Update from Linda

David called (collect) from Troutdale, Virginia.  Can you believe it? He has now walked over 500 miles of the trail.  He wishes everyone a Happy Mother's Day - and Happy Birthday to his son, Phillip!

David has had no cell phone or internet connections for over a week.  Tough on a guy who's always connected!

But - to make up for it - he's had an amazing week.  The weather has been really nice - until this weekend when it started to rain again.  He and his hiking friends are hanging out at the Troutdale Baptist Church while this

latest storm passes.

Last Saturday, May 4, he called from the Tennessee-Virginia border.  Since then, he has walked in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, along the Virginia Creeper Trail.  He has climbed Virginia's two highest peaks - Whitetop Mountain, at 5,520 feet and Mt. Rogers, at 5,792 feet. The highlight of his week was on Rhododendron Gap - home to lots of feral ponies.  It's springtime, so there are many foals.  David says they are so friendly, they licked his hand!  Can't wait to see photos!

Once the weather clears, he heads to Pearisburg, Virginia for a reunion with his daughter Suzi (trail name Hiccup).  She'll have a car load of supplies and will hike with him for a couple of days.

Take care - and Happy Trails,