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Finally reached Black ^[[rock]] Shelter about noon 
Out of water and very discouraged 
Talked with hikers, rested, then hiked on 
At road crossing meet Ed and MaryAnn 
Trail Angels - gave me old style ice cream  
Three Rangers stopped by and talked 
Called John on Ed's phone, arranged meeting 
Reached Loft Mtn. - bought at store 
Slept a mile beyond under pine tree 
Rangers told me hikers often seen 
Along Parkway and skyline drive 
Taking the easy way - skipping rough trail 
Even easier when someone offers a ride. Stopped for breakfast at Ivy [[strikethrough]]Spring[[/strikethrough]] ^[[Creek]] Spring
Weather chilly with overcast sky 
Passed severall rock lookouts but 
Nullified by dense cloud fog
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Trail in the park not worn - by passing  
At the first meeting of 2000 writers 
At an ATC Conference the committee 
for substantiating thru hikers said 
We take their word fit. Grandma Catewood 
Standing nearby looked apprehensive 
She know I know she cheated extensively. 
She never responded to requests for a ^[[report.]]
I deliberately set that precedent. 
One man waited along the trail to meet me 
When I passed he thought I was a bum 
I wear plain clothes and carry a rucksack 
Another of my trademarks is a pith helmet 
Met man southbound - started in February 
Katahdin closed - impassible will he 
Be considered a through hiker, probably

Transcription Notes:
Questioning the fourth line: "...Ed and MaryAnn." It doesn't look like "Ann" to me, but maybe a last name beginning with a "B?" I think this may be the last name of Bum or Buns? If you look at the "u" in bought they look similar.