Date: 2013-04-24
From: Wise Shelter

To: Troutdale, VA
Miles today: 16.2

The two guys in the shelter were up at 6 something and on the road a little after 7. They said we were very quiet last night which was good to hear, and they were sorry for waking me up but I need the wake-up call. Chin and I left around 8. We wanted to get done early today to avoid the rain predicted to start at 4. We went through a place called "The Scales". The farmer's cattle would weigh less after their long walk off the mountain (and therefore cost less) so they built scales up on the mountain. Went through another section with ponies. It wasn't Greyson Park and they didn't approach us. A few were right on the trail but they paid us no mind as we passed. It was a herd of around 15. We stopped at the first shelter and I actually got some food down. Starting to feel closer to normal. During the day I noticed that I feel really strong again. I can power up the hills and my legs don't burn as much. I got rid of some gear weight when mom left but I was still surprised considering I've eaten minimal amounts of food for the past three days. I don't feel low energy at all.We passed the second shelter because it was only 11 miles in. Chinmusic had a plan to hitch into Troutsdale to stay at a church hostel listed in the book. I feel like his name should be "Bed Finder" because he can so frequently find a bed to sleep in. I was of course in on the plan because of the rain. I hate the rain. We made it there a little before 4 and threw out our thumbs. Chin had called but no one answered at the hostel. 45 minutes and 19 cars later no one had picked us up. I don't know why I have the worst luck with hitching. The rain started quickly and dumped down. We talked briefly about calling it quits and setting up our tents but decided against it because now that it was raining they'd get wet on the inside. Luckily car #20 picked us up. We found the church and got dropped off but it was locked and there was still no cell service. I walked up the hill to ask someone if they knew what the deal was but they weren't home. On my way back down I saw a sign across the street that looked like it said hostel. We went over and sure enough it was there. It's a separate building that I guess they just keep unlocked. A woman was here depositing some food. They have free donated food and food that you can purchase for given prices. It's a nice set up here. There's two rooms with 4 wooden bunks each. Both rooms have heat, lights, and more than enough outlets. This room has a microwave and a coffee pot. The woman told us the shower house is down the hill. Chin and I are happy to be here while it storms outside. The pastor and his wife came by and introduced themselves. We saw some people pull up and Minnesota Pete, Sunshine, and Carpenter got out. They'd hitched a ride much faster than us but had to walk through more rain. The restaurant listed in our book is apparently closed so Sunshine and Carpenter went to a place 4 miles down to get pizzas. They had to walk the whole way there but the owner gave them a ride back. I ate 1/2 a pizza. My appetite is definitely coming back. Ready for bed. Have I mentioned that I'm happy to be out of the rain?!