David is ahead of schedule(!) - arrived in Waynesboro on Wed - 2 days ahead of planned arrival . He spent the night in motel but doesn't plan to hit the towns except to pick up his food and fuel that we're sending to him and call to check in. Because he is really covering the miles, the request has been put in for more food and dark chocolate. He is hoping to be able to arrive at Springer Mt by Thanksgiving. I think he is having recurring dreams of a big turkey, dressing and fixings and watching football (and could it be that there is a good bed and hot bath/shower awaiting...?).

He has given up the hammock and has bought a light-weight tent and mat. I think he felt just a little too vulnerable to the elements and ... out in the open. He doesn't want to stay in the shelters that are all along the trail if he can avoid them - mainly because of the mice. They are resourceful little critters - ate through a plastic tube with a great peanut butter spread we had sent. But mainly, they make too much noise during the night and he doesn't get a restful sleep. But if the weather does take a turn for the worse, he may not have a choice.

He called about 1pm and was about the hit the trail again. He'll try to catch up with a guy he's been hiking with on and off for the last couple of days and shared the motel room with last night.

Weather is rather foggy there today and people around there hope for some rain. Like us here in Atlanta, it's been very dry for the last 4-6 weeks. Countryside is beautiful! Something is not working with his camera, so he's sending it here. Taking the pictures slows him down, but he may pick up a disposable for shots here and there. He does plan to try to write more in his journal so he can remember all that he's encountering.