May 3, 1997 (Day 45 – milepoint 478.3 – Thomas Knob Shelter)

Entered the Mount Rogers National Wilderness Area today. Cool and windy. Here at Thomas Knob Shelter with Papa Smurf and Flower, Easy Chair, Moosette, Boomer (Moosette’s dog), and Backrest. Not much to say except that it is good to be out here far from town again.

May 3, 2009

Hey Aquaholic,

This journal to you has been helpful, but doing it everyday, especially when I am suffering, is not helping me as much as I thought it would. My daily entries have at times become an unnecessary load. I don’t think it is helping you either. In fact, I know you’re frustrated as hell that I’ve not made more progress in pulling my head out of the clutter.

My journey is quite different than yours. There is more at stake and I just need to be careful about where I focus my attention and what I say.

I’m going to just enjoy your thru-hike on the AT. That alone is great therapy for me. You’ll continue to hear from me, but less often. I won’t try to keep up with your daily entries. When I have something meaningful to share, I will share it.

O’