Date: 2015-04-29
From: Reids Gap, Devil's Backbone Brewpub

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.1

4/29, Waynesboro, 19.1I am off the trail for at least one zero, maybe more. But I will get to that. Our stay at Devil's Backbone was nearly over but they had one more nice surprise for us. We awoke to a fresh sunny morning, although dew laden for our tents, after a very comfortable low 50's night. They offered us a 5 dollar breakfast so per their instructions, the cook lets is into the pub through the kitchen, and shows us the fresh coffee. At 8 sharp he emerges from the kitchen with full size plates laden with our breakfast. The plate was nearly half covered with eggs, sided by fingerling fried potatoes, 3 strips bacon and orange slices. It looked wonderful. The eggs were laced perfectly with cheddar cheese and appeared to be three or four eggs strong but as we dug in we realized they were covering a generous portion of heir smoked pulled pork. We were very excited! It is hard to build a breakfast fit for a hungry hike, but they nailed it! And all for five bucks! This was a great diversion from the stress of the trail. We finished breakfast, and another pot of coffee and moved to the entrance off the road to wait for our ride. The hostess from last night agreed to pick us up there and shuttle us back to the trailhead saving us a five mile road walk. She was rigt on time, and we began the days hike at 9:30. NOBO's and future hikers, Devils Backbone Brew Pub is expanding their grounds and adding hiker friendly services including showers so be sure to make this stop part of your plans. You will not be disappointed. We planned near 20 miles today, over a couple moderate climbs but mostly rolling ups and downs into Waynesboro. Water along he way was plentiful relieving us the burden of carrying much at once, and the weather was perfect for hiking at upper 50's when we started. We did get a little frustrated early with our progress as the trail was moderately rocky, and footing was a challenge. Add to that, I have been battling a painful toe on my right foot. I thought it was, and have been treating it as, a small cut for more than a week, but it is in a spot I can only feel, not see. I borrowed Mavericks small mirror yesterday and discovered it is actually a small blister, healing, that has now developed a new blister beneath. Essentially, I have a raw spot that feels fine every morning, but rubs freshly raw an hour into a hike. A bandage helps some, but eventually adds to the pressure between the toes as I hike. The solution is to get the area healed, aka not hike, and then do something to prevent the friction between the toes. I will use an epsom salt soak and at least a day mostly off my feet, then get to the outfitter. I have seen liner socks with individual toes for this purpose, and will probably give them a try. I don't usually wear liners but something has to change. We finished our hike at 6:30 as planned, with me limping in on my sore right foot. One of the first, if not the first, guestbook signing I had on this journal was a gentleman from Virginia who simply said, "I plan to attempt thru-hike in two (years) leaving the same time - so I will be following. Godspeed. I hope you will let me buy you a big steak when you get to Virginia so I can hear about the journey." Today, he picked us up from the trail, shuttled us to the hostel, waited for us to settle and shower, then took us to dinner. We had a fun evening talking hiking and such while he picked our experiences for information. It was a great way to spend an evening and Maverick and I enjoyed it very much. A great big thank you to RTK, and I will stay in touch as you continue to prepare hike.We have settled back in at he hostel now, all is quiet, and I have been reflecting on whats to come. This current challenge should be manageable in a day or two so we will see what another day brings.SilverbackPS responding to MWB, no, I think I have seen only a couple hammocks. From my journal, though, you can tell I have slept mostly in shelters. I would not be surprised if the hammock use increased with the arrival off spring and summer. Most around me though are carrying tents.