Date: 2013-04-08
From: Troutdale, VA

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Let's see, how to summarize two weeks...The trek down from Thomas Knob Shelter through Grayson Highlands was tricky to navigate, and I was incredibly thankful for footprints to follow. Another thru hiker, Johnny Blaze, came through just before me. I was really glad, because if I had to be the first one to break the trail in the snow I would've been lost for hours chasing up rabbit trails all morning and pulling out the little hair I have on my head. I was comforted by the many day hikers I met who were having an equally difficult time staying on the trail. There were tracks going in circles all over that mountain. Glad to know it's not just me I was amused to think about how excited I was about the one pony I had seen 50 yards away the day before because I saw about 25 ponies in Grayson Highlands! And close! Two of them came up to me and let me pet them and kiss their noses. And I saw two foals also. Oh, and two deer Grayson Highlands was just what I've heard: beautiful.I made the mistake of cutting my medical kit in half when I was trying to lighten my pack. As a result I quickly ran out of the supplies necessary to prevent infection and promote the healing of my blisters. I was as intentional as I could be in taking care of my feet, but there's only so much you can do when infection sets in, you're out of medical supplies, and you have no choice but to keep walking. I'll spare you the gory details, but the sores on my feet worsened each day and I limped through a 12 mile day, an 11 mile day, and finally a 10 miler. When I realized I needed to get off the trail to heal I looked at options in my guidebook and found the tiny town of Troutdale, VA. All that was available was a hostel run by the Baptist church across the road. Just a bunkhouse - no internet, store, laundry, cell signal, or shuttles. They had a coffee maker, a heater, and some free coffee and snacks. And as simple and boring as that may sound, I was unexplainably excited to go there! In my guidebook with the hostel description were the words, "Hikers are welcome to church service in hiker attire." And I just KNEW I was supposed to go.When you're on the trail a calendar means very little, and each day blends in with the next. I knew that when I hitched a ride into town it was Saturday evening. (Btw, it was really easy to find a hitch. The people there are so nice!) But I was completely unaware that the following morning was Easter, the day set aside to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the grave! When the word "Easter" was mentioned during Sunday school I just smiled to myself. And I knew it was no accident that I was there.I stayed in Troutdale at the bunkhouse for a whole 8 days. During that time I had no cell signal or internet access. I had no car and nowhere to go. And it was glorious My hunger for the Word has increased tremendously, and I spent hours every day reading and studying. Pastor Ken and his wife Mary were incredibly welcoming and generous, as were the rest of the church members. I was given a key to the church so that I could play the piano whenever I wanted. Ken and Mary had me over for dinner every night and regularly made me breakfast also. And during those 8 days my feet healed up nicely. Oh, and one of my favorite days was Monday. I was given the chance to help the pastor and his family herd and vaccinate about 75 head of cattle on their farm :D It was so much fun! I did it all, from herding to giving shots. An adventure within an adventure!The absolute best part of the week, and the chief reason I believe God brought me to Troutdale, was the spiritual guidance I received. Pastor Ken was not only willing but happy to sit down with me several times and discuss Scripture and doctrine. He also lent me reading material regarding many questions I had. And throughout my time spent reading and seeking God placed a burden on my heart to postpone my thru hike for more important matters.My goal from the very beginning, far surpassing the goal of walking to Maine, was to find God and understand His plan and purpose for me. And so for this period of my journey, however long it takes, I am compelled to live out that purpose apart from the AT. God has given me a new heart, and that heart longs to serve Him. And if I feel free and called to do so, I will resume my thru hike. I've hiked one quarter of the trail, 525 miles, and it's amazing to think of all the things I've seen and experienced and how much more is still out there!Pastor Ken lent me his car Friday night for use on Saturday. And when I walked into the bunkhouse that night I was surprised to find my friends TK and Maggie there! They needed a ride to the trailhead in the morning, and since I happened to have a car I was able to fill that need. An hour later my lovely Scrunch arrived, and we spent two days together. I rode back with her to my home town, and I'm currently making plans for my next move. Stay tuned for the continuation of my thru hike. It could be in a week, or a month, or next year. I just don't know! Make sure you check out my pictures - there are some good ones I hope you get the chance to hike on the AT this season. It really is beautiful.