The last 2 days I’ve been hiking with Andrew. He was told by one of the thru-hikers we met that if he didn’t pick a trail name he could be “Weenie”. So now he’s “Barbershop”. We did 20+ miles together over the last two days, singing barbershop songs as we hiked. I think I’m beginning to get my trail legs. The old guy did great with the youngster.
We climb a lot of mountains.
We met lots of NOBO’s on the trail including “Star,” an awesome pooch.
Here’s Bronco, Lucky, Pine Cone, and Luna.
And Disconnect.
This is Broken Feather, who is SOBO with me, with his Platypus Gravity filter.
You ask, “Puffin, what do you drink on the trail?” The answer is purified spring water infused with fresh wild raspberries.
We passed this on the trail today. 900 miles to Springer, another milestone.
And finally, “Turtle Pack” was overnight hiking with her mom.
Andrew and I are in Charlottesville, VA with his brother-in-law Adam. Had steak at Outback and did laundry. Tomorrow Andrew flies home and I get back on the trail to finish off Shenandoah National Park over the next couple of days.
You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life. – Winston Churchill
Puffin's Hike 
You are so blessed; your life so rich. Thanks for sharing.
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Well, having been a part of this trip has really opened my eyes to what it means to hike the Appalachian trail. We came across a sign at our last stop that said it was the equivalent of hiking Everest 16 times over! And I believe it. It’s rare that a son gets to pay back his dad for all that’s he’s already given, but I hope that our time these last two days put a little change in that bank. It was really something special to see my father in his element, conquering really difficult obstacles, and finding his place on the trail. He’s even starting to gain some fame! When we met Lav, he wanted to shake my dads hand as he had heard of puffin and his hike. That was pretty special. To all those following the blog, I hope you all experience the inspiration I go to these last two days. Watching someone take on a lifelong dream is really special. Keep trucking, Puffin! We’re all with you!
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I love you, son. Thanks for being with me. It was a very special time.
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Oh… And mountains suck.
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Keep trucking. Love the posts. Bear sighting eh? Do you have bear mace or just a quick draw Bit o’ Honey to chuck at him as you make your escape?
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I’m not messing with any bears.
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