Mom's Note to Dad

This will be all jumbled up...so head's up!

First, he's in Hanover and told me his package didn't arrive in West Hartford...I didn't think I even sent it there and he has checked the po and it is in Hanover.  He's as whacky as I am.   He did not like the pack he recently bought and took it back, where I don't know, and exchanged it.  We should receive a pkg from him soon-he thought yesterday---it will contain his old backpack, among other things.  Ward mentioned that he may create a bounce box and send a few things forward....I probably sent way too much whey protein powder last time as well as some foods like Nutella, tuna, hummus (World Mkt-no refrigeration required!) and a few other small necessities.

Since Matt met friends and then didn't go to Jordan's lake house, he is now a little ahead of them, perhaps 2 days.  Jordan has gone off the trail for his grandmother's or great grandmother's 100 bday and a 5 year college reunion.  He plans to skip this section and  do it after Katahdin and so may reconnect with these guys after these events.  Of the other 2 guys (one named Paul, one named Ryan-both are 26 or 27ish- one went to college for awhile and joined Marines and is planning on returning to college soon (?) and the other went into the army and he plans to attend college later....)One of these guys had a bad fall in VT and his leg is really bothering him so he is taking it easy for a few days.... Therefore, in an attempt to not get too far ahead of him, Ward and the other fellow  only hiked 15 yesterday, 5 early today and are stopping in Hanover for a night or two.  I think they are staying at a shelter, not in town. ***Just talked to Ward - MAY wind up staying at a ladies' house tonight [Dad's editorial:  Is she good looking and is she smart enough to attend Dartmouth?]... On the fall, Ward said he has disliked VT more than any other state because (1) it's so rocky and they have all fallen 4-5 times a day.  They're all a little beaten up and sore (he's been sore during much of the trail and takes one or two advil every day...)  and (2) because the entire trail in VT has been under about 5 inches of water due to these abnormal weather patterns.  The flooded trail is not normal and it is unfortunate that they have had to experience it.

Another problem has been the black flies AND mosquitoes.  Ward said they could scarcely sleep last night due to the mosquitoes....that even with his netting and he has broken down and gotten some bug spray, he probably has over 100 bites.  The mosquitoes get thru the netting at night.  He will be sleeping in his tent for awhile to help control some of that at night.

I think given all these situations, he is a little weary....ready to get home.  Talked about heading to Sea Gull when he gets home (after some Rand R and good meals from mom!) to visit old counselor buddies.  I think he will enjoy that and catching up with his college and local friends.

Ward says his little group of 5 (now separated) is in line to finish behind one other guy,...and they may catch him.  Ward noted that being first wasn't a huge deal to them...they just are ready TO FINISH.  The guy ahead is Trail Blazer.  There is another guy who isn't too far behind and he started Mar 15....

Ward went to a library in Hanover today to cool off, play on his phone I suspect, and uploaded some photos to Walgreens.  He and his pal are headed to the movies late afternoon to see Thor....(The Hangover II isn't playing there yet -bummer!)  Ward and fellow hiker will take their packs into the movies as a precaution as they cannot afford to lose their homes! 

Ward has given us a range of finish dates and now he thinks since the one fellow is slowing them up that maybe his finish time will be closer to the 20th which is about mid way in the range he provided.

***********Ward was on fb today and noticed that George was wearing Ward's  Costa del Sol sunglasses at a social gathering in Gboro... I called George - he did, in fact, have them on.