Derrick Earls, More Heart than Scars tackle the AT together and in Spirit!: Day 50, July 4, 2014

I slept in til about 10 a.m. I was informed by the caretakers and ATC Board Chairwoman @ the Blackburn ATC Center that the Washington DC fireworks could be seen in the distance. They were also grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for the hikers. I asked politely if I could take a zero day and spend the evening with them. Of course they said yes.

I spent time with an a older through hiker whos name was On Purpose. We both decided to stay for the day. He shared amazing wisdom with me. I learned that I need to start living more in the Now. Happiness should be now. A lifestyle of connecting closer to my heart, trying to live a life of love from the heart should overwhelm the mind the majority of the time. Yes planning for the future is important, but all we are guaranteed is now. I have always done a descent job of cherishing the now, but his perspective provided a greater comprehension of the now and living more with the heart of love. On purpose was a great individual who has many stories I will share in the future. He also had a flute he played in the distance throughout the day. He was impressive on the flute. He told me he bought ~21 flutes off a friend who had passed away. He payed $3000 for them between him and his friend. On purpose and his friend will give all these flutes away in the future to people they meet in different places who have the ambition to learn how to play a flute. What an awesome story and neat idea!

On Purpose and I cleaned the grill as a means to give back. We cleaned it spotless and the caretakers were grateful. However, we were the most grateful and helped out as much as we could in return. Dishes, setting the table, etc.

I was blessed with amazing burgers, hot dogs, watermelon, sweet tea, chips and much more. There were also like ten pies. Blackberry, Blueberry, Apple Pie, etc. A local bakery associated with StoneyBrook farms brought a homemade strawberry pie. This farm is operated by the 12 tribes. I had an awesome experience with the 12 tribes in Damascus at the start of my hike. I will visit their farm in Rutland Vermont. Some people would say they are a cult. I would say they are giving people with their heart who have blessed me. It's not my place to judge. They also support Hiddenite in NC. I also enjoyed Hiddenite gem mine as a kid and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a great place for adventurous kids to go and learn more about geology, etc.

The fireworks were beautiful and I saw the Washington Monument with binoculars and an awesome homemade telescope. I saw probably 12 town, cities and DCs' fireworks. It was comical because about 20-25 people stayed overnight and we were all moving in a linear line to get great views. We all laughed and made jokes! What an amazing experience!

Another night I was blessed to sleep on the amazing wrap around screen porch!

My bench to sleep on with my blue sleeping bag.

Blackburn AT Center. My wet clothes drying on the picnic table.

All are shucking corn. I took a quick photo break. On Purpose on far right. Ridge runner on left. Care taker of the facilty second from left. Cindy Wilcox and her husband in the middle. She gave me her new state of the art black diamond head lamp due to mine no longer working. She was a sweet lady and I tried to avoid taking. She persisted out of the kindness in her heart! She said I needed it more than her. She also works at REI. Thanks so much Cindy! The trail always seems to give.