Just letting sobo folks know that TomScanlan is at least temporarily off the trail. Made it to Pearisburg VA where I was stricken with pancreatitis caused by gall stones, and ruptured my gall bladder causing bile to leak into my abdomen and cause infection. Had to have some emergency surgery and have been off for about 2 weeks recovering. I thought it was food poisoning and toughed it out for 4 days before going to the hospital. The doc said I could have died... and I got an award for nastiest mess caused by ruptured gall bladder in the abdomen. In anycase, I still have some recovery time left... not quite ready to go hauling a pack around yet.
Haven't decided yet if I'll be getting back on to finish this year or if I'll be moving no to the next adventure. So... if I met you out there, say howdy and good luck if you're still walking. There's still a chance I'll catch back up to those who know me (though it's a slim chance .