July 8th

July 8th, early afternoon

Well it's day one of a dream some  16 years in the making. When I was around 12 I bought a copy of Bill Bryson's, A Walk in the Woods, fascinated with the idea that a cohesive foot path winds the whole way from Georgia to Maine. I gave up on the book half-way through though because Bryson gave up on the trail half-way through. Critical of his lack of resolve I thought, "How hard can it be?" Well, I'm finally going to find out.

I'm starting my hike in the unofficial middle of the trail, Harpers Ferry, WV with plans to be North Bound (NOBO) to Maine. Then tackle the southern section, Georgia to West Virginia as a NOBO or SOBO (South Bound) we'll see which one if and when the time comes.

Presently I'm sitting in a dying down thunderstorm under a pavillion in Gathland State Park, MD. I reached this area that is rich with history after hiking 9.8 miles from Harpers Ferry, another place that's got quite a prolific past, especially with the Civil War. As always, I'll do my best to take the time to read to informational signs and plaques. I'll probably stand there with my hand on my chin nodding my head, and maybe even sprinkle in the occasional contemplative gaze into the history-soaked ether. Of course then, after buzzing through the last half of the info, I'll walk away retaining zero knowledge of what infantry circled around what knob, or how the regiment under general so-and-so came to be surrounded on the old Johnson Farm. I will appreciate the old buildings though and ogle over the stonework; and simply continue on my way knowing that something important happened here, and I'm the better for being able to see it.

...Back to the moment at hand. the storm seems to be passing, which is good, and I hear no audible successors. Steam is barreling off the parking lot, and I'm feeling good about pressing on for my day's goal. Crompton Gap shelter, only .4 miles away. I think I'll go fill my water bottles, curse the vending machine again for not taken my sweat swollen dollar bill, and be on my way.

Looking back, the day has been great. I ran into my first NOBO thru hiker. After I found that out I said I was NOBO too, and reached out my hand for a fist bump. "I don't have a trail name yet, so I guess for now it's Jordan."
"River" was the reply of my new sweaty acquaintance. We walked together at a fast pace for 4 or 5 miles, and the conversation made the hiking a breeze. River started in Georgia and is "...really into this whole positive thinking thing." which he expounded on for me. The word energy was used a lot, and I really enjoyed our time together.

It had good energy.

We went our separate ways then once we got to this park. He went to hang out and then slack pack with Crawdad, and Zig Zag.

Evening

Here I was interrupted by a man walking my way from a van. He was carrying a cooler and was wearing a plaid kilt. His name was Bluedog and I realized I was about to be blessed with my first trail magic. Water, Pepsi, and then his wife/friend? Gloria brings over some watermelon, oranges, and bananas. Not bad for a first day, I thought. We shot the breeze for a while and he explained he's doing trail magic to save up some good karma for his thru hike in the future. I was happy to be on the receiving end of his generosity, and I'll have to remember to send him some good energy his way when he hikes. Soon Stanimal, and Red Bearfield show up and partook as well. Stanimal had an old English Bulldog named Lola. I hiked with Stanimal the whole way to the shelter, 5 miles beyond what I was planning on doing. Again, it was good conversation, and fun being with Lola. At the shelter, there were already like 8 guys, and cool and laid back. I could barely eat because I wasn't hungry, but I forced down some rice. My traps were really sore, but otherwise I felt fine for my first day. 15 miles, more than I said I would. I hope I don't regret that.