Start: Stealth Site (AT 879.2). Stop: Waynesboro, VA (AT mi 864.2) Today’s miles: 15 miles. Total AT mileage: 1328.9 miles
As I have all week, I got up at 7. It just seems like a good time these days, although I did have to fight myself to not push the dismiss button on my watch and roll the other way. I packed and ate breakfast. While doing so, I saw 2 hikers and a trail runner go by! I was giddy thinking about the possibility of no spider webs this early in the day!
I started hiking a little before 8, and immediately turned on the audiobook I had been listening to. If anyone has any recommendations for books to read or listen to, I’m all ears. I clearly like all genres. The terrain being so much more gentle had me thinking maybe I should be doing something a bit more educational while hiking, like somehow working on my Spanish or start back up with Italian.. but I’m a visual learner, so I’m afraid id break an ankle or something if it wasn’t just something to listen to.
With all this “ease” I’m sure the trail will smack me in the face with some humbling difficulty soon anyway! Haha. Anywho-the trail was-dare I say it-easy today. I listened to my book, I waved and smiled and said “hi” to passers by.. I thanked the heavens for the sunshine. At 10 I called to reserve a bunk at the hostel and was told when to call for the shuttle. Before I even realized it, it was almost 2pm and time to call them.
I was sitting at the road junction, outside of Shenandoah National Park, awaiting my ride by 2:15. I hiked 15 miles in 6 and a half hours. For someone usually on par for 2 miles an hour, this was pretty good! Not to mention I did stop for a hole digging experience, to get water, and to sit on a rock and eat a snack-when the book was getting so good I couldn’t focus while walking AND being hungry. Lol
I saw several cute bunnies, bigger than I expected.. brown with perfectly white cotton tails. I saw 3 deer bounding away from me at some point, and tons of people out hiking or running the trails. It honestly went by quicker than I expected!
Rumble picked me up at the road and drove me back to the hostel. Once I checked in, I quickly claimed my bed, grabbed loaner clothes, and hopped in the shower. That first shower feels so damn glorious! My goodness I could have stood there all day-if the hot water had cooperated. I, like most normal women, prefer my water scalding hot, and it just didn’t last all that long here, in an older house with 3 showers and 2 washing machines going. It was still quite nice though.
Once I dressed in my borrowed clothes (some really comfy purple shorts and a 2x tank top that hangs off me and required a tie on the side to keep it from turning into a dress), I unpacked all my dirty clothes and promptly claimed a washer.
I waited long enough for the wash to cycle and to get everything in the dryer, before darting out the door to a restaurant in walking distance to eat. I was going to go with the tramily here, 2 section hikers and 2 flip floppers, plus the lady that’s working the hostel, to a Mexican restaurant, but I couldn’t determine how long they were going to wait before going and my snack had definitely worn all the way off. I wanted food now.
So, out I went. I ended up getting jalapeño poppers (with cream cheese-my fav filling!) with a chili ranch sauce to dip, a goat cheese burger with a side of house made chips and a pickle. I ate ALL OF IT. Not one bite left! And had 2 beers and 2 waters. I sat on a patio and loved every second of it.
Once I paid, I walked over to Walmart-conveniently located between the hostel and the restaurant.. I got my resupply stuff and headed back. Somehow, during that time, they all went to Mexican and made it back before me! I was gone maybe 2 hours, max. They were sitting out back having some beer, and invited me to join.. I did. These girls had me cackling! They are hysterical, and I was entertained for hours! Even when I finished my beer and decided to drink a Dr. Pepper instead!
At almost 9, I had to depart the fun. They’re all zeroing tomorrow and I’ve decided I don’t want to zero yet. So, I came up to my bunk and organized my belongings to make the morning easier on me. It’s almost 10pm and I’m so worn out! I hope I sleep well, although it’s a little stuffy up here.
Today was such a good, productive day! If I can keep on track with these 15 mile days, I should be in a good place to finish mid November, although I feel like it’s way too early to make assumptions like that. In all honesty, I’d love to finish before November 11th, so I’d have the trail completed before my best friend, Lauren’s wedding.. mainly so I don’t have to worry about getting back on trail after it. However I look at it though, there’s too many unknowns to stress about that now. I’ll just keep doing what I can between now and then and see how it all plays out.
Here’s to towns, showers, good food, and good folks! Goodnight y’all!