Date: 2008-06-03
From: Daleville, VA

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The task of finding a Verizon store proved far more difficult than previously noted... but also far more fun. Sauerkraut had a few errands to run in Daleville so Pre took me up on my offer of accompaniment. I had to hitch to the mall which was at least 8 miles away with the inclusion of interstate travel and it just isn't in my best interest to do that solo. So I settled for Pre. It didn't take too long to get a ride out -- a young gentleman had seen us walking around town earlier (grocery run) and stopped to help out. I am extremely grateful as I had no concept of how far away it really was. It was strange to walk around the mall. I bet only a handful of the people there even knew of the AT. I stared into windows full of clothes and gadgets that have no relevance to my life out on the AT. I was secretly thankful that I was away from all of it. Back home I was always frustrated by the long list of things that I would like to purchase, the things that I thought I needed, the comfort items, the nice clothes, entertainment. It was endless and only limited by funds. I am a terribly obsessive saver so I count my pennies, but on the flip side I was never content and I was always feeling like I wanted more. On the AT I have found some sense of boundaries and limitations. There are many things I would like (lighter gear), but I have found more happiness without. I can only take with me what I can carry and the more things I send home the more free I feel. I have always known I could live without -- that was something that West Point taught me -- but, I have never known I could be so happy and content without. But, nonetheless, the mall was a change of pace from the last three months and another opportunity to reflect and put things into perspective. My experience at Verizon was "unique". I don't exactly know how I walked away with a phone that works but I did. The transaction was rather shady and I think the representative at Verizon may have been unstable -- he did call my father six times to ask questions about policy and to ensure that the purchase was suitable to his tastes. Given that I looked about 12 I can understand, maybe. BUT, I am almost 25 and it was my own money I was handing him. Speaking of money... who has to pay cash for a cell phone purchase? Shady. All I know is that I gave him 50 dollars and I walked away with a working cell phone -- at least for now. Do you think the fact that he has my social security number and a copy of my drivers license is a bad thing? I'll have to think on that. Anyways, after the hair pulling time we had with the Verizon guy Pre and I decided to take a break and have lunch and play computer poker (just my thing) at the wing place (forgive the fact that I forget the name of this particular wing place). After a few hours of just talking, eating, and having one of the most relaxing times I have had off trail since Springer, we decided it was time to make the complex hitch back to the hotel. Unfortunately, this was when the power decided to go out in the mall -- because of the brutal weather that had come about outside without us knowing. I can't say very often that I don't notice poor weather coming my way. Anyways, I resorted to a trail angel's number I had picked up in case of an emergency and Homer was able to pick us up and take us back to our hotel. Homer hiked the trail about 7 years ago with his wife and two young children (11 and 7, I believe). They made it all the way to Katahdin. Very inspiring and I really enjoyed meeting him! Back on the home front the rest of the chores were finished and the 6 person rummy game ensued. Let me tell you how long rummy lasts with 6 people: approximately 4 hours. Back on the trail in the morning...