Atkins, Va.

Well, the internet has been scarce out here (and sometimes expensive when you find it. I'm paying 5.00 for 30 minutes, but the people at the gas station here are awesome and doing their best to cater to hikers, so I think it's justifiable.), but so have showers, laundry, and various other important things (I'm washing my clothes for the first time in about two weeks.).

For the past few weeks, the hiking has been pretty good. There was a week long stretch of rain, but that is over, and I've been enjoying sunshine and good views through the Grayson Highland area and thereabouts. And I've run into a bunch of great people, but it's proven difficult to keep everyone together with injuries, family emergencies, and different paces. Oh well, it at least helps to know they are out there and to run into them from time to time. My crew for the past bit has been Big Tuna, Red Lion, Hardcore, Moe!, Rocket (i.e. (Snot Rocket)), and Lucky Joe. Interesting names, pretty good assortment of people.

I promised to try not to do stream-of-consciousness-blogging, but given the conditions and the amount of stuff I could say, it's really hard not to. I hope to get pictures up sometime and to show off the beard, but it will take some doing to get that done. But I do have one question for you...I know I made a vow to not shave the beard until I crested Katahdin, but am I allowed to trim it? Right now, the whiskers of the mustache are beginning to creep down in front of the lip, and I've gotten ketchup and other savory bits mixed up in it already. Am I allowed to trim this area, or do I have to buy wax and work out some handlebars? I will take your comments in mind.

No bears yet. Some raw spots on feet but no blisters. More tan than ever...really bad farmer's tan. Still smelly after shower.

Alright, enough for now.