Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2000
Subject: Re: How's the weather?

Sarah Bross wrote:
> Hey Greg!
> It sounds like you may have been having quite a bit of
> rain. I hope it hasn't dampened your spirits too much! ;-)

Hi Sarah,

The weather has actually been pretty good so far.  I had to observe "lightning protocol" (prop aluminum frame pack and hiking pole against tree - get the hell away from tree - squat with feet together till it blows over) during one brief thunderstorm, and then a few days ago it rained a bit and got cold for a while.  Days have been cool to warm, but it's been hard to crawl out of the sleeping bag when it's been near freezing some mornings.

I am currently in Waynesboro, VA which is located at the Southern end of Shenandoah Nat. Park, 160 miles from where I started at Harper's Ferry W. VA.

The hike has been dominated by my body's feeble attempts to adapt to the exertion I'm putting it through.  I've got blisters on both heels and my left ankle and arch hurt, but I just bought an ankle brace that seems to help a lot.

I have met some interesting and nice people so far.  The last four shelter sites I shared with a trio of AT veterans, including one woman from South Africa(!) who has returned to complete the Southern half of the trail.

One memorable moment was at sunset at Rockspring shelter.  The trees are still bare so I had a pretty good view to the west.  After the sun went down there was still plenty of orange in the sky and the lights below in Shenandoah valley sparkeled like stars.

I expected the first few weeks to be physically tough, and they have been.  I wish I was smart enough, or self-depriving enough to learn to carry less weight.  I look forward to getting into better hiking shape so that I can focus less on my sore feet!

Gotta go,