An early April walk on the Appalachian Trail in central Virginia seems pleasant enough.  I wonder though, as I see my porch here in southern Pennsylvania turning white this evening from a late snowfall that may continue off and on through tomorrow night.  The weather is supposed to turn warmer next week but will remain damp.  We begin our planned nine-day backpack on Monday morning at Pearisburg near Blacksburg.  Give our adventure your thoughts and prayers. 

 Cathy Patty Robert Chris and Doug

Herring Brook is a lot of fun

 Frank, Matt, Patty Cathy circa 1984

 Happy Birthday Doug

Already a week since our return.  The drive went well despite the painful increase in the price of gasoline.  I had sympathy for Mohamed Bouazizi, but the cascading events have been painful to all of us.  Sadly we didn't take out Gaddafi before he recouped to carefully exterminate the opposition.  Now, until he accomplishes that, the price of oil will flutter.