Hello from Waynesboro, Va., and mile 850.

I want to use this blog update to thank some people that have helped me on the trail as I made my way north the past two weeks: Taylor and Brian of Bedford, Va., for carrying my pack uphill for three-quarters of a mile; Mike of Craig, Colo., for giving me a ride to water and telephone; Slayer and Uluru for giving me some electrolytes; and Barley and Rain for volunteering to go with me to bring Fifer down off the mountain after he broke his ankle.

The weather has been “Africa hot,” and the water at times hard to come by when you really need it. My knee is holding up and other parts are status quo.

Photos are posted below. The next update will be after mile 1088 – the HALFWAY point!

Thanks again to all who have pledged.

CU Later,
John

Greetings from mile 716 in Daleville, Va., about half way through Virginia. Since we sent out an update a short time ago, I will keep it brief.

Weather-wise, it seems like the entire month of May it has rained or threatened to every day. However, when the rain stops, the views are incredible.

Physically, the trail is beginning to take its toll. I am in the process of losing three toe nails on my right foot. I have a cracked rib since mile 416, and this past Wednesday (May 28th), I fell on some rocks in the rain. It looks as though I have torn some cartilage in my right knee. I got a ride to Waynesboro to see an orthopedic specialist. He gave me a cortisone shot and a bulky brace. So tomorrow I’ll get back on the trail after two days rest and see if drugs and neoprene can fix the problem.

Thanks to Brad, Myles and Connie for your pledges and getting us over the $11.00 per mile mark.

Audie Murphy Memorial – Only Texans would put a flag here.

I’m looking through a hole in the sky

In the fog at Macafee’s Knob

Looking back up at Dragon’s Tooth

Makin’ miles

Not 15, not 0, but 17 mph.

Punk rock horse at Grayson State Park

Smokey Pig’s t-shirt

Stubborn rat snake

View at top of Dragon’s Tooth

View of the New River