Date: 2012-05-28
From: Skyline Drive at 75.2 (Pinefield Gap)

To: South River Picnic grounds
Miles today: 14.7

SOS and Pitchit took Pitchit's car and headed to the trail. Anne and I packed up and checked out of the Day's Inn. We drove into Staunton to try and find what was open on Memorial Day. First stop was the visitor's center where the same helpful lady that SOS and I talked to a few days ago was there. She told us about the stained glass windows at Trinity church and the Frontier Village. After walking all around the church, we finally found the right door. The windows were beautiful (see one in photos). They have 12 done by Tiffany and one signed by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself. They are all beautiful as are the ones not done by Tiffany. The church has a huge gorgeous organ which was made in Staunton with local wood. I couldn't get a good pictue so you will have to go there to see it yourself! Next we went to Sunspots to watch glass blowing. It was so hot with 3 furnaces going but the young man demonstrating just carried on and made 3 beautiful things. We visited the wine shop across the street and then went to lunch at Cranberry Market. It is a health food store/cafe. We sat on the landing of the stairs where there was a little table and two chairs. We shared a veggie roll up which was delicious. We left Staunton heading for Elkton. There is really only one Mom & Pop place..no name brand places so we checked out the Country View Motel. It is run by Bob with the help of his dog Shadow. The little brick houses are really surprisingly nice so we checked in. Off we went to move the guys car so they could drive themselves back. We were cruising along on the Skyway when we noticed two hikers coming out of the woods. Imagine our shock when it was OUR guys! The timing was perfect and so we got to give them trail magic, hugs, kisses and send them on their way to finish their day. Two other hikers came by and so we got to give them food and drink also. We picked up the other car and moved it to their stop point at South River Picnic grounds. It is a large spot and we weren't sure where the trial came in (actually it is .10 mile from the trail). We finally saw an exhausted lady huffing and puffing up a trail so she was able to tell us that it was the spot where the AT came in. We parked the Michel's car for the guys and drove in our car back to the motel to wait for the guys. All to eat at Ciro's Italian Restaurant in Elkton. We had really good food and then decided to share a dessert. (see picture in photos) It was fried cheesecake with ice cream and 2 sauces. While eating SOS knocked over his water and soaked Pitchit and his salad who was across from him. Our nice young waiter helped us clean up the mess and brought Pitchit a new salad since his was floating in water. The young man said to SOS..do you want a new water...I can bring one with a lid!! We all laughed.. Back at the room, we sat in the gazebo with the cool breezes blowing and talked and watched the traffic go by...a good day...a good evening with good friends! If any of our other friends want to have some fun on this adventure, just let us know!!...and remember we are hiking for HIM! SOS has now passed the 900 MILE mark..he is doing an awesome job...consider supporting our efforts with a pledge to our camping program to MAKE ROOM for our kids.