hikerguys.com

[debi]

Mileage update from Superfeet's mom. Superfeet is in Waynesboro, VA with Ladybug, Big Fish & Stone Passer. It may seem like they aren't making much progress for a good reason. On Saturday, October 22, Big Fish's parents were going to drive from their home in Richmond to meet them for lunch & reprovisions. The hikers ended up talking the parents into driving them back to Richmond (2 hour drive one-way) so they could attend a concert that night. A hiker they all met in Massachusetts named Crazy Horse plays the guitar & was giving a concert. So they all surprised him by showing up at this concert. They were supposed to leave the next day to get back on the trail, but a couple of the hikers weren't feeling well, so they waited until Tuesday. There was a winter storm in the VA mountains, but they called to make sure the roads were ok. Well, they got all the way up there just find out that Skyline Drive was closed, so these poor parents had to turn around and drive them back to Richmond. I think they finally got back on the trail Friday, October 28. It has been very cold & the jacket, sleeping bag liner & gloves have been received by Superfeet. Last night, Sunday, October 30, the hikers were surprised at about 9:00 p.m. by the arrival of Traction, a hiker that actually gave Superfeet his trail name back in March in North Carolina. He's a student at James Madison University & been waiting (and waiting!) for Superfeet to ever make it to Virginia. Traction brought his girlfriend with him & food to grill so even though everyone had gone to bed, once they arrived, they were all up. I found out that Ladybug & Big Fish have a website - www.stinkyhikers.com and there are lots of photos of Superfeet & the group. We are trying to see if Superfeet will finish by Thanksgiving - he only has to make it to Damascus to complete his thru hike. If the weather cooperates, he should be able to do it. Thanks to everyone who has been driving, feeding and providing trail magic to this group. The end is in sight!