| 6/8/01 - It was a very hectic week and I was starting to feel as if
getting ready for the visit was becoming a chore.� Don't get me wrong I was
definitely looking forward to seeing Honey and Moon, it was just the preparation during
the week (rental car, packing, unexpected meeting on the Friday before we left, etc.) that
was making it difficult.� I went to pick up my daughter Dana and Barb went to pick up Patrick.� We met at Leilani and Joe's house to make our final preparations and then got on the road.� After we were on the road I felt a sense of calm and excitement all at once.� The hectic week was done and I'll be seeing Honey and Moon tomorrow. � We stayed at the Big Meadow Lodge on Skyline Drive, which (we found out later) was approximately 2 hours away from tomorrows pickup.� It was a beautiful setting, very quite and peaceful and I quickly started to feel the envy that I've been feeling about Honey & Moon on the trail.�
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| 6/9/01 - We woke up early (we promised to meet them at 9:00)
and all piled into the van.� We drove through a few small towns then on to I81.�
I81 took us to route 56, which we knew was a thin pink line of the map.� What we
didn't know was that it was like driving on a rollercoaster track through the
mountains.� A few of us were starting to get a little queasy but we turned on the air
and continued on. As we passed landmarks on the map, my navigator Joe kept us informed as to how close we were.� He finally said that we were very close.� As we turned the corner I saw the Appalachian Trail sign.�� Honey and Moon were relaxing on the ground waiting for our arrival (9:45 - just alittle late).� We all jumped out of the van and greeted them with warm hugs and handshakes (although the handshakes soon turned to hugs since we were so glad to see them).� They looked great.� We later commented that we were surprised on how good they looked.� Although the trail was tough, Honey & Moon seem to be handling it extremely well.� As I looked at Moon I came to realize that he really fit in out here.� I remember talking to many people before the hike and commenting about Irene, no problem, but Armie?� Many couldn't believe he was going into the woods let alone hiking the trail.� Armie you proved us all wrong, and after this weekend I have a greater respect for you and wish you all the luck in your future endevours.� As we were getting ready to go, we met up with a few other thru-hikers.� Voyager Bob, Mt. Goat, and Hipbone.� Joe and Leilani had brought brownies and Tastycakes which they gladly shared with the thru-hikers.� Voyager Bob devoured some brownies and saved some Tastycakes for later.� Mt. Goat and Hipbone also did their share of devouring.� As you can tell thru-hikers are VERY hungry people, so if you pay them a visit bring food (Tastycakes, Pringles, Fruits, and Vegetables are high on the list. � Beer and Wine are not too far behind).
The first stop was at Cracker Barrel.� If you haven't been to one for breakfast you don't know what your missing.� For example the Uncle Hershel special consists of two eggs, grits, biscuits and gravy, a breakfast meat, and hashbrown casserole for only $5.99.� I've never seen Honey eat so much in my life.� I remember going out after Volleyball and she ate half of what she ordered and saved the rest for later. � The only thing Honey and Moon saved were a few biscuits and jelly containers. We then drove to Luray Caverns where we joined a tour and brought Honey & Moon back to the reality in which we live in (tourists and crowds).� We also had an encounter with ugly America.� On the tour you aren't supposed to touch the rock formations since it would stunt there growth.� Unfortunately "Mr. Touchy", as he became known as, wasn't really listening.� But all in all I think we all enjoyed the trip to the Caverns.�
After the tour we took them on, what else, a hike.� Barb, Dana, Patrick, and I had been to Skyline Drive before and wanted to show Joe, Leilani, Honey, and Moon this waterfall which had an excellent view.� The hike was alittle more strenuous than I remember.� Honey & Moon had no problem but the rest of us had to catch our breaths a few times.�� We then hiked back in time for dinner.� Joe and Leilani brought with them Italian Bread, roasted vegetables, and sharp provolone cheese.� Barb brought her pasta salad. � Honey and Moon quickly devoured as much as they could.� We then settled back for some great conversation and a pleasant visit.� Irene mentioned that she read this Buddhist book which had some interesting philosophies.� She said the book indicated that if you hurt someone, talked about someone badly, even bad thoughts, you would get a drop in the bucket.� If the bucket was full you were headed straight to damnation. � The conversation quickly turned to hysterics as anytime someone said something bad a "drip" would follow.� We also heard an interesting tale when Irene went to get Ice Cream and ordered a Chocolate cone with Chocolate Jimmies.� Doesn't sound too different, we order that all the time.� The difference is that in this section of the south Jimmies is slang for a mans genitalia.�� We finally reached a point were we couldn't go on and retired to bed. |
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| 6/10/01 - Joe and I woke up early to take Honey & Moon back to the
trail.� The next section to hike was a 5 mile long 4000 foot climb up a mountain and
they wanted to get back on the trail as early as possible.� With their bags packed to
the brim with fresh supplies we said our good-byes and watched them venture back onto the
trial.� A tear ran down Joe's eye then he began to weep uncontrollable (just kidding,
wanted to see if you were paying attention).� In all seriousness, the time we spent
was too short and I can't wait see them again and to hear more of their adventures.� I would stop here but I have to tell you about something we saw at the lodge.� We all went to lunch after Joe and I returned, then we decided to climb up to an overlook which had a beautiful view of the landscape.� We then proceeded to check out some of the cabins that were around the lodge area.� We were all ready to leave when I decided to get a bottle of water.� I went to the machine and got the water, then something drew me toward the overlook that was near our room where we stayed.� As I approached the overlook I saw this black mound moving in the field.� I called everyone over since I knew we were getting a close look at a young Black Bear.� We all were excited to see the Bear which was the topper of an incredible weekend.� |
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| Final Comments - In the opening statement I mentioned how envious I was
about Honey & Moon being on the trail.� My busy schedule and hectic life style
had me craving for peace and tranquility that they were getting.� Something about
this weekend and the things Honey & Moon talked about showed me that I have nothing to
be envious about.� Sure I would love to do what they are doing and hike the trail.
� Maybe someday I will.� But I realized that I have just as many pleasures in my
world as they are enjoying now.� I have a wonderful wife, daughter, family, and
friends.� I have nothing but great respect for Honey & Moon who have decided to rethink their lifestyle and face the challenge of the trail and what lies ahead. �� Thank you both for letting me rethink my life. |
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