Date: 2018-05-13
From: Harrison Ground Spring

To: James River Footbridge - Glasgow
Miles today: 11.4

All kids crave approval from their parents. That desire never really goes away, even when we grow older. My mom passed away many years ago (and my dad more recently), but I often find myself thinking lately, ¢If only mom (or dad) could see me now!¢. I know they would think that our journey is really awesome. Hey, even our children think it is awesome. So now we can say, ¢Hey kids, look at us now!¢ That¢s pretty cool too. Anyway, Happy Mother¢s Day to all of you Moms out there. You have one of the greatest callings of all humankind and wear an awesome title¢Mom!Now, most of you have probably figured out by now that Which Way is a great wife and trail buddy. But, one of the things I love most about her is that she is an absolutely wonderful mom. The love that she has for our children is indescribable and her daily actions put the exclamation point on how deep that love is. She never ever stops being a mom. So, our hike started at 6:45, because Which Way wanted to get to town so that she would be available to talk to our kids when they called. I usually get flowers for Which Way on Mother¢s Day, but with the help of the A.T. I was able to outdo myself today. As we departed camp I told her that all of the flowers along the hike today were hers to enjoy for Mother¢s Day. Of course, the trail did not disappoint.We had a single significant climb today and it came early in the hike. By 7:30 we were once again drenched in sweat. At the top of the climb we paused for a break and to worship. It is so easy to count our blessings and give thanks out here.The wildlife was out and about this morning. We ran across a bunny hopping up the trail, two chipmunks playing chase, squirrels, birds and butterflies fluttering about, a deer just off the trail and two snakes. Some of the wildlife actually posed long enough for a pic. The final four miles were pretty much downhill. The last couple of miles were along the James River. At the end of the hike we crossed the 1,000 foot James River Footbridge. It is the longest footbridge on the AT. We had arranged to stay at Stanimal¢s Hostel in the small town of Glasgow, VA (located 6 miles from the trail). The hostel was located 2 miles from town and offered free laundry and a shuttle ride to and from the trailhead. Donna, the hostel caretaker, was also our shuttle driver. We called about two hours out and told her we would hit the parking lot on the other side of the footbridge at 12:15, give or take a few minutes. When we hiked up to the parking lot at 12:14 she was there waiting for us. Donna agreed to drop us off at Scotto¢s, the only restaurant open in town, and to take our packs on to the hostel. We were the first to arrive at the hostel. It is really a hiker house with a couple of bunk rooms and a private room. The place is very clean and has everything a hiker could want (except for a new set of feet). After we finished showering, Snow Angel showed up. We did laundry and a few more chores and then all three of us went back to Scotto¢s for dinner. We saw Espresso and Clover and a few other hikers while we were eating. They were all staying in the town shelter which has a free shower. Cool! After we ate, we crossed the street to get a pic with the town dinosaur and hit the Dollar General for resupply. Of course, Which Way was able to talk to the kids (more than once) and call her mom as well. I know that made her a happy hiker today!Peace & Blessings - Next StepElevation Data:Ascent - 1,450Descent - 4,250Grade - 9.4Weather:Day - 91 / Sunny Night - 66 / ClearOver the Horizon: Shenandoah National Park