Boy, Do I Like Virginia

These pictures are from the most recent CD I received from Lyle. The pictures are from GA and TN and maybe a few from VA...I can't really remember what he said about the cutoff. Now I know why he keeps asking for more duct tape :(

It's been awhile since I've updated the site because our communications have been sporatic and short. The trail is going through some very remote areas and cell service isn't all that great. But, we have spoken and that's the main thing.

Lyle and Plugger have gone over 600 miles! Virginia is a much "easier" hike than Georgia or TN. There are ups and downs, but not like what they've gone through. Now Lyle understands when people say if you can get to Damascus you can finish. Many of his trail buddies have left the trail unexpectedly. Word travels fast up and down the line...kinda like the old telephone game. The grapevine is alive and well on the AT! Plugger's buddy Scrubs was forced off the trail because of a broken bone in his leg. He stepped on a rock wrong and that was the end of his hike this year.

They have been walking through the Graceland Highlands and the big thing is the wild ponies. They are everywhere. Once a year they round them up to thin out the herd but otherwise they roam free. They are very jumpy and nervous but Lyle has a few pictures of them (of course!). They should be coming on the next CD whenever he finds a town that offers the service of downloading pictures from cameras. He said he is really enjoying the hike and scenery in VA. Some is due to the state, but he is also getting into better shape. His feet are not as blistered and sore, and that really makes a difference in how you feel!

They have had a lot of rain yet so they have been staying in as many shelters as possible. And they have been catching rides into towns which Lyle had not planned on. But, when you are wet, cold and miserable the schedule become much less important. And, hot meals and a place to dry off climb right to the top of the list.

They plan to go back to Damascus for trail days next weekend. Plugger has a friend that is going to pick them up, take them back to Damascus for the celebration, and then take them back to where they left off. And, I guess he is going to hike a spell with them too. He has a trail name but I don't have it in front of me right now. Part of the celebration is a parade with all of the hikers that are in town. They parade through town and the locals fire water guns and water balloons at them. I find this hysterical! It sounds like a good time and Lyle may be getting some new gear. He really wants a backpack that is lighter and maybe a lighter tent. It's hard to believe that a tent can be lighter than what he has, but they are out there. He says it all depends upon on how much it will cost.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly where they are, but I know he has crossed Mt Rogers and Marion. If you want to send any mail, you can drop it in first class and possibly get it to Damascus before he returns. The next mail drop will by Pearisburg I think but we need to discuss this and confirm it. He thinks he will buy provisions on the trail from now on so I'm not sure I'll be sending another box.

That's all for now. Happy Mother's Day for all you mothers that may be reading this! :)