Date: 2014-05-31
From: Woods hole Hostel, VA

To: Pearisburg Va
Miles today: 89.0

So I know its not the same since Sarah (Optimist) has been off the Trail. Neither out here for us or at home for those fololowing us. I'd still like to continue posting and hope ya'll continue to follow. So we are now in Pearisburg, Va currently at mile 631. since we got back on Trail 10 days ago we have covered 161 miles. Virginia has been kind. Trail Magic seem to be at almost every road. Ok so maybe not but we have been lucky a number of times and have caught it several days and even multiple times a day a few. For those how have seen the movie you might remember in Jerimiah Johnson when the old time trapper tells Robert Redford's character "the mountains have a way of thier own". Well, that certainly is the way out here. It has threatened rain on a few occasions and other hikers have pulled into camp wet. We, for the most part have been fortunate. On side of the mountain might be raining yet the our side reamins dry. That is a great thing beacause I hate the rain and even though I could use a shower I prefer them hot and with a towel at hand. As for the hiking its been preety sweet. We left Atkins Va and headed to the Lynn Creek. A nice spot on the river. While gathereing wood for a fire Dad noticed and tree that had been scratched by a bear. Just a reminder that we are not alone. We were joined by several other hikers that night. Met another guy from Fl. Seem to be many of us out here. He is suffering cancer and his future does not look good but he is not letting that deter his dreams. What an inspiration. Also of note we met a 17 year girl who is moving to Colorado and going to the same school and studying the same degree I intend to pursue. Small world. The next day was a wet day. We were able to dodge most of it as we made it to a shelter where we waited. Once the rain passed we moved on to the next shelter, Jenkins Shelter. Dad's heel has continued to bother him. So the next day we did an easy 5 miles to Ft Bastian where we hoped to seek out a doctor and possibly an outfitter. This proved futile. The town was small. No outfitter and the doc was out. We stayed with True Brit. As the name implies he is British. He gave up a million dollar life style to live on the land. He has a large peice of property and allows camping. No ammenities but he has a river on his propety. We did trail side laundry and took "baths". Better than nothing. The next day we opted to do a 20 mile slack pack. This is where hikers get an opportunity tho walk with out a pack and carry little to no weight. It rained but again we got lucky and avoided it for the most part. It has warmed up considerably and the rain was light so we opted to just get wet. We dried completly by the time we made it to camp. Of note we passed the 600 mile mark!! The next day on Trail we made it to the Woods Hole hostel. We had heard good things about this place. Though had not planned to go untill some local guys stopped and after giving us some beers told us it was well worth it. They didnt lie. We arrived to this 1800s cabin just in time for dinner. They practice organic farming and sustainable living. on the menue was fresh bread and pizza. All cooked in an outdoor oven. We had already eaten dinner but managed to put down our share of pizza. hikers can eat! We had a package waiting at the post office. so we were up early and on the Trail. We made it to Pearisburg and are now enjoying some down time. I know this was a long update but I havent been able to post. Will try to do better in the future. Thank you all for the continued support. Please keep Optimist Prime in your thoughts and prayers. Hope she can join us again soon. Miles and smiles   Salty