April 6 2012

Talked to Michael today.  They were in a fire tower on top of a mountain
in North Carolina overlooking Fontana Dam.  He said he has been to
Fontana Dam several times but was never able to see visibly until today.
His word was "Beautiful"!

Before they left for the hike Michael and Branden had not decided on
trail names.  They really were undecided if they would even choose a
trail name.  I guess as it turns out, the trail named Michael...he is
All Smiles.  That is a good name.  Branden borrowed a name from my
brother-in-law's father.  He is now Skeeter.  A little story about the
original Skeeter...he made Michael some apple pie moonshine.  I wrote
"Skeeter" and his phone number on top of the jar so Michael could
remember to call and thank him.  Michael decided instead of calling
Skeeter he would just send back the empty jar for a refill.  When
Branden came to visit he thought it was funny I had the man's name and
number on the jar.  He said, "Oh, well they will never find him".  We
would have a few evening drinks and discuss the trail while we packed up
food and supply boxes and weighed all their gear.  Well, Branden really,
really liked the moonshine.  So much so that he has chosen the trail
name "Skeeter".  Michael said it has just stuck.  I think Skeeter 1 will
think it is great there is a Skeeter 2 hiking the AT.
So long for now,
Sheila