April 25 & 26 - 22.2 / 538.8 & 14 / 552.8

April 25...

I don't think any one really wanted to get going in the morning. Most at the hostel were only doing 10 or so miles to the Partnership Shelter. That shelter offers a "solar" shower and sink. Hikers are also able to order pizza from there and have them delivered to the VA National Recreation Area's HQ which is a few hundred yards away. None of us partook in the pizza delivery since we figured we could eat something better in Atkins or Marion 12 miles away.

TW and I were to first to head out from our group. Soon after getting back on the AT from the side trail from the shelter we saw Fish and Uncle J-Bird with Hurricane. They said she did fine through the night which was good to hear. (We also heard as I am writing this on the 26th, that they were able to find someone at one of the road crossings to give Hurricane to. I hope that dog is able to get healthy and live a good life.)

About a quarter of a mile later, TW and I came across somethings very unexpected. On a hill in a meadow was an old-school school bus. We had to go check it out. I felt like I was in a scene from "Into the Wild" and about to come across someone who was living in the bus. It was pretty much rusted out and most of the windows were broken. Inside was a stove, a furnace, a couch, and a single bed. It either used to be someones house or used for a hunting cabin. Soon after, DM, SB, and SR showed up and explored the bus too. TW said she had heard or read about the bus before but wasn't sure where it was on the trail. I also want to mention some cow patties that were in the field around the bus. The only reason I am mentioning them is because I am not sure what these cows were eating. They had a bad case of the runs for sure. Sorry to have to say that, but it gave us some laughs, and I want to be able to remember that when going back to read this blog.

We headed out with TW and I in the lead again. Not within 10 minutes were we coming to a gravel road. I could see a white SUV parked there. As we approached an older gentleman got out and asked if we knew where Cowgirl and her dog Kelly were. I told him that she had left the shelter about an hour ahead of us. He thanked us and started to get back in the SUV. Then he paused, got back out, and asked if we wanted trail magic. Of course we didn't turn it down. TW and I both got apples. We thanked him, and he drove off. We stood in the road eating out apples when Skyrocket walked up. TW and I just started laughing and SR yelled, "NOOOO!" He said he had a feeling it was going to be trail magic but couldn't walk quick enough to get there. We offered him a bite, but he refused as did DM and SB who got to the road a few minutes later.

I felt good and got a new burst of energy. I was walking at a good pace and soon passed DM and SB. I then started to hear a little dog barking. I got this feeling that it was the guy again as he had a small dog with him in the SUV. I got down the mountain and around the corner and my thoughts were confirmed. He was there again at the next dirt road. However, this time he had gotten there before Cowgirl. Also there was SR, Young One, and Prophet. I walked up to them and was offered cookies and water. Again, I didn't turn it down. It is pretty much first come first serve when it comes to trail magic. If you turn it down it might be gone two seconds later. It turns out that the gentleman and his wife, John and Jane, were family friends of Cowgirl. DM showed up and got some too. The couple offered their final cookies and then drove off with the packs of Cowgirl, YO, and Prophet. They decided to slack pack to the next road crossing 4 miles further. DM, SR, and I declined the offer as we are trying no to slack pack the entire trail. SR left the last cookie in the middle of the trail for either SB or TW, whomever got their first, and we headed on.

The terrain flattened out, and I was able to make the 4 miles to Partnership Shelter, the one mentioned earlier, in a little over and hour. The shelter is fairly new and over looks some lakes. I tried the shower, but it was freezing cold so I didn't get in. We decided to eat lunch before heading on. I was able to speak with my parents also. It was tough to leave as the sun was out and the temp was great. However, we knew the town was only 12 miles away.

The last 12 miles of the day weren't too bad. We came across a few guys out for a few days. One started talking to us and said he had to give his water to a girl and guy who were slack packing. Turned out it was Cowgirl and Young One. I don't think they were actually out of water, but that is how the guy made it sound. With about 4 miles to go, the terrain again leveled out. All of us were making good time when all of a sudden we came across a sign that said "Settler's Museum, Free to AT Hikers." We debated and decided to hike on. We then came to a road crossing with an old single room school. A sign on the door said it was open and for hikers to enjoy. We went in and read a little about its history. I definitely felt like I was back in history. We took our time there, signed the trail log, and then moved on.

We could hear I-81 in the distance, but the trail seemed to take the longest route to get there. It was probably due to people's property lines and having to avoid those. Finally getting to the road, we were faced with a choice. Stay in Atkins where there is little to nothing or get a hitch to Marion and stay there. We heard there was an all you can eat Chinese buffet nearby and TW, SR, and I all needed to go to the post office in Atkins on Monday. After making a few calls to the different motels and hotels we decided to just stay at the Relax Inn just a few hundred yards from the trail. SB and I went to go get the room. As we were checking in, we asked about the buffet. The guy said it was in Marion, not Atkins. Well crappolla, we can't back out of the room now.

We dropped out stuff off in the room and walked back down the street to a Shell station. We asked some guys if they would give us a ride and soon enough, the five of us were in the back of a pick up heading to the buffet. The guy knew exactly where to take us. We chowed down on some Chinese food. The best part was they had real ice cream, not soft serve. I had chocolate and strawberry. None of us want to move as we were all in a food coma. We picked up some things and started looking for a hitch back. At night it is a little more difficult. We spread out along the road with no hits for a few minutes. That is when I headed toward the Sonic. I was shot down by the first car. I then went to the second car and asked. They thought for a second and told me they would. We let them finish their dinner, and the TW, SR, and I got in. At roughly the same time, DM and SB got a yes from a car at an ATM next to the Sonic. The couple driving me and the two others were very nice. They mentioned they try to help hikers when they can. The conversation lasted the whole ride back. I didn't get a chance to get their names, but I did pass on my blog. I hope they get a chance to read it. If so, thanks again for the ride!

The rest of the night was spent talking to Michelle, taking showers, and watching some movie. I was out before it even ended.

I also want to mention that the beard is going strong. It is the longest, bushiest, beard I have ever had. I'm ready to be able to have a handlebar mustache. Maybe a few more weeks, but that is also around the time of my brother's wedding. My mom and future sister-in-law might shoot that one down. Michelle might too. We'll see.

April 26...

None of us wanted to get up this morning. Plus, the curtains blocked the sun some it felt like it was 4 when it was already 9. We got up and headed to The Barn. We had seen ads about the breakfast. All but DM got the 2x4 Hiker Breakfast. That was 2 pancakes, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage paties, 2 eggs, hashbrowns or home fries, biscuits and gravy or toast, and coffee or tea. I did all the above with home fries, biscuits and gravy, and both coffee and tea. I was upset I couldn't finish it. Not all of us could so we combined left overs and gave it to Donner who was at another table. This guy is about my size. He had already finished his own 2x4 and had no problem taking care of out left overs. Any food left by one hiker is almost always eaten by another. Food does not go to waste.

The rest of the morning was spent goint to the post office and gas station to resupply. At the PO, I picked up some shorts, a shirt, and my trail running shoes. I also had my parents send me some knock off crocs as I left the pair I just bought in Damascus at a shelter. I hate crocs, but they are light weight and good for wearing around camp at night. I will not wear them otherwise. I sent some cold weather clothes, my boots, and camera memory card to my parents. I hope that by someone else having the memory card, pictures will be uploaded to the blog a little faster. There are not too many computers out in the woods.

We started our hike around 1 this afternoon. It rained for most of the hike. The only excitement was that we crossed the 25% completion mark today. Other than that, it was just pointless ups and downs (PUDs). VA is known for these.

The shelter was full as it only holds 6 people. There are also a lot of section hikers out for a few days in tents. I ended up hanging out with some gentlemen from Knoxville and Oak Ridge. They were great and it was nice to talk to someone about UT football. They offered us some hot dogs. I was even lucky enough to score some chili too. I enjoyed my time with them and wish them the best on their journey. I gave them my blog so I hope they check it out too.

It is way past my bed time so I am off to bed. The sound of rain hitting my tent and with it being in the 40's or so will help with me falling asleep.

Out, BT.