Hi All,
We are doing well and are in Pearisburg VA at 622 miles from Springer. My parents came to visit from Maine and helped us slackpack (allowed us to day hike and shuttled us around) for two days. It was great to see them and to get to spend some time with them while they were on vacation (it almost never happens). We have been loving VA, it is by far our favorite state thus far, with easy terriain and more wildlife than the other states we have passed through. We also have been enjoying the warmer weather and lack of snow and rain. As you can see from two of the pictures we havn't been so lucky in the past.
The other pictures are of a snake that we saw along the trail ( a king snake we are told) around four feet long, and of a man who goes by the name Jake that we have been hiking with. He is a really great guy from Georgia that has spent many years on the trail and is full of great knowledge, which I probe him for at every oportunity ( I'm sure this comes as a big suprise to everyone who knows me). The picture with ponies is from Grayson Highlands State Park in southern Virginia. The US Forest Service maintains a heard of around 100 ponies that keep the area open and grazed down. This leads to a huge open area that resembles a high elevation pasture. The picture of Amanda and I standing near the sign for the Mt. Rogers NRA is actually the Tenn. / VA. state line. It seems odd but there is no sign to designate the border. Last is the picture of the horses and riders in the pond.
-Ben
If anyone out there knows how to arrange the pictures on the page and to place captions under them please help us out. We have yet to figure it out.
6 comments:
SIX HUNDRED AND TWENTY TWO MILES! That's amazing and so are the photographs. Keep up the good work.
T.P. Dog
I can't believe you have been over 600 miles. The pictures are great! Amanda, I hope you don't mind but I have given your blog address to a few people. (your old patients) You guys look wicked good! You two are doing awesome! I'm sure you are happy to be in warmer weather. Just don't rush too quickly trying to get up here because it has been nothing but be cold and rainy. Keep up the good work. I miss you!!!!
Since love is in the air in Virginia....Ben are you planning on popping the question? We are all wondering?
Fle
Hi there guys! I just logged in for the first time to view your trip progress - been a little busy with Harry my new baby - (born 2 months ago and totally adorable - but enough about me!) Amanda I am so happy for you - it sounds like this is indeed the trip of a lifetime! You will never forget it and your life and relationship will be so much richer for having done it! I admire you so much and miss you!
Take care!
Katie Michaud
Hi Ben & Amanda, Well Ben, I guess "Fle" put you on the spot!!! Your Dad and I walked part of the AT when we did the Skyline Drive on the way home, so when you pass thru there you'll be walking in our footsteps. You will know the area as signage tells you it is two million steps on the AT from Georgia and only three million more steps to Maine!!!! Makes me tired just to think about it, but I know you two determined soulmates will do it. Miss and love you both, stay healthy, warm and dry. Love, Mom & Dad
Hi to you both and lots of love from home..
"It's not how much you do, but how much love you put into the action"..Mother Teresa-----may you feel all the love coming towards you and within you as you walk and receive the day, the boxes of food-#11 is now on its way with more goodies and love, and all the people who are walking with you.
It's amazing to walk so many miles-here is a poem to share
I think over again
my small adventures
my fears
those small ones that seemed
so big
for all of the vital things
I had to get and to reach
and yet there is only one
great thing
to live and see the great day
that dawns
and the light that fills the world.
an Innuit poem
Much love and hugs from home
mom
Dear Amanda and Ben;
I just found out about your blog last week. This is wonderful to be able to follow you both back home. Be safe and enjoy each other
Love;
The uncle
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