I just finished your book and wanted to say hello. My boyfriends dad, who is a ham radio enthusiast, loaned me the book to read. I was glued to it every chance I got! I love reading about the trail because I aspire to do it myself one day. I live in Harpers Ferry and the trail runs along the ridge at the top of my neighborhood(Shannondale) I plan on doing some trail magic again this summer because it’s so much fun. A few years ago my friend “Dirty Feet” hiked the trail by herself and I met her with pizza and beer at Bears Den and then met up with her again in Harpers Ferry. She said I was the talk of the trail from Bears Den to Harpers Ferry for bringing goodies. 

I was really surprised by all of your bear encounters. I have been hiking for about 10 years now and have only seen one bear in the wild. I thought those occurrences were rare because they run before you see them. I read your book before going to sleep one night and actually had nightmares that there was a bear trying to eat me and my daughter! I also have never seen a snake. Maybe I don’t pay enough attention while I’m wandering the woods. I’ll keep a better eye out now that I realize there are poisonous snakes everywhere.

Thanks for the great read. Your book cracked me up several times. I have also been inspired to volunteer at the ATC headquarters.