These last two days have been exciting, with visits from, and encounters with, some incredible folks. 

First and foremost, my wife, Paula, flew out from Arizona to join me for 6 days of backpacking. Her sister Marcia and husband Patrick joined us, as did my great friend, Trueman.

We stayed at a B&B in Washington VA

Then hiked the AT together

My apologies to Trueman for not getting him in a photo..

Then, Paula and I made the acquaintance of Stumbledwarf, a retired military specialist from the U.K. 

He charmed us and amused us with stories from the trail and from his career in the military

Check out his website and AT videos – Google “Stumbledwarf”

My friend Trueman headed back to Arlington VA on Sunday morning. While hiking south toward Skyland after Trueman’s departure, we ran into his wife, Kim, on the AT, finishing up a 3 day hike with a group of friends – another crazy coincidence.

Finally, this evening, Paula and I hiked to Skyland in Shenandoah NP, and checked into a cabin to dry out after getting soaked in a thunderstorm last night and this morning.

While checking in, I met a fellow who turns out to be Diné (Navajo) from Kaibeto. First Navajo person I’ve met on the AT!!

His name is Rodney Fowler and I got a chance to practice my limited Navajo language skills with him.

He was quite surprised to see someone from the Rez – particularly an Anglo who could speak a few words of Navajo. What an exciting encounter!

My wife, Paula, did superbly on her first two days of backpacking in SNP

We harvested some “chicken of the woods” mushrooms and feasted on them tonight

In addition to all that, we saw a lot of nature’s beauty.

Hickory nut

Pokeweed

“Viewpoint” of the Shenadoah Valley – socked in with fog after the storm

Acorns

Rose hips 

Jewel weed

Witch hazel fruit (for you, Pat)

Ending the day (and ending the storm) with a beautiful sunset

I’m a lucky guy,

Junco