Keith Not Brick, Scary Night

Post date: Jun 15, 2016 8:7:15 PM

It's Wednesday 6/15 and I'm in Waynesboro Virginia waiting for brother Keith. But it was supposed to be Brick. Back in early May, just before my AT on the AT got me, it was all set up to meet Brick on May 15 here in Waynesboro. He had all his equipment, had purchased a plane ticket to Charlottesville, VA and set up a ride in to Waynesboro with a local hostel and shuttle guy named Stanimal. And he had been out running and hiking the previous few months and had lost about 25 pounds! He was ready! Alas, I developed the Anterior Tibialis problem that forced me off the trail back to Wisconsin and our days together on the trail were doomed. Brick says there might be a possibility he can join me sometime in July. I sure hope so. If not, I'll be with Keith but thinking of Brick as we leave Waynesboro and will dedicate the first several miles to the Man from KCMO.

Last night I camped alone at a campsite at mile 851. I had done a second 18 mile day over tough terrain and was tired. As I got ready to go to sleep shut up in my tent as the last of the light of the sun died in the west, I called Mom. As we spoke, I heard distinct, loud footsteps in the leaves and snorting sounds near my tent. It sounded like something big. It sounded like it could a bear. I told Mom I was hearing something strange, but that I'd be alright. I then called Ann and told her where I was and what was happening, but not to worry, that I was just being cautious. I didn't get to sleep for a while because every time I thought whatever was out there was gone, I'd hear it again. I did finally sleep, and slept in longer than usual until about 7 am. Knowing Ann and Mom might be worried, I tried to call then send a text but neither would go through despite having one, sometimes two dots for service. The light of the morning and a good night's sleep vanquished all fear, so I went back in the woods where I heard the sound and marked that territory good. Hah!! I hiked out, and shortly after I was on the trail, my signal improved, and I called both Ann and Mom. When I called Ann, she was, at that same moment, on the phone with the local sheriffs office reporting the situation!! Later, a mile or two down the trail I saw a large pile of bear scat that looked fresh.

I'm now in a hotel in Waynesboro waiting for Keith to arrive in a few hours. And at mile 862.