I met my first thruhiker

“this weekend i hiked a section of the AT in PA, between route 309 and bake oven knob. lots of thruhikers on the trail. one group started in mid march, it was awesome to meet them. all the guys looked amish with their beards. i noticed one couple eating ramen noodles dry, without boiling water. it's interesting their day-to-day routine is far different from ours.

this section of trail is scenic with rock outcrops and nice views.”

“Surly bastards, aren't they?”

“some were, some were nice.”

“doesn't mean you need to be disgusting...you can take a disposable razor and shave and clean up...sheesh.

I met thur hiker one summer when I was day hiking up Kittatiny. the dude was outfitted for bear and was hiking in sandles!!!he was taking 1 stride for every 2.5 that I took. he was gone and out of site in a matter of minutes...Stratusloop and I were witness to this feat. Ever since, we have been inspired to hike longer and get better at this activity...this week, we'll be hiking from our beach house to the beach and playing in the surf and building sandcastles....now thats hiking!”

“That is a nice section of trail. I like the Knife Edge, Baer Rock and Bake Oven, although Bake Oven is pretty trashed by day crowds.”

“Geo...that is a nice area...I miss it, but Missouri has some great areas to discover. Would you come mid west sometime...I'm thinkin of hostin a river trip (go figure) next 4th of July, and some philly friends are gonna fly out. It would be a pleasure to take ya out to the north woods of Arkansas to meet Stratdewd...and his clan of rednekkid cannibals.”