hey everybody, im writing from a gas station in Atkins Va, today and so far ive made it 75 miles. I need to start picking up more speed but it was a good first week. Its rained everyday so far, which means ive been quite the soggy dog this week. the company has been priceless and everybody has had a great additude about everything despite the weather. the mountains are beautiful and the wildflowers are just beginning to bloom. In Damascus last week I met a man I had met in 2007 named Larry(his trail name was the only wanderer) He shared his testimony with me in 07 and told me he had been running from the law on the AT years ago when a hurricane hit. He prayed for the first time in that storm and told the Lord that if the Lord spared him that night in the hurricane he would become a Christian and change his ways. God did spare him and the next day he walked into a town and turned himself in. He's a christian now and shares his testimony along with free phonecalls to all hikers who pass by. He offered me and a few other hikers a free breakfast and it was amazing. Led to a strong start on my hike this summer. Also had some fun up in the grayson highlands where wild ponies came up to our shelter. There were about ten of them and they were a lot of fun. Ill write more when I can. Im going to try and be in Pearisburg by next saturday and Graham Wigle might join me there if his knee can hold up. Its so beautiful out here and the people are amazing. I wish each of you all could experience this adventure. I will post pictures when I can. Happy Trails-Rob