Got a call from Paul the other morning. He was at the vet with Nutty. Nutty woke up limping and was sluggish. Paul was concerned he might have lyme disease or sustained some type of injury. The vet administered some blood tests for various things, but all came back negative. She said the hiking was just too much for Nutty.

Then he asked if we could come down to Waynesboro, VA to pick up  Nutty. Few hours later, we were on the road to rescue him.  We drove down, shopped at Walmart, took the boys out for Italian food, slept over at a Quality Inn, ate breakfast together, then drove them to the entrance of the Shenandoah National Park.

Paul's hiking companion is Achilles (trail name). He's from the Boston area and a Red Sox fan! He
is helping to alter Paul's (die-hard Yankees fan) jaded perspective on Boston and the Red Sox. Both are determined to finish the hike by early July.

Nutty has been home in New York for a day now and adjusting well. He's a sweetie. Only drawback,
he sheds A LOT...of white hair:(

New Photos From the AT sent by Thunder and Lightning

April 8, 2012

Called from a phone borrowed from a couple named, Thunder and Lightning. Paul told them about the poor service he's been getting and the trouble calling home to give me updates. They offered their phone right away. They gave him an apple as well. They had heard about his missing Nutty adventure. Paul really enjoyed talking to this "cool couple." They said they wanted to stay in touch. They are southbounders (Maine-Georgia). I plan to invite them on the blog.

So far on this hike, Paul has been experiencing the awesomeness of nature's beauty and the goodness of people. I'm starting to be convinced anyone who needs a "reality check" should go for a hike!

He's planning to call Aunt Elsie's today to extend Easter greetings to the family.

I'm posting his reapplication to Hunter College this week. He's determined to get back in September. I suppose that's his next goal to finish college as soon as he can!

April 5, 2012

Good News! Nutty has been found! Thanks to a fellow hiker and possibly St. Anthony.

Called Paul a few minutes ago, and I 'm happy to report he sounded like himself. He was upbeat and optimistic. He was just about to enjoy a calzone "the size of a baby." In about an hour, he will be meeting the hiker who found Nutty along the trail. Nutty will be returned. I asked if he plans to give the hiker some kind of reward, and he said he will offer him food. Food means everything to the hikers.

The day was rainy, not a lot of hiking done. He's in Glasgow, VA with another hiker. The hiker is Paul's age and from Atlanta. He's a "cool guy."

Therefore, by tomorrow morning, happy trails continue:)

April 4, 2012

Paul left a sad voice message today:

Some bad news...lost Nutty. Paul and three other guys around his age were hiking along at a good pace, when Nutty ran off like he always does. However, this time he didn't come back. Paul left some messages at different registers along the way to call him in case anyone sees or finds Nutty.

He plans to be at Buena Vista, VA tomorrow or the next day. He wasn't definite. It sounds like he's ready to turn around and head back for Nutty if anyone calls. Everyone pray to St. Anthony and Nutty may be found!

Awesome New Photos From Paul

April 4, 2012

Text last night:

At a motel in Daleville, hanging with some guys I've met around my age. Bringing Nutty to the animal
clinic to get his shots and whatnot.


Looks like Daleville is about half way through Virginia. He's approaching the George Washington National Forest, and later he will be entering the Shenandoah National Park. Virginia is BIG!
http://rhodesmill.org/thefox/maps/at4.jpg