Hello, Friends!

Ok, so it's not really a game you can play, but you can follow along with me as I mark off my Bingo chart below with people, places and things I've discovered on my journey- With any luck, maybe I can find Osama Bin-Laden while I'm out there!

March 13, 2006 - Although I can see about 90% of the above things right here in Orlando, the 'game' doesn't actually begin until I hit the trail on March 31st.

Day 1 - Spotted a ranger, a mouse (nesting in a makeshift port-a-potty) and ants

Day 2 - Mosquitos everywhere!!!

Day 3 - Spotted a gay hiker

Day 4 - Ran into a scout troop

Day 5 - Spotted a black hiker and a real outhouse, but not necessarily in that order or at the same time!

Everywhere, everyday - wasps and spiders!

Around day 9 - Saw a castle in Helen, Georgia - an alpine themed tourist village

Day 10 - Creepy guy! If you heard Ron on the Philips Phile radio talk show, you know about creepy guy!

Day 12 - Got to see a banjo and other fine instruments at the Cowboy Church in Hiawasee, GA.

Day 22 (Earth Day) - A cave spotted at a place called Wesser Bald Jumpup elevation 4,000 feet.

Day 22 - Spotted right on the trail - a lost hiker boot!

Early on back in Georgia - black flies (didn't realize that's what they were), ticks (fortunately not on his body) and cockroaches!

Spotted a mattress on the side of the road while in Bryson City, NC.

Found some crime scene tape just before entering the Smokey Mountains.

Saw several park rangers with shotguns hunting wild boar while hiking the Smokey Mountains.

There was a tee pee at the Standing Bear Farm Hostel in Hartford, TN.

Saw several hillbillies sitting on car seats strapped into a big horse-drawn wagon during Trail Days in Damascus.

Since entering VA - Lots of snakes so far none venomous!

Near Marion, VA - an old sofa along with other trash.

Day 96 - Surprised a flock of resting grouse along the trail which weren't too happy with the interruption.

Miscellaneous Sightings:
Ron makes note that although they aren't on the game card, he has also seen deer, groundhogs, chipmunks and opossum, and every kind of bug you can imagine!