April 4 2012

Hey, all!  Sorry I haven't sent out an update in four days.  I have had
to work way too many hours lately plus I really didn't have much news.
I do appreciate everyone's interest.

I didn't hear any news on Sunday.
On Monday, I received the SPOT message, "Yo, we're alive.".   They had
actually sent it at 11:23Pm on Sunday.

I received another SPOT message on Monday at 8:49PM.  It is always
comforting to receive these "alive" messages.  I stayed home Monday and
was working down at the farmhouse when Michael called.  He didn't leave
a message so I worried a little.  I need to remind myself if anything is
truly wrong I will find out soon enough.  Worrying doesn't help.
Branden called back later.  He asked me to bring his telephone and
computer when I go to hike with them in Hot Springs, NC. on the 13th.
He wants to update his iPod music.  Michael then got on the phone and
asked me to bring his 410 rifle and one bullet so he could shoot Branden
in the ass.  They were laughing and giggling like little school girls.
They are having so much fun.

Michael told me another story worth repeating...A couple of weeks before
they left Branden came here to stay and help us out with chores on the
property. (I need to add that he is great to have around.  He is like a
son to me plus he is a little handyman.)  Dennis, Branden's father came
down one day.  He was telling Michael about a guy who used to work with
him in Jackson, TN that is walking the trail.  I'm sure you know where
this is going.  That's right, Michael and Branden were somewhere or
another on the trail and this guy walks up to Branden and says, "Aren't
you Branden Mesescher?".  Michael said he almost ran away because it was
so freaky. Just goes to show what a small world we live in.  Michael
agreed with this comment except he added, "Our world is only about three
feet wide but it is real long."  He said the guy's trail name is
Firewalker.  I don't believe Michael and Branden have trail names yet.
Michael said the weather was in the 80"s on Monday.  He said this made
it harder to walk, though.

I got another phone call yesterday morning.  They were at the Nantahala
Outsdoors Center getting ready to ask if they could rent
"duckys" (inflatables kayaks) to float down the river.  Michael, Tyler
and I did this once.  It was a blast.  Hopefully it all worked out for
them.  I am glad they took a half day off to enjoy themselves.  He said
he would call me back after they finished but since he didn't they made
have just had to move on down the road without their river ride.
I received another SPOT message yesterday at 5:31PM.
Kyle Elliott sent me an email today.  He said they have traveled 144
miles.

I will try to do better on getting these updates out daily.
Thanks again for your support and interest.
Sheila Wee