The day started with a few rain drops which made me scurry to break camp at 7 but the sun broke through for another nice Virginia day. The climb was tough but walking th
e ridge line was tougher. I set out to walk 20 but hiked 22 to another site by a babbling brook. Actually 23 if I count the 1/2 mile I walked down hill for needed water. In camp the 16 year old population doubled so it’s not just the brook. I don’t remember ever being that happy but if I was I’m sure I was pretty obnoxious.
I meet so many happy people along the way that it’s bewildering. I’m not trying to punish myself out here but despite the beauty that’s what I seem to do. I’ve slowed my pace, I stop and take pictures and even some times I stop just to touch the texture of the trees. But nonetheless by the end of the day I feel like I am in soccer camp . It mystifying to watch how quickly others bond out here, how interested in where we are from, where did we come from and where are we going. Those and what’s your trail name seem to be the best conversation starters. After that I got nothing and generally drift back to my tent or walk down to the water to wash my socks. I know I am missing out but I’m tired and feel at times I simply have little to give. I’d like to be more a part of the culture out here but so far I’m more of an observer/participant.
Andy M Davidson 
Soccer camp is tiring but it’s meant to be so fun that one hardly notices (until their achy muscles try to get out of bed in the morning). Don’t forget the bonding/fun part or all you’ll get out of this is the achy muscles. You don’t always have to ‘give’ to have a conversation. Think of it as collecting; just let them talk. (Besides, their stories will be great fodder for the book I’m going to make sure you write later! *wink*wink) You’re incredible, Popito! Love you!!
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I loved soccer camp and I love this too. And you too Ofcourse
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Andy, Write the book… Your favorite daughter is spot on…! COLLECTING…. Collect everything… Their stories, their triumphs, their dissapointments, their crushing defeats , their life Tragedies…. And, you cannot help but touch each of them in a special way… Because you listened enough to affirm them… and let them know they matter… At least to you… At least to someone… And it does not matter that you said few words or that you even shared little of yourself… Rich is the man that does this… And if you do, it really never ends up just simply being COLLECTING… It is SHARING in every sense of the word… No matter how much or how very little you share… Please do this for them… For us… But, more importantly, DO IT FOR YOURSELF…! Love Always, Doc Hollywood
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Great to have you join us. I hope you find the information and answers you are looking for.
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A friend of mine taped a presentation I did back in the Fall and recently edited it so I could post it on Youtube.com. After going to the website, just search for Andy Davidson thru hiking thru life and you should get the 3 parts. The total presentation lasts about an hour. Hopefully it will make you laugh and think. Since I last wrote, I have to say I really miss the trail and miss conversing with y’all even more. I’ve been working on another project which I hope to announce in the near future. Until then I have dreams of jumping in the truck with Lor and Belle (our Springer Spaniel) and back packing out West this summer. (Just don’t tell my employer).
Take care, “Phantom”
I can’t thank you enough for all the support. Feel free to spread the word and I apologize to some of you who may be getting this notice as a repeat.
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