June 22, N of Linden, VA
Hot day on tap, but cool morning miles out of shelter pays off. Rhododendron vibrant up here. By lunchtime, I was ready for a stream bath. Made Dicks Dome shelter. What a disappointment. Really delapidated -- but hey, it's a good place to stop for a spell, and it does have water. The register was a joy, too.
Jedi wrote on 5/30: 'Alright everybody, I'd like to call this meeting of Yellow Blazers Anonymous to order. As usual, we'll start with the pledge. (everyone rises and raises right hand).
'I, name, am a yellow blazer. Admitting my problem is half of the battle. I can get to Maine on my own two feet. Cars are a weakness I must learn to overcome. By God, I will.'
Great, now let's meet our newest member. Go ahead, stand up, don't be shy.
Uh... hi everybody... I'm Jedi and I'm a yellow blazer.
Hi, Jedi.
Thanks. I know I have a problem... but I can do it, and it's so nice to know (sob, sob) ... you are here ... (sniffle, sniffle) - oh, I just love you guys!
-- So here's the real deal. Ingrown toenail, got a ride out of SNP to Front Royal and saw a doctor. Doctor, Doctor, Mr. MD, Doctor can you tell me, what's ailing me, Doctor? He said, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah... 'Shit son, you're in a world of hurt. Stay off it, he says... Harpers Ferry by Thursday for some recoup time, I say. Until then, don't be a schwee head. Yeah."
Florida Bob, 5/30: 'Interesting story about shelters. There used to be one close to Denton, but it was STOLEN, lock, stock and barrel. Turns out it was made of chestnut logs... worth a fortune nowadays.
Big John / Second Wind teasing me in the register about the warning of no water at Dicks. My register reply:
'But the book said no water! Getting ready to toss the databook in the same firepit as the topo maps. Just follow the damn blazes DNA, don't sweat the details. Water will come - hills will come, Katahdin will come. Doubt I'll [censored] anytime soon, but what the hell. From the trail rumors, I've had plenty on this hike anyway. Where do these stories start? Just little ol' me hiking up the trail...
Funny how the heat addles your brain. Reading Strider's entries, I have this sudden urge to steal an Acura and run over him -- just to get him to spell LEGEND right. Better go soak my head in the stream. After all, it's not supposed to be here... Sorry, Big John! You lugged all that water for nothin'
Still too hot to hike. - 'DNA