Date: 2018-05-29
From: Campsite near Spring

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: broken clouds

1. Date: Seasday, Forelithe 9 (May 29)2. Day 399-133. Morning temp: 604. Weather: overcast5. Time start: 06546. Time stop and miles: 0830/2.47. End point: Cross Ave - Pearisburg, VALog:All I wanted to do in the morning was to get packed up and out of that camp and away from that inch worm infested area. During the night I would look out at my pack and see it was covered in inch worms. All of them standing up and reaching out like thick hairs. My tarp had a coating of worm shit all over it. They were even on my shoes. As soon as it was light enough, that is what I did. Around 06 I rolled out and spent at least 30 minutes picking those fuckers off. I got everything in the pack and tried to clean off my tarp with my bandana. I has to rinse it twice in the stream. Finally I got out of there just before 07. No coffee or breakfast, but that was ok. I was only 3 miles from town. I walked up the spring trail and onto the AT. I only had to walk another .5 or so to get out of the infested area. I kept stopping and picking off worms so I wouldn't spread the infestation, but I'm sure those buggers will be turning up for a couple more days.It was slow going down the mountain as the trail was very muddy and I really couldn't risk hurting my shoulder more.On the way down, nature called, so I made that pit stop and saw Calves and Goldilocks pass by. I got to the road right behind them and we walked the 1 mile to town together. Our first stop was Hardees for some breakfast, then the DQ for a blizzard.At that point I headed out alone to locate my motel and do a few chores as it was still too early to check in.I went to the post office and got a box to send a few things home that I didn't need (pack cover, toe socks, pant legs, parts of AWOL guide). I got the 2018 AWOL guide as the 2017 one was bothering me with its minor changes. I cut it down so I only have a small section (Damascus to HF).I went to Rite Aid to get my bride a birthday card, then headed to the Hotel to check in. I was still a little early, but I was able to put my pack in the room and I just hung out in front and started drying out my shoes. After a short while the room was ready and I moved in and started unpacking. I gathered all my nasty clothes and took a nice shower. I brought my tarp into the shower and washed all the worm shit off that was still on it, then washed myself.I took my clothes to the lady at the desk and she washed them for me. Awesome service. I checked my food bag to see what I still had and what I needed for resupply and figured out a rough plan on the next Push. Push 12 - The Push to Daleville. 93.8 miles. I hope to take six days to get there.I called LoGear and we talked until my clothes were done, then I went back to the post office, mailed off the box, then went shopping at Food Lion.After sorting all my food and packing my food bag, I walked over to Angels Rest to see if they had any books I could "borrow".On the way over I saw Odie's bus and talked to him for awhile, then continued to the hostel.I found a nice woman, Commando, who worked there and asked if I could get a book and she said yes, but I had to tell her my favorite quote. I used one that I had been thinking about for awhile and write in registers from time to time. "Even your worst day on the trail will be a story you will tell later." I found a decent book to try and headed to the AYCE Chinese restaurant for some dinner.After walking out way too full, I headed back to the room to finish this journal entry, do some more planning and relaxing until bed time.This was a much needed and very appreciated rest and recharge and I will be ready to hit the trail again tomorrow. I don't need no steenking zeros. At least not yet. I'm not sure how far tomorrow will be, but I may try that 20, but my pack will be heavy with food and there are places to stop early if I have to that I can make up over the next couple of days.I'm enjoying making a rough plan, then updating and altering as reality pans out. I go with the flow.Push 12 starts in the morning.Flora: Chewed up leavesFauna: inch worms, deerHigh: Town foodLow: Picking off inch wormsHope: A nice hike out of town.