As Lady Julie and I pile up the miles on our daily hikes my mind naturally begins to wander to thoughts of the Appalachian Trail which begins near our home, especially on Wednesdays as that is when we go to Amicalola Falls to hike (it's free that day of the week). I realize that while I may never hike the entire trail and become one of the .19% of people who do, I can at least try to master that old time-honored A.T. skill of "yogiing."

Simply put, when the A.T. runs through a state or national park/recreation area, a thruhiker will go to the picnic areas as people are grilling out. He/she will stop nearby and start to adjust the pack, re-tie boots or anything that will bring attention. Invariably someone will ask, "Where are you headed?" The correct answer is always the same, "Maine." Then come many questions as they become fascinated by the quest you have undertaken. Eventually someone will ask if you want something to eat as they have plenty. The hiker will reluctantly accept and then proceed to eat as much as possible without arousing the ire of the host. The term originates with that master of raiding a picnic basket, Yogi Bear.

Tomorrow for Father's Day we are driving up to Hiawassee, GA where there is a popular recration area near the A.T. Maybe I will don my old Boy Scout backpack, try to look as grubby as possible and see what happens.

Sir Lance "going on the trail to practice my yogi" of Brentwood