September 5, 2004

On my hitch into Stratton, Maine today, I was picked up by a fisherman and his dog, Charley.  I hopped into the pickup truck and within minutes the driver asked, "Do you smoke pot?"

"Uh... no," I responded.

"Well I do," he said, grinning, and then proceeded to light a joint.

Then Charley, who was wet and dirty, climbed onto my lap.  I chuckled to myself during my short five to six mile hitch.  I was planning to find a church service, but no longer thought it wise to go into God's house smelling like pot.  I could see the headlines now..."Ladybug busted for pot smoking in Maine." 

Instead of going to church, I called my family and friends and re-supplied for a few days.  My timing of hiking into Stratton and picking up my food for the next week wasn't too great with it being a holiday weekend.  On the trail, I rarely know what day it is.  Holidays completely take me by surprise!  I no longer count the miles I have hiked.  Instead, I am counting the number of days until I get to be with my family. Only 12 days left!

"I have learned that love does not end, not even with death;

it continues to express itself in ways ever new." -James E. Miller