Last weekend, our daughter, Katie, Will's girlfriend Sofia, Mary's dog Luke, and I visited the hikers. We were able to spend a few days with them and even visited part of the trail that went through Grayson Highland State Park in VA, on which they had hiked a week earlier. We were hoping to come across some of the herds of wild ponies they had seen, but no luck. We did see some beautiful scenery, including azalea bushes in bloom alongside the trail.
Did Luke get to stay? I hope so -- I know that he makes Mary so happy!
ReplyDeleteThe amazing thing to me about all your pictures is that Mary and Will are both still smiling! In the book AWOL, I got the impression that Virginia is the hardest part of the trail -- not just because of it's terrain, but because it is a lot of the same thing, over and over, and you are in the same state for so long you feel like you are never getting out. Hopefully, Mary and Will won't find that a problem, but will continue to appreciate the experience, even if it gets a little hum=drum.
With that in mind, I've found a scripture that seems to fit, from Hebrews 6:11, The Message: And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don’t drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.
(just a little out of context, but I couldn't pass up any scripture that said, "Don't drag your feet."! Sounded like it was written for hikers of the AT, to me.) peace...Deb
Like did not stay, just came for a planned visit. He is still too protective to be on the trail with them. Will would like for us to bring Ruger for a visit next time!
DeleteOf course, Will and Mary were still smiling! Mom was there! Oh, and Sofia and Katie and Luke! Plus, they knew we had brought along Sofia's homemade enchiladas and my Mac and cheese!
While they are in Virginia for over 500 miles, there are so many things that are in that state. The wild ponies for one that I hope Mary shares pictures of. Today they rode a zip line across a creek! Some man has a campground in his yard, no cost, I believe, and you get to it via zip line! I don't know how they did, just know that my satellite message tonight (Sunday) said they rode a zip line! They will also come to Dragons Tooth rock formation, a monument to Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of WW2, they will cross the longest foot-use-only bridge on the AT (shouldn't have been looking things up... This one scares me!),and hike through Shenandoah National Park. Find more I for on Virginia (and other AT states here: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/terrain-by-state/virginia
Thanks for the update Emily. I was wondering how they were doing. Katie has grown a lot since the last time I saw her. She's taller than Mary now! I would love to see pictures of the wild ponies.
ReplyDelete