June 17 - Blackburn AT Center (Day 90 – milepoint 982.5)

a.m. – Have to mention, before I leave this morning, the Trail Magic that happened last night. An ATV pulled up to the shelter out of nowhere and I introduced myself to Scott Haberman and his accompanying chocolate lab retriever, who live up the holler with his wife (Scott’s wife, that is). Apparently, Solophile has her own website where she updates her journal entries and photos and is able to communicate with lots of different folks. (Hey what a great idea!) She and Scott have e-mailed a few times and he came down to say hello. I enjoyed conversation with him while we waited for Solophile and Fireball to arrive. When they did, Scott unhinged the cooler and pack from the ATV and pulled out bottled beer, pizza, fresh fruit, and M&Ms. What an unexpected treat!

Spent most of today with Solophile and Fireball. It was nice to walk with some company for a change. We traded jokes and stories to help pass the hot uphill climbs.

Blackburn AT Center: located in a little holler just off the trail. Two bunkhouses, solar shower, porch with couches and a swing, payphone. Caretakers George and Mary Sue, who got married during their’95 thru-hike, made us a big ole pot of spaghetti, lemonade, and ice cream. Unbelievable!

Saw my first rattlesnake today. Looking forward to Harper’s Ferry tomorrow.

Aquaholic