Wow, what a magical ride!

For about 2 weeks, I was slowed by some painful shin splints. That has passed, and it seems that the trail legs have arrived in time to crush out some bigger days, 10-15 miles or more.

Lately, a new twist has been calling me off the trail - the unlikely run of my beloved Kentucky Wilcats to the championship game. Yesterday, I was on a mission to hike 21 miles to Fontana Dam in hopes of finding a TV in time for the semi-final game against the Wisconsin Badgers. Just before noon, with 14 miles to go, I stopped at the highway at Stecoah Gap to study my map. About that time, a kayak enthusiast named Matt parked his car and approached the table for a quick lunch of salmon and crackers. He was meeting some buddies to kayak the Stecoah Creek, as the dam was being released. When I explained my dilemma, Matt offered to drive me 8 miles to Robbinsville where there were a couple motels. Figuring it was fate, I agreed to this plan, bailing out of a perfect hiking day to watch the 'Cats play. I watched somewhat nervously as Matt opened a can of salmon with a hatchet. Then we proceeded into town. Matt was familiar with my hometown of Danville and had gone to college in nearby Berea... Great guy. Thanks for the lift, Matt!

So glad I got to watch that epic game, a 1-point win by U.K.! I guess I'll try to book a room near Fontana for the championship game Monday. We're expecting lots of rain that day anyway.

When my brother Steve dropped me off in the Georgia mountains last month, he gave me a "Go 'Cats" towel, which I told him I would take with me to Maine. We are now convinced the towel holds some kind of magical powers that have propelled U.K. to the brink of a 9th title. It's crazy, I know. But each time I post a picture with the towel, the 'Cats have won, so I don't intend to leave it to chance.

On a sad note, more people are dropping off the trail. I met LoJack about a week ago. Initially, I was turned off by his boisterous Boston accent, but then I found him to be a genuinely good person. He has overcome many obstacles in his life, not the least of which is a reattached arm in which he has no feeling. LoJack was out here chasing a dream when he was notified that his terminally ill brother had taken a turn for the worse. Maybe LoJack will be back this year or try again next year. I've found that the trail is a microcosm of life in that people enter your world for an unspecified period of time, and then they are gone. You like to think you will get together or keep in touch, but there are no guarantees. If you do, then it is a joyous reunion. Thoughts with you and your family, LoJack.

I'm looking forward to hiking through the Great Smokey Mountains over the next week. Feeling healthy and having fun!

Thanks to Mary Leigh and John, and Libbey and Kirk for contributing toward my cousin Rich's medical fund. We are already about 40% to our goal!

http://www.gofundme.com/7fxlqo

Happy trails!

"Fitty Shrimp"