Tumbling Run, Poto and Basil

Post date: Jun 30, 2016 2:37:32 AM

6/28: An 18 miler today with a soaking rain midway. Arrived at Tumbling Run Shelter, changed into dry clothes, ate a beef stick, instant soup, an apple, an orange, energy bar, and two tortilla with a glob of peanut butter on each. Met a dad with two boys, Basil 13 and Porter 10. Both were running around like boys do in the woods, making up games, splashing around in a nearby creek oblivious to getting their shoes and socks soaked, building bridges over rocks in the creek. Just being boys. Porter introduced himself to me first and, not being able to say his "r's", sounded like he said "Poto". I finally had him spell it to find out it was Porter. Porter was talkative and difficult to understand because of the r's but not a bit shy. I heard him introduce himself to other hikers as they came in, and saw the same quizzical looks that I must have had as they tried to figure it out. Porter and Basil both liked to learn about stuff around camp and I enjoyed telling them a bit about the surroundings. They left the next morning delighted to know the calls of 3 birds around camp- the Phoebe, Barred Owl, and Wood Thrush. I hope Porter will soon be able to pronounce the r's in the names of the last two.

Tomorrow a short day of 9 miles, then to Fayetteville where I'll stay at the Scottish Inn and Suites.

Mile 1073.