass to celebrate 2 birthdays and a house warming on Sat Aug 22nd.

The parties were combined and the theme was Gilligan's Island. Marissa, one of the two birthday girls is Marianne which happens to be the name of the other birthday girl and hostess at the party. I had to explain to a few that I was Castaway having swam from my deserted island to Gilligans with Wilson and the gift box.

In the box is a basket, in the basket is salt, bread and wine presented as a house warming gift as Maris was to close on her first house two days later. Very few understood the basket but at least within this post you have received a giant clue.

We had an absolutely wonderful day and I was sooooo thankful to have all 3 daughters and grandkids to enjoy it with. Such homely girls I know, but I lovem dearly...and even like them!

My awesomest friends Marylou:

and Phil put me up for the weekend. Maryl has the gift of hospitality and it shows as hers is the favored place among neighbors and friends on the lake.

Sunday off to church, rendezvous with big sis then back to Ct where I left off.

Big Sis Diane certainly received an initiation as we entered the woods late forcing a night hike to our campsite next to Ten Mile River.

Di admitted setting up her tent once and camping in her back yard. Perhaps she should've tried a second time as some of you laughed at my deflated tent bahaha:

First day hiking was a big one as we headed uphill. You remember Cool Breeze, now meet Scout:

The ladies had a grand time gabbing their faces off while I scooted ahead listening to a book on Audio Audible (luv it).

Of course you know what road kill looks like:

Just in case you forgot, ahahaha! While those are caused by cars and trucks you may not have seen that caused on the trail by dehydration and/or malnutrition; trail kill. A close call for ole Sparky were it not for Scout:

We enjoyed some great views and great weather:

You might be wondering why the name Scout. It came to me within the first couple of hours on the trail. If you think Girl Scout at heart, you're partially correct. You wouldn't have known she was one of the cool few who actually owned an IH Scout but even that's not it.

Think Scout from Harper Lee's classic To Kill A Mockingbird. While the movie does a great job capturing the essence of the novel, the book gives a far better look at and description of the young girl Scout who btw has a brother Jem. Scout has a an incredibly advanced vocabulary and indeed our Scout has no Scrabble match. In the book the 9 yr old is absolutely curious times 10, sees her Father's hand in and throughout as our Scout sees the hand of God creating a limitlessly intricate and interconnected home for us to live in. Scout was finding all kinds of things Cool Breeze and I were passing by:

Scout did a great job keeping a great pace, it seems all 3 siblings inherited DOD's strong legs.

Most of the Ct trail skirts the famous Housatonic:

Famous for at least 2 reasons, 1 good, 1 bad: the good for fly fishing, the bad; PCB contamination thanks to the old General Electric plant up north.

Ct has a beautiful section of the AT:

Whether in the valleys or on the ridge:

Next to a farm:

Or in a swamp:

While I understand why some would question His existence while so much evil abides I simply find the faith in the odds of evolutionary theory inconceivable.

More to follow as the 11th of 14 states is seen in the rear view mirror.

p.s. I did mention that I had lost two small bungees, well whatya know:

I Love New York!

2015-08-27T11:23:00.001-04:00

And you thought I was gonna say "gee someone should write a song about that." And look, I did!

Yet again, in two places at once:

New York was wonderful. Hats off and kudos to all the volunteers, ATC, Parks folks etc it was great. The signage and marking were so good that in one section someone painted the tops of the "toe bangers"

So well marked I did at least 3 night hikes. Bear Mtn had huge stone steps up and down to this summit:

Now ya gotta think about this one. I'm coming down and spot her:

A few minutes later, crossing a driveway, spot this scene, and the mom is frantically looking for???? Look closely at the daughter now.

That's right! The camera. Imagine that. Hilarious: "ahhhhh Kim, u rait right there, DOE MOO I get camwa, Kiiiim RAIT!" Imagine if momma, that mom, did not actually have camwa?

Look at this place, Bear Mtn Inn by the time I walked down:

And here's the inn during the day, imagine the history:

If ur thinking I stayed there, you're mistaken. I did stay at a place that my resupply was mailed to. Now remember how funny yall thought it was when the cow ate my favorite bandana for bfast? Well as I'm heading into this nice lil motel I spot the hiker box a common repository of unwanted items found at virtually all hostels, hotels etc in towns along the AT. For the first time tho, in this box amongst all the ramen noodles, zip lock bags of oats, etc are gift bags tied with lil ribbons, hmmm that's a first. Not all identical one catches my eye:

See why this one caught my eye?

If it wasn't Sparky my trail name would be Even Steven. Oh, speaking of Ramen Noodles, I eat two packs weekly. Waaaaaaay back at Neil's Gap in Ga, a hiker says all Ramen Noodle packs are the same:

Same in that the flavor pack, ready?, is....and yes I use punctuation...any way I want, still ready?...found on the label front side, it's true:

See how educational and valuable this blog is? You're welcome. Here's a lil more education for ya; bunch of comments about my gut before leaving. FYI the man in the mirror is performing one half of an award winning (literally) pose called "In the water":

The other half of the pose is called "On the beach"

Which should not be confused with a pose being worked on for a mid October release, I'm calling it "Hunger Games"

Oh that's so terrible! I'm covered:

New York had some beautiful, quiet places:

NY also wants us to know, it too has a sense of humor:

NY is full of surprises:

Ya never know what you'll find on top of the next hill like this log book inside the mail box:

Cool stuff:

Nice sights:

Perty views:

A big tree:

Another big snake:

A big walkway thru a big shwamp:

A little lending library outside a little shelter:

Which also had 2 free Nike Dri-Fits just like mine and Bri's:

And a little bridge made with big logs:

Wait till you hear about Ct! It's A Wonderful Life (hint):

You may be entertaining angels...

2015-08-23T18:04:00.001-04:00

This blog is being interrupted for an important message...

There have been sightings of a strange being in the Greater Springfield area...

If you encounter this individual, it is recommended that you use extreme caution when approaching him due to the giant bear hugs and glowing smile. These are thought to be highly contagious. Although he looks homeless, er, uh, harmless, be sure to take a moment and ask him about the many encounters he has survived with dangerous members of the natural world thanks to the prayers of others.

Welcome back home, Sparky! Thank you for spending the day with the church family here in Chicopee. As you continue on your journey, we pray that you have safety and health, and many encouraging encounters with those in need of hearing the Good News!

And now, back to our regular programming...

Welcome to Joizy

2015-08-16T10:09:00.001-04:00

New Jersey has a very good Trail reputation. There's a few hills sure:

There are also many boardwalks including this one which is about a mile long:

Here's a couple Trail days, about 630pm Wed night, High Point Park NJ:

Now it's Friday at 1030 am, the monument is barely visible right of center(like yours truly):

Same day, Friday, approaching the "Stairway to Heaven"

Also known as the Pinwheels:

The previous pic was taken down below almost center, couple hours later on top, now the monument is way off over second range barely visible if at all in this pic.

I've come across some great trail magic but this ones a lil cray cray. Remember a few days ago I snapped one of two trek poles?

Never seen a trek pole at a magic site. Steve L has "God Provides" tattooed on the back of his truck with a great story to go with it. I was gonna just save the next two pics for myself but this happens too often to not share. About a month ago I lost my last of two small bungee cords that I used regularly. About two weeks ago one of the new tent stakes snapped. Well one night it's getting late and I just want to find a tent spot. I notice an overgrown side trail, take it, and in a few yards it opens to a small barely used tent site that I guessed was used during last year's hunting season. As I'm moving around setting up the tent, half buried:

And sure enough, a few minutes later, an exact duplicate of what I lost weeks ago:

Now if I could just find those marbles???

Remember this guy? I found him heading south as he's doing some flip flopping:

The first thing Deja Vu says is about how much weight I've lost. I know. I've been told I'm "too skinny". I agree but it comes with the territory. When starting I looked sorta kinda almost like this:

Well maybe possibly perhaps a little more like this:

I say "maybe perhaps possibly" because whoever that is in the mirror can obviously not be positively identified. Ewwwww, hence reason #17bII why I needed this hike, drastic times drastic measures.

So I've gone from a 36 tight to 32 loose. We're burning 4-6,000 calories daily people! Think of how hard that is to replace, even if you sit on the couch with someone handing you the food all day it's pert near impossible to replace. Well I've had two things happen.

A. If I take the pack off and turn sideways I actually disappear:

See...I'm standing right there on the foot bridge.

2. I'm already getting post hike celebratory dinner invitations! Only question there is if I should plan to bring my sheventy shix pic shlide preshentashion that I've shaved down to 2 hoursh and fitty sheven minitsh.

Ja have fun reading that? There are at least a couple commonalities among single season through hikers I've read about when the Trail is finished, weight gain and depression. I've got a most excellent counsellor, more friends than I deserve and a schedule coming together nicely to keep me as busy as ever for the latter. Idle time is not a friend to ole Sparky. As far as weight gain, I'm looking forward to replacing about 20lbs.

"How ya like them apples":

Talk about a rock n a hard place:

What a relief though, got my mojo back including appetite, energy and 4-5 steppers without hesitation. "What's a stepper you say?" DOD waited till I was about 40 when he taught me what a stepper is. Remember there are at least two by products from lactic acid, one is sore muscles the other is the same as from beans or broccoli. The stepper is how many steps you can take during release. Eights are great and I'm pretty sure I've had a couple tens but sometimes it's hard to know for sure unless you started counting right away. Now a word of advice as I can sense some eagerness and know that some of you have the kind of cake job that affords the opp to read this while pretending to work. Don't attempt the stepper on the way into work nor during the lunch break, wait till you leave for the day to avoid having an accident that you may have trouble with.

Well speaking of pain and trouble perhaps I've kept you long enough for now:

Be well.

New Pennsylvania Postal Code

2015-08-09T20:30:00.001-04:00

Happy Days are here again as we say bubbye to Pennsylvania! I understand the 50 States have only 2 letter postal abbreviations but think we shud change PA to PIA as it pulled no punches to kick my butt. One hiker called it the gauntlet.

The new boots purchased in Maryland already need repair tx to the boot wreckers. The start of "knife edge".

Hiking along around 7pm I came across Fern Gully. As I reach into my pouch to grab the GoPro camera (given by friends at the go away party in April) I suddenly spot the crown of a black bear on the trail heading my way:

I saw him first. As I grab my phone for a quick pic he looks up and we make eye contact. It's fascinating how much "eye contact" means and transmits. Anyway, we look at each other long enough to know and to acknowledge. The bear literally sits down right on the trail. He sat so hard and with such attitude that he jiggled from his butt to his head essentially saying "my home, my trail my homie!" As I'm trying to mess with cameras from video to pic he stands up:

I yelled "HELLOOOOO YOU'RE BARE!"

He drops and runs in shame. I'd much rather come across another bear vs a rattler or copperhead.

Obviously one of the AT trailblazers had a warped sense of humor to include this climb out of Lehigh Valley:

Along the way I noticed I wasn't the only one praying:

Sure enough, the last hiking night in PIA it's about 730 and I'm moving to find a tent site which are sparce. Then fall #10 happens. This was one of those half hour falls where it feels like although you're falling at 32ft per second squared you have time to read a short thriller. It was a backward fall which I've noticed is the big difference in the time space continuum of falling science. The backward fall is the vortex fall. When falling forward your eyes are actively communicating with your brain sending out appropriate alerts and responses. In a backward (blind) fall it's all about memory, speed and hope. The teeter backward starts with "uh oh is this gonna happen?" "Was there a backstep avail?" "I don't know I wasnt planning on a back step!" "We're going down, it's a definite" "can we turn?" "No, can't see, no footing!" "Okay drop the poles, stick out the hands and butt(or lack thereof)"....BAM/SNAP!!!

Snap? What snapped? Was it the last line of patience with this State? No that snapped last week.

Two almost immediate and universal reactions to falling. 1. Look around to see who saw, no one all day so don't bother. 2 Try to get up, this can be dangerous if done before a good self assessment of damage. Nevertheless that's how we do, rolling around like a turtle on its back, kinda flailing trying to gain a purchase among the boulders.....SNAP!! Snap? What the heck snapped now?

Snap #1 was one of two new trek poles purchased after Harpers Ferry before PIA. Snap #2 one of two crocs. Nice, real nice.

So you get the idea about PA, except the ending, what a wonderful last 24 hours, absolutely wonderful. On Sat night I tented behind a church in Delaware Water Gap PA one door down from The Deer Head Inn. I had heard of this place and its reputation for attracting big name classical Jazz acts. Oh man Tony C, a totally tight quartet brought back fondest memories. Then before hitting the trail on Sunday, a very talented classic guitarist at brunch:

Then across the street for desert, a real milk shake with the steel cup and all. Can u see the little kiddies table in front of the fireplace? Puleeeez!

U.S. Know what this river is?

It's the Delaware!

Whoda thunk NJ could be this pretty?

And look what we have here:

A glacial lake in the hills! Reminded me of another beautiful glacial lake (technically both are ponds) in Huntington!

And sure enough, as I'm hiking around it, listening to my Sunday playlist comes one of my all time favs and a fav of Marettas as well:

Enjoy:

In and Out of the Woods

2015-08-04T08:57:00.001-04:00

Pennsylvania has the dubious distinction of having the worst part of the trail. On the map it looks great like yeah let's pack some 20 milers:

The reality is that the trail is covered with what are called "boot wreckers":

Boot wreckin ankle turnin mess:

And I understand the worst is yet to come:

But I guess we gotta take the bad with the good right? Jagged, all sizes and shapes, hard, I know most rocks are hard, very slow to navigate. On the way down into Duncannon I had a great ankle turn, I've lost count of these. My ankles became cankles and not from fat back in Georgia.

Climbing up and out of Duncannon I had my 9th fall. Each of the 9 reminded me why I'm glad I never put my hands in the pole straps; so I can let go and break the fall. In this fall tho I banged my already sensy big toe so hard I thought it either broke or popped the nail inside the boot. As if these 2 injuries weren't enough I got heat exhaustion accompanied by 3 days of "intestinal distress" which still lingers as most food is boiled
and dehydration.

All said it could certainly be much worse. Big Deal told me about a girl who started out in Georgia. On one night she had 2 wild hogs barrel thru her campsite. The very next night she had a bear sniff the entire length of her tent. The very 3rd night she wound up in the hospital having been bit by a black widow. Nice bug. He didn't know if she made it back to the trail. He also told me that last week Smoky Bear (hiker) woke up losing it from both ends. At the hospital after 3 bags of saline he had to have a spinal tap, diagnosis yet undetermined.

Rocks are hard and heat is hot huh? I also have come to almost believe a story told about a guy last year. I heard this story back in May as we've been discussing PA ever since. Not just rocks but the bugs, swarms of mosquitoes, flies and gnats in addition to the crawlers if u sit for a minute. Apparently a man of means was so overcome by bugs on the trail that he used his satellite phone to get airlifted off, which he did. Well I may not have the means but I do think this was probably the best $3 investment so far and it comes with its own bug taunting sarcastic "try to get me now" look each time it's donned:

So while limping across the rocks and planning moves I come across a town called Hamburg PA. Do you know what's in Hamburg PA? Awwwe that's cute that u said hamburgs, actually there are and they were delivered by Red Robin (which was a darn good burger if u ask me). Delivered where you ask? Well to my leather couch ya "silly billy with meatball eyes". Leather couch? Oh yeah for in Hamburg PA is Shangrillameccacenter.

Cigar International! "International" 2 story superstore with an estimated stock of 45- 50,000 cigars including their distribution center. Yours truly has been a member for a couple years since neighbor buddy Todd clued me in. Now, I'm guessing some are saying (and I think I know who you are) "errr I thought u were only having 1 cigar per border". Well I want you to say that again, out loud with this face as that is how I would repeat it back to you:

Not a lot of flowers any more:

Lots of mushrooms, which I will show you in another post, lots of green:

And more green, Maryland btw:

This was a very cool trail magic left in a very cool mountain spring:

I'm still finding some great campsites. This one on top of a hill including constant bug away breeze and complete with Flintstone furniture:

This is Boiling Springs where I understand Michael J Fox had visited a week before with his daughter who may be attending Dickinson College:

Still plugging away:

Though not as fast as I thought. There are two others out here in my 20-30 hiker bubble that are my age. One day last week, all 3 of us were limping, I wonder???

Naaaa

Brighter days are coming:

I hope you all are doing well. I'm guessing between 40 and 50 are reading the blog and I understand why it's more comfortable to check in elsewhere. Stay on guard and keep lookin up:

Viewer Discretion Advised

2015-07-27T22:29:00.001-04:00

That title is a marketing tool, like "repeat" on a bottle of shampoo. Viewers will definitely view now though I can safely say, you were duly warned as some scenes may be objectionable.

Alas poor Yorek, I knew him well. Well enough to warn him in advance: "share a morsel once in a while, tone down the sarcasm....." He didn't heed:

Even No Shame, felt none:

Some critters are cool though we never know what's locked inside those spikes waiting to be injected:

Sometimes you know the critter isn't poisonous though cloaked:

In case u can't expand it, there's a wee black rat snake peaking his ugly lil face out to say sssssteer clear. Then sometimes cloaking and stealth are cast to the wind and all is left to hang out:

I'd say that's a good 8 footer.

Sometimes the critter reminds us of A Bugs Life:

Sometimes we're creeped out as they look in at us with glowing eyes:

Then there are times when they at some point got into the gear and for whatever reason suddenly decide to introduce themselves:

I couldn't believe what I saw gripping my leg! I couldn't wait long enough to take a quality pic with it on my leg which I understand some may be having a hard time ripping your gaze away from so here's a better shot:

I didn't realize the trail came so close to nuclear power plants. Nor can I imagine why one friend was already talked out of spending a night in the woods by her hubby knowing his wife's fear of bugs:

While 9 nights of 10 I'm in the woods. Occasionally I must seek accommodations in order to re supply and shower:

Now again, as some undoubtedly are transfixed by the hairy stick man, try to tear ur gaze away to view the shower stall over Sparky's shoulder. It was hot with good pressure despite an occasional drip from the shower on the floor above. I knew going in that The Doyle Hotel at over 100 yrs old and only $25 should not be one to get expectations up on. Honestly, no man (or woman acting like one) thru hiking the AT would know the full experience without a night at the famous Doyle.

Hand painted oil! As one young thru hiker said the next day: "I think I'm gonna move my medical check up planned for the end of the hike to next week."

There's more to that story for another day. For now, remember the warning. Yesterday I'm walking on a lil trail from shelter lunch to privy after and this guy suddenly backs up off the trail and coils:

Instead of rattling he hissed an encouragement to get one step closer....not. Nevertheless it improved my privy experience exponentially.

Then today, another flees the trail leaving himself sprawled in reeds without the ability to coil, he did share the cute toddler toy rattle:

Karen told me DOD had another saying: "that left teeth marks on my heart" they make me cuss too. Those are Timber Rattlers, NY says the largest most venomous, don't stop praying thanks.

Last warning.

Story has it that after the last Muppets Movie, the flop a couple years ago, the cast was sent for a retreat to hike the AT. They couldn't take the two funniest old men in the balcony which unfortunately for them left them without comic relief, an absolute essential item. Apparently after a couple weeks, after hiker hunger had totally set in and rations were low Kermit woke up on the wrong side of the tent (Grouchy you might say) with an overwhelming craving for all things ham, bacon and pork:

Sweet dreams my friends.

Muahahaha

Inspirational

2015-07-26T08:43:00.001-04:00

Some folks said to me before I started the hike "I hope you find what you're looking for". I appreciated the sentiment while knowing I found what I was looking for 25 years ago.

Nevertheless there was definitely some inspiration along the way and the first was Oct 2010. On my way to Tulsa to spend time with Alec:

I stopped for a night in Nashville and preached at the Clarksville Highway church of Christ on Sunday. Before services during breakfast I met a man they called Papa Smurf (Charlie Moffit) who shared some of his experiences having thru hiked the AT twice in his 60's and once with his wife. Can't imagine how he got the name:

That was the first bug in the ear, blip on the radar. Papa Smurf later went on to help build a shelter in Elizabethtown:

Well having passed the halfway point I'm still finding the experience tremendously inspirational. Indeed there are some sketchy people out here but most are cool and friendly just like life. And of course no one would ever look at Sparky crawling out of the hills all dirty, sweaty, unshaven and think "sketch"....right?

The sabbatical side of the trek affords hours of time to think of future hopes and plans as well as present prayers and the family and folks I love. The current heat wave inspires me to seek and find air conditioning, bahahaha.

The Shenandoah Range inspired Cool Breeze to take the following pics:

Guess I'm the only one not to have seen one of these:

Thank you Papa Smurf and Cool Breeze

I had been looking forward to the Half Gallon Ice Cream Challenge in Harpers Ferry but strolled in too late. Theeeeeennnn I found another, even more famous at the General Store at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park!

Not many folks are able to finish an entire half gallon of ice cream but I had been previously inspired and planning ahead. And that's the reward for success:

Thankfully one didn't need to eat using that spoon. The new owners of the ancient store had considered a more elaborate prized spoon but were told to keep this one instead.

As Cool Breeze learned recently, thru hiking is at least a full time gig. There's a list of things before, during and at the end of the day's hike that must be done each day and night. Setting up the tent is an obvious necessity, if it's raining or threatening I can speed up the process by humming the theme to Mission Impossible. Here, let me inject it into ur head: da da daaanana nat.

Speaking of routines, there's a great line in the following devo which speaks to the potential to get trapped inside them:

Wonderful Respite

2015-07-21T08:09:00.001-04:00

While Scott Jurek completed his incredible journey I reached what most consider the half way point of Harpers Ferry.

I got into town late and actually ate and ran with a goal reaching my longest hike of 26 miles in 1 day as I wanted to reach my sisters the next day.

Someone needs to change this sign to Summer as its July and 90.

The Patomac:

If you are able, read to the last line which speaks to when man plans and the "uncertainties of life":

An empty tomb

Another monument at this park:

There's so much history along the trail here, Washington Monument:

Personal as well. My sister Karen, mom, niecey Gina banina, bro-in-law Donald. Mom's in good hands.

I had an awesome visit and the rest did much for my feet. Kudos to Keen and thank you Phil for turning me on to them a few years ago as I put over 1,000 miles on them before buying a new pair:

My dear sweet mom suddenly showed me what she thought of my facial hair:

And my sister and I went for a 10 miler to get a pretty full experience of the trail:

In just a few short hours we went from torrential rain to sunshine:

We stopped at a shelter for lunch and met 3 other hikers then trekked on.

We saw a couple critters along the way:

And had a very close call which could have changed an otherwise great hike into a traumatic disaster. In 1,000 miles I had been warned of but not come across a poisonous adder. I had seen signs on the trail of rattlesnakes ahead (like the yellow jackets) even one that read of a rattler at eye level in the rocks near a view point. Karen was hungry so we stopped on the trail. As she sat a young hiker (20's) Tommy Boy and his mom Dr Quinn (because she carried so many meds) who Denise and I met back in Waynesboro came up. As I was talking to him, after a couple minutes, he said "COPPERHEAD!" He pointed down behind me but I couldn't find it. It took me several seconds to finally see it.

It was literally about 18 inches behind me and poised to strike. Had Tommy Boy advanced to pass vs stop before me and talk, I would have stepped back to let him pass and spent the rest of the day in the hospital.

Thank God and thanks to those who continue to pray as this was another occasion where this trek could have taken a sudden drastic turn for the worse.

My sister Karen is huge. No obviously not that way. Early in this blog I mentioned an event in my life that changed my life forever. During a 2 hour family intervention the setting of which I remember vividly I can remember only one phrase that was said. I was leaving, my mind made up. My fiancé, mother and father had exhausted every argument they had. Tears in her eyes seeing my blind conviction Karen said only one thing "Jim, all I want you to know is that I love you and the church is praying for you."

Within hours of her utterance I would come to the unmistakable conclusion that I had not only been entirely deceived by the same evil that had captured my friend Kevin who I never heard from again, but that I had been rescued from it. The cult I was in remains ever stronger and more powerful to this day and known to many by the movie stars it has captured including one who visits it 5 days a week and undoubtedly has "donated" millions to. While it calls itself a church it is evil and for what damage it may have done it also gave me a heightened sense of not only cultic behavior which I can smell a mile away but a passion to help others who might need help recovering from such. Additionally, while surveys show most believe there is a God, most do not acknowledge the existence of evil or a force behind it. How advantageous to one who seeks to deceive, kill, eat and destroy than to have so many wallow in ignorance.

Finished!!!

2015-07-12T21:21:00.001-04:00

Ha, made you look. Remember Scott Jurek?

He did it! He beat the world record for completing the entire Appalachian Trail in 46 days, 8 hrs and 8 minutes beating the record by a mere 3.5 hours!

He was sick and injured but gotter done and summitted Katahdin with his wife on her birthday seen here mugging each other. Congratulations Scott and tx for actually stoppin to say hello, you're a class act.

I'm finding NEMO to be a fair, responsive and reputable company. Remember this tent?

Well last Wednesday night at 9:15 while pumping the second of two air beams, the front one popped leaving it to be held up by two strings and a trekking pole looking like this:

Pretty! Ran into Luray VA emailing when possible. By 4:30pm on Thursday NEMO credited me full price for what I had paid in Feb and Fedexed this one to Luray by 12:30 Friday:

Sparky is very happy. Family can readily attest, Sparky no fun to be around when he not happy.

The fists full of blueberries at the start of Virginia that were replaced by blackberries in the middle have now been replaced by raspberries at its end:

There are millions! What a wonderful unexpected surprise.

Shenandoah National park is finished but not before this little guy said peekaboo

And then there were two!

S'cute. Reminds me, since this is the memory post, I once had a cabin of 18 female campers around 12-14 yrs old. They came to me one morning complaining of a mouse in the cabin the night before. That afternoon when all the girls were in the cabin I went in with a trap (not what some call a humane kind but the kind I call most effective......snap!)

Before setting trap I explained the mouse was a field mouse, the same exact kind of mouse people buy as pets. The life or death debate which ensued made Congress sound like a picnic. Nevertheless, Freddy the field mouse had assumed room temp by the next morning and at least some were happy.

Speaking of things that multiply. Do u see a problem or two with this sign?

I do. Has Smoky gone back now to remove it? What does Smoky think a hiker will do, take a pic and post it on a blog or something? What about the turtles, ya think since they only have 3 days a year that they really give a royal rats rooney if we watch? And since when is Smoky an expert on anything but preventing forest fires? Ya think hikers have a lil too much time to think? Perhaps.

I've gotten the impression from some innocent comments that some consider this hike as rather like an escape or a happy go lucky lala in the woods for 6 months. Well in some ways it is. But as we know Satan never sleeps and indeed there have been at least 3 occurances already that have nearly thwarted and ended this trek. A few know of some none of which is a dead tent but without enumerating, know that we are all in this together, and as I'm reminded, trying to navigate between struggles and hardships and savor the flavor of those times when life's nasties aren't bombarding us. Each Sunday I listen to my list of Christian music. Today I thought of some of you that I know are or have been hammered when I heard this song by a group my kiddies and I saw, check YouTube or just buy it if you don't already own it. It mentions many of us.

My daily prayer list grew again today, please don't hesitate.

Concentrate on trying to keep in step vs trying to anticipate.

Peace

Cool Breeze

2015-07-08T14:55:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful week. Finally a friend came out to hike with me starting at the kick off of Shenandoah. This area is reportedly the best part of the trail for scenery and terrain. Shenandoah btw is also the setting for the movie Deliverance.

Meet Denise M: (I can just hear mom now: "Karen?.....Karen!?.... KAREN?!?!?! Oh there you are, who's Denise and how does she know Jimmy?")

Do you hear banjos?

Actually Denise is a good Christian, never seen the movie. Honestly, the last (probably the second) time I watched it about 5 years ago I wondered why I had, like Deerhunter of that genre it's a depressing, violent flik unfortunately attached to this beautiful area.

The trail runs parallel to Skyline Drive. I understand the trail as it continues north will provide, for hikers, more picturesque views that are so far found almost entirely on the Drive vs the trail.

So cool to have company. Denise was one of many planning to join me yet unnecessarily concerned for my speed and distance. She did awesome. And why not, she came with some great gear and prep. She borrowed much from her nephew.

I never knew Power Puff Girls had a brand of tents! "Microlight Hip Hop"

She also borrowed his sleeping bag and pack. Nor did I know Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have their own sleeping bags and Power Ranger's Back Packs!

All for kids around 9 years old the stuff is incredibly light:

She asked Alicia to borrow her Pikachu pillow

but Leeshy wasn't havin it.

So light was Denise's pack I was considering the trail name "Levitating". But after a few days Denise found her pack and the trail were not light enough to avoid blistering (and you thought my pruney piggies were nasty?)

Speaking of trail names, the clever Denise is actually the one who thought up "Sparky" for me. I've been known as Sparky since the first week although Denise

and her fellow quilting queen and dynamic duo friend Debbie M

knew I was highly resistant for the preceding months. While the name comes from a combination 10yr stint on the Monson Fire Dept, the last yr or so of which I got to drive the big red truckies including parting the traffic like the Red Sea with lights and sirens arrrr arrrr arrrrr, and her witnessing a big incident on Jan 1st this year, it was something that occurred to me within that first week that clinched the monicker. Someday maybe, I might just meet Ms. Right; Godly, contented, reasonably independent woman with a great sense of humor. I will know the latter after she asks why I'm called Sparky and I say "well lil darlin, that's cuz I know...how to light a fire" hahaha.

Been seeing bear sign everywhere expecting to run into one by now but not this way:

Yes there are times when I am in a car but never yet to "yellow blaze". This sign reminded me of the Smokeys as in ooookaaayyy so which way:

I met a thru hiker named Box Turtle who hasn't seen one yet. I've seen two right on the trail and complimented them on their tents.

The hiker taught me about sassafras which was cool.

Speaking of trail names and cool. Up until about 3 days before her arrival the trail was a rather miserable swelter. If it wasn't raining it was all but with intense humidity and high temps to go along with it. I understand many in the Northeast are currently experiencing some of same. Then you can appreciate a "Cool Breeze". Since joining me the air has dried and temps dropped while I know they are soon to change. Denise is one of several highly supportive and incredibly generous friends and entirely deserving her henceforth known as trail name: Cool Breeze. Indeed I made her sweat it out not telling her despite her continual pleading and whining for me to divulge it. That I think is the second best name I've heard on the trail. The best is Duster who got his name last year while hiking first in his crew and continually exhibiting another byproduct of lactic acid beside soar muscles. Get it?

You did awesome Denise and thank you very much for joining me on this experience.

"You see huge mountains looming", do you have mountains in your life too?

Things seemingly too big to move, go around, under or through?

Can you muster this much faith?

All in a daze hike

2015-07-03T08:02:00.001-04:00

Almost all of the pics in this post were taken on the same day. Unfortunately the sunrise was obscured unlike this one from a couple weeks ago.

The day started up comparatively early as the night was filled with a constant 40-45 mph wind with gusts as it blew out the previous day's and week's overcast, rain, heat and humidity. Indeed at sometime during the night before I was bounced up off my sleeping pad by a singular explosion of thunder. To say it was as close as it could get would imply there was actually some distance between it and me. So resounding, full and powerful I swear it shook the earth. With only a quarter lung space allowed (ya know how in a dream u can't get enough air to scream) I said the only 2 words I ever say when suddenly shockscared "OH SH.....", rhymes with spit or slit or twit or hit or quit or sit or fit or wit or mitt or skit. Did u actually read all those? My next reaction was a big smile realizing I survived and was alive. Growing up with a 10 by 24 front porch afforded many opportunities to watch and actually enjoy thunderstorms. Well that lone powerful peal of thunder brought steady rain until 11:30 am. That gave way to a damp overcast day after a week of HH&H weather.

So while Sparky doesn't sleep well in wind I knew it was finally drying the air out which was a welcome change. Everything soaked, I hung a dry line till 8 and was able to dry about 80% of the water weight from the gear and clothing.

The pruny piggies from inside soggy shoes:

Arguably one of the best weather days in the last several weeks, 60, dry, breezy, sunny and 0% chance of rain.

Ya think it might be time to go from a large to medium pack belt size?

Oh well enoughodat let's get movin. The day's trek would start at Spy Rock about 4.5 miles shy of the downhill:

Along the way I met several volunteers clearing the trail of brush and pruning overhanging limbs. Greatly appreciated and I expressed such to each and every of which I saw 8. Clearing the path on each side helps to see things otherwise lurking:

It's a perfect weather day, the kind that spells many hours, many miles and with a constant breeze, fewer bugs.

Climbing down a mountain often takes almost as long as climbing up. My friend Phil (avid hiker) will laugh when he reads this but I never realized what a huge difference there would be between walking a mile vs hiking a mile. Night and day, east and west, desert and jungle, Mars and Venus (men and women).....

Recently axed if I had much hiking experience prior, the answer was "none".

My DOD took me once when I was pretty young probably around 8 or 9 up Mt Tom in Holyoke. I don't remember if we made the summit, but I definitely remember one thing. Hearing a familiar phrase suddenly and loudly: "SON OF A B....."(no I'm not gonna play the rhyme game again, ur welcome) I turned around as my dad took from his pocket something I think every WWII vet carried, his nasty handkerchief and brought it to his almost bald head to wipe a very well timed, perfectly placed bomb from a very well fed bird:

Other than that, a short 1/4mile up from a men's retreat to an AT shelter in Kent Ct is all the hiking experience I have. Camping is a much different story as my folks had me in Civil Air Patrol for a number of early teen years which was awesome and we bivouacked all 4 seasons with the great Major Barnes from West Springfield. Back to today:

Bottom of the mountain brings a beautiful little river for lunch:

The other direction:

And a little friend watching:

From here, a monster push 3,000 ft climb over 6.1 miles to Three Ridges Mtn. That took several hours with only a couple pauses. This was one for rehydration:

Then there was a highly appreciated spot warning right on the trail.

Do you know why yellow jackets are so angry? Couple reasons, #1 they're not honey bees, honey bees are so much better that people raise them and care for them and live happily near them including even housing them safely in their back yards. Honey bees are for obvious reasons, sweeter. B: Yellow connotes fear so these want to prove they're not. #3b: These yellow jackets live in the ground, not a nice white hive in a yard or edge of a field. These yellow jackets live like the other most angry bees I've ever met 3 times, white faced hornets, the meanest angriest of creatures. If you think I stopped to take a pic for you of the yellow jackets ju crrasy. And don't u love it when somebody outlines their conversation? Most of the time they never have a number 3 or 4 anyway.

I did run into Divadan and Babywipes the next day, she got stung once and her poor dog Luna twice.

Speaking of Luna, ever see one of these?

So I scooted past the hive, onward and upward.

Found some blueberries and these, are they huckleberries? Are they edible? One way to find out right?

Mmmmm more berries not to mention another excuse to pause.

Then I came across this guy, his trail name is Smug and it's perfect as he is loaded with attitude. Technically he is faster than me and he knows it as I have only had 4 zero days and he 12. So he has this attitude

But as u can see he is not carrying one of these.

Till now

Oh, what's the matter lil guy, something suddenly impede ur speed? Huh? Sorry can't hear you Smug, what's that? You hungry or somethin, how bout some nice salty beef jerky? Potato chip? Oh sorry is that like rubbing salt in ur wound? Bahaha, not so talky now are ya?

The day is coming to a close, in this pic you can see both the moon and the sun.

This day was my longest and furthest.

Hiked from 8:30am to 11:30pm with breaks reaching 19.9 miles as the good Lord willed and the creek didn't rise.

Understanding will fail you while trust will keep you. I know of many struggles among those I'm praying for. There's a line in one of the songs by DC Talk that goes like this: "there are some things in this life no human hand can pull you through", so true.

Vaya con Dios

It's a small world

2015-06-27T13:37:00.001-04:00

After all, these miles, as the herd continues to thin out and I see only an occasional familiar face if many faces at all I meet some that are famous, humble, extraordinary, close and even closer to home.

A man strides up one morning near a shelter, he's heading south and asks, "have you seen Ghost?" I said "yes he left here about an hour ago." "Do you know who he is?" The stranger adds. This is that stranger:

Who I later learn is the AT celebrity Warren Doyle. Trail name, this year, 34,000 as he has completed the trail 17 times! He has a gig that goes like this: he trains up to about a dozen people per year. The group has two vehicles including a supply van. He and one other drive the 12 or so about 15 miles south leaving behind a vehicle which Warren and one other go back for on foot. All are "slack packing", most are 60+, all reach Maine in 140 days.

What about Ghost? Well I had been leap frogging this gentlemen since the night of this double rainbow on June 5th;

We keep running into each other and chatting a bit each time. Real nice guy, we hit it off right away. So Warren Doyle tells me Ghost's name is David Startzell and he is the former Executive Director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for many years and during a most difficult transition period. Apparently David is very well known and has an outstanding reputation for great success approaching the U.S. Govt to acquire land and funds for this national treasure.

No it's not Jason Robards, though when I said he could be his stunt double he admitted coming face to face with Jason once in a small diner in Manchester NH.

Hold on, the world is about to get smaller. It's been a couple weeks now and unfortunately I don't have his pic but here is some evidence I did come across:

Trail Magic by "Scribes" parents.

Not much REAL watermelon left. Real becuz it has seeds. Not only can I hit ur red solo cup at 5 ft (see earlier post) but I can stick a watermelon seed to ur cheek from 6 ft and u may not even know from whence it came! Anywho, back to Scribe. He had been hiking with Star and Bookie:

Star's trail name is No Shame as she begs from everyone. Bookie sports the same back pack as yours truly and being an 8 yr veteran of outdoor youth adventure coordinating totally restructured and re strapped my pack. Scribe at this point was hiking with his dad but not before telling me where he is from. After learning part of the reason for the trail name Sparky he admits being an EMT for 12 yrs. I met him shortly after Mother's Day when he asked where in MD she lives. Well, well, well doesn't Scribe live in Thurmont? Why yes he does! And does he not know the tiny little road of Reed? Why yes he does! To all of you who say you may not really care, my mom has a message just for you from my sis, bro in law, niece and her and unlike those she saved just for her Lenny, this message is suitable for the family channel:

No one in this family survives without a real good sense of humor.

But wait, before the world is made even teeny tinyer itsy bitsy smaller, a quick but worth your while diversion. Several friends and family members have been talking and planning to come out and join me for a time which is an awesome thing. All on the other hand are voicing the same concern about slowing me down etc. which is nonsense. While some out here are definitely trying to go as fast as they can, I gave myself 6 months and remain on target to both reach the goal as well as savor the experience. So to all of you with such concern, please, let Sparky calm your anxiety: think of an old, classical, orchestra tune which will most closely resemble the pace we will enjoy:

Now if u took the time to YouTube or whatever that song, you're still laughing. If not, there's an angst in ur heart that will nag at you till you do. We will wait for you here while enjoying a pictorial interlude;

Ferny

Not all "prepared" foods are equal;

Laurelly

Okay, all back on the same page?

Let's see how much smaller this world can get. Trent's grocery, middle of no where. Sitting outside getting ready to get back on trail. Young hiker walks up, tells of travails having fallen into the river with pack and phone at Dismal "Falls". Says his trail name is Dapper Dan. To which my immediate response is: "I don't want any damn Fop, I'm a dapper dan man!" This grabs his attention so I add: "watch the language young man". Lines from a classic movie based on a classic book and no I shall not give you all the answers. We strike a cord to which he asks where I'm from. "Western Mass" I said. "Oh really", he perks up "near Springfield?" "Yes, as a netter of fact" I responded. He says, "I'm actually from West Springfield." "No way," I countered, "that's where I grew up". He says: "you know rte 20?" "Heck yeah, I lived 23 years on Poplar Ave." I exclaimed.

"Wow" he says, "I live on Pilgrim Ave"

Meet Dapper Dan Labbe who worked at Ye Ole Butchershop and lives two streets away from where we grew up! It's a small world indeed, but I wouldn't want to paint it (Steven Wright). Haven't seen Dan since June 9 but he is a new FB friend.

In closing, in light of recent events, my reading and listening have led to Isaiha and Romans Chapter 1. Apparently what some consider a fairy tale and/or out of date. My Audio Audible currently is Foxes Book of Martyrs, a book once chained to the pew next to the Bible in England. Not for the faint of heart.

Thank you all for your continued encouragements I'm very thankful and glad that you're enjoying these posts. As many learn of my daily prayer list, it is growing. I also know that I am on the receiving end.

Bet you never saw one of these!!!

2015-06-22T22:56:00.001-04:00

A real live, black, backward bowling and rolling, Dung Beetle! Yep that's a big fat piece of poop and he loves it and eats it and covets it and rolls it and broods in it and lives with it!

According to wiki???...Dung beetles are currently the only known animal to navigate and orient themselves using the Milky Way.

Probably second only to Katahdin, McAfee Knob is a most photographed and featured AT site.

Wanna see a cartwheel?

Okay....

Oooooooohhhhhh!!!! Jk, how cud I be writing this if I did it that way ya knuckleface?

Tada:

How about the totally original never been done before first time ever preparing for a swan dive pose?

How about 27 more pics of McAfees Knob? Naaaa just one more from it:

This is called Fire Pink and it has 5 "snake tongue" petals.

This one is called Turks Cap Lily:

Hey "Professor" Keebler! I'm starvin out here why don't you bring me some of those cookies you been bragging about all these years!

Aaaahhh hellooo!!! I know you can hear me! Send a couple of your so called "elves" out here before I come in there and start poppin heads like those little alien mushrooms (accidentally left behind in future days past by a crew member of the starship "Enterprise" after before a visit to the Andromeda sector) that pfffft a yellow smoke when you step on them..

Last chance pal or I'm callin the Dept of Labor to check out whatever the heck ur doin in there:

Smooth move, Dept of Labor got ur attention didn't it?! Freaky man.

Speaking of mushrooms, check out this mighty mushroom, with a little panache sporting a lil handle bar moustach:

Seen enough for today? I don't think so. Again, 2 places at once.

That pic was taken by a thruhiker I saw for 5 minutes and likely never again, his name is Diesel, he started like May yesterday and never stops. I've been running into (being passed is more like it) many who started in May and are doing upwards of 25 miles daily! That's crazy but different strokes for different folks I guess. Like D.O.D. would say "that's why Friendly's makes 28 flavor a of ice cream, we don't all like vanilla." I guess he said Howard Johnsons to my older sisters but I don't even know what that is. Haha

So there are many people with various reasons for being out here, I have several myself. A friend named Gail who I worked with on a Domestic Violence Awareness project(it's rampant in the Hilltowns) a couple years ago has a brother who thru hiked the AT and described it as "hiking with God". That's definitely one reason:

"Maintain a listening attitude". That's easier said than done isn't it.

Monumental

2015-06-19T15:55:00.001-04:00

Let's see, what shall we learn about today gang? Virginia is rugged, rocky, ridiculously hot and humid, absolutely beautiful and I haven't even reached Shenandoah.

Rocky...

Rugged...

Beautiful...

I've got lots of pics.

Another visitor, see her?

Sometimes I'm the visitor.

The concerned look on my face has to do with the direction I must go, the horns on the cows heads and the color of my shirt!

Speaking of cows (1st notice bandana on neck in above pic), you must decide; a holy cow or beef jerk(y). One morning several ago I just had it in my head by like 10:30 it was gonna be a not so good day, like a Monday ya know, bla, slow, poor night's sleep and awoke on the wrong side of the tent. No lie, at around 1:30 I'm strollin along and pass what I think is just a small old dirty rag on the trail. Within a step I stop, reach back with trek pole to pick at it enough to see its a bandana. It's not a rag, it's not even dirty. Furthermore as I pick it up it occurs to me I may actually know who lost it. Her name is "Notes" from Norwood Mass. As I check it out, look what I see on this otherwise draggy day:

Incredible! The timing uncanny. I knew Notes was a Christian and when she asked me how I knew, before she told me, I said it was because she shines the light. Sometimes it's not hard to tell right?

But I find this item and look at the message. I wore it for weeks.

What does this have to do with a cow you ask? One more thing before that; the tree.

The Kefer Oak is the largest, oldest tree on the AT south of the Mason Dixon line.

It's 300 yrs old and 18ft around the base.

Story has it I am actually the first person to strike this pose which is why I don't have the sarcastic holding up the leaning tower of Pisa face.

I so love the tree that I decide to camp under it not realizing (aside from the cow patties) that I was intruding on others turf.

Wakey wakey time for breaky breaky!

Ooooookaaaayyyy????

Scuse me, do you have any idea how hungry I am? Yo! "STEP AWAY FROM THE TENT!"

Then there were more.

By now they're literally encircling my space and encroaching while I try to heard them off with my trekking poles. Notice my clothesline.

So much for a relaxing cup-o-joe before packin n trackin. Now this is where you must decide, holy cow or beef jerk(y). The big black cow has a tag on its ear with a big # 50 written on it, as in fiddy. Tough guy. Doesn't fiddy waltz right up to the clothes line, with socks, undies, shorts, shirts etc stick out his big fat toungue for my favorite bandana and proceed to inhale it! Sucked it right down, gone, bye bye. Jerk. Dumb cow. I tell ya it's that Sparky nectar.

The critters just can't get enough.

I've come upon several monuments so far.

There are 5 spokes on this one, want to guess them?

A military plane crash, debris left behind since the mid 80's:

Another monument, this one was powerful and obviously visited frequently. It is to the most decorated WWII veteran Audie Murphy. (Next 3 pics)

Not sure you can see this, it's right next to Audie Murphy' and next to it is a wrist band honoring an Iraqi vet.

Speaking of monuments, I finished and would recommend the documentary by Kirk Cameron called Monumental, especially if you have an interest in early American history. Also, I just finished listening to a very interesting book that came out last year called The Return of Washington by Edward Larson. It chronicals his days between the Revolutionary War and the start of his Presidency. A critical time as Washington oversaw the development of the Constitution.

Correction: Marissa did actually answer the bug vs windshield riddle.

No one, on the other hand, reasonably deduced that the 3 different logs, like this one;

Are above the knee and therefore favorite places to rest, ergo no bark nor moss.

So many more pics and stories to tell. Please stay tuned.

"There are no limits..."

From instant dislike, to more to compassion to service

2015-06-14T15:15:00.001-04:00

Correction: thanks to a couple folks reading the blog: remember Scott Jurek?

Well actually Chris McDougal wrote Born to Run. Scott was a primary character. Scott went on to write his own book Eat and Run. Story of his life as a vegan athlete. Thank you Brian and Ms McDougal (no relation) who also read Born to Run.

Welcoming sign huh?

In this next pic, if you look real close, waaaayyyy up on the far right side, way off in the distance, almost out of view, you may need to expand the pic if ur able cuz she is juuuuuust about to clear the frame........ Laura Ingalls riding the horse drawn carriage.

See her?

I wonder if the spider wakes up and says, "well, guess I gotta work on that section up there today." I don't really wonder that but I do wonder if they think. There's these lil black spiders that are like totally fearless when provoked, they won't back up but confront like a crab. I will get you a pic. Nobody answered the riddle: what's the last thing that goes a bug's mind when it hits your windshield or my shades?

It's butt.

Anyway here's this guy:

So I don't have his pic but I have a story regarding the prayer coins that I think of often. It happened several weeks ago. I'm coming down the trail on a decent manageable grade on a smooth trail. Like this:

Nothin serious just la la la got my earbuds in listening to a book or music. By this time I have a regular and frequent habit of peaking behind in case I need to pull over to let a faster hiker pass. In this case tho a guy suddenly and kind of on the rude side says "COMIN THRU"!. Okay no need to be that guy dude. 5 minutes later I'm at the bottom (a gap) and a friend Steve/Inspiration is sitting there. We were real glad to see each other since we hadn't since the GA/NC border. The nasty guy is there fidgeting around his pack. While I'm standing there catching up with Steve, rude man looks up at me and interrupts with "you got a cigarette?" Strike 2 "No, I don't smoke". As I return to catch up doesn't the guy actually pull out of his pack the stuff to roll his own which he does right in front of me? Strike 3. My girls and I have a name especially just for guys just like this. By this time his girlfriend who is actually quite pleasant with a Europian accent arrives and says hello with a nice smile.

Well it's about 1pm and I know I want to climb this hill and chill at a shelter about an hour away to eat, water and privy. I head off and get there around 2. Drop the pack, start boiling water etc and deposit 3 prayer coins in 3 diff spots in the shelter.

At 230 the guy shows up with girl friend right behind. Barely taking his pack off he starts scouring the shelter and grounds searching, wiry and frenetically. There was a waist high bench centered in the shelter and between the log book (every shelter has one) and a roach (marijuana) I had placed a coin. And as always the scripture "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" is face up. He grabs the roach. As he turns he sees another coin in the corner at the same time as his girlfriend. She asks what it is as he picks it up, looks at it and throws it down dismissively saying "some church thing."

He says, "at least I found this" referring to the roach as he continues looking on the ground around the fire pit. He's looking for cigarette butts. He finally sits down. A few minutes later he says "I'm not doing so good today, my stomach's not right".

Then it hits me like a 2x4 to the forehead, I realize, as clear as day, he's in recovery, deep in it. He's trying to recover. No wonder his girlfriend is so patient with this rude, scattered, struggling man, thin, gaunt, tensed and strained. Compassion floods in while I learn yet again another lesson I've been taught so many times, about judging.

(See the coin atop the cut sapling on the far right?)

Well that episode ends, we go our separate ways as I marvel at what he saw and didn't see wondering if what he read will somehow stick.

It had to be about two weeks later, I'm tenting behind Woodchucks Hostel in Damascus. It's morning and I got in the afternoon before and was going to leave around 1pm so had no rush to eat breakfast and pull stuff together etc. There's about 15 people staying either in the house or tents and most it seems are in my relaxed take it easy mood. Boom, this guys girlfriend rounds the corner. A few minutes later don't I find myself outside sitting next to and taking with the guy. He's telling me he doesn't know what he's gonna do after the trail, he has a lot of knowledge and experience with wine, likes the hospitality industry, could wind up in Canada or back in Taiwan. As I start to describe the Berkshires, all the NY money that sustains it on the weekends, the resorts etc, don't his eyes start lighting up. As the conversation continues and he becomes increasingly engaged I can see again my change from dislike, to more, to compassion, to "how can I help".

As I already did with two others knowing those in their lives struggling mightily against horrible addiction (both heroin), if you know of one who might benefit from time in another wilderness I am more than open. I'm also confident all gear needs and support would be provided, by the great physician thru His children.

Perspective

Perspective is a choice.

Class of 2015

2015-06-11T12:20:00.001-04:00

The AT supposedley noticed a surge in hikers this year because of the movie that came out last year with Reese Witherspoon called Wild. In August of this year Bill Bryson's book

Comes out in movie form with Robt Redford and Nick Nolte. It's a very popular book. Except for the frequent forays into evolution it was very entertaining and I'm sure Nolte will play an excellent Katz. The movie is expected to double the AT population next year which will be great for businesses but in my opinion be awful for those on the trail here to enjoy the peace and place.

Another reason I'm glad to be a part of 2015:

I met Scott Jurek! A few years ago when I was more into running Brian D and I read a very popular book titled Born To Run which highlighted a tribe of ultra distance runners in Mexico who ran either barefoot or on sandals for up to 150 miles at a time. The book also made these

shoes very popular. The concept makes sense, run more on the ball of your foot vs striking the heel and sending a shock up to ur knee, hip and lower back. Running more on the ball strengthens the arch, calf, knee etc.

Scott wrote the book! This year he is attempting to complete the AT in 42 days! 50 miles a day. He was very friendly stopping to shake hands and chat a bit. Go for it Scott!

What you see are sunglasses and earbuds. What I see are bug shields and bug plugs. Even on sunny days I'm only in it roughly 53.256% to 73.4521% of the time as the trail is mostly shaded. So think of a bug, with wings, it's body is 90% mouth with teeth, 5% body, 2.5% wings, 2.5% legs. The bug is flying at about 45 mph. It is of course heading straight for your eyeball.

Yeaaaahhhh, that's what I'm talkin about. These lil babies littering the trail, groaning and writhing in pain with their teeth or spear shaped noses broken off at the nerve as they breathe their last breath wondering what happened to the nice soft wet eyeball of the other hiker. Or why they can't get past that stupid plastic thingy to the sweet Sparky ear wax nectar.

Do you know what the last thing is that goes thru a bugs mind when it hits your windshield or my shades is???

When I was growing up, Readers Digest would offer $50 if you found a mistake in their publication. Whether on the giving or receiving end my D.O.D.'s reward was a kiss and a hug. Which was why I kept reading. Anyway, only Lauren noticed that in a recent post I forgot to add the pic of the shelter I wrote about.

Sweetheart can you guess which reward is coming your way? Hint: I hope to deliver such in person during a very brief stay (1or2 day) near the beginning of August when, good Lord willin and the creek don't rise, I hit the Berkshires and spend a night in Huntington bothering all my buds.

A creek.

Another creek.

Dismal Falls Virginia.

No way man?!?!

All you can eat Chinese for a total of $8.37?!?!

Can you say weight gain and profit loss?!

Sayonara!!!!

I always feel uncomfy when folks switch from speaking English with a smile to any other language without while looking at me.

Awwwww dat too bad Sparky have tapeworm appetite.

The world gets incredibly smaller in an upcoming post, yall can ballee dat.

Ni ni

Xoxo