Date: 2010-06-19
From: Weverton Cliffs

To: Dahlgren Backpacker Campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Once again, highs and lows.First of all, last night's sleeping "under the stars" only lasted until midnight. I was finding my slanty rock less comfortable than I hoped, and the no-see-ums were eating me up. At midnight, I finally gave up and got up to set-up my hammock. I did a pretty bad job (being that it was midnight!) but still slept great the rest of the night.I started the day okay, but quickly got down and had a bit of a meltdown at Ed Garvey Shelter. Trail life just doesn't feel right anymore without Braids there. I called B from the shelter, and she gave me a great pep talk and made me feel a lot better. I did okay to Gathland State Park (a really interesting place!) and had a fantastic 2 1/2 hour break with Scat Tracker and UniCroc. I really their company and hope to spend a lot more time with them. Cool people! Despite the long break, laughter, and trail magic (a beer from a group of Asian hikers having an elaborate picnic), I didn't feel at all happy internally.As I hiked on the 7 more miles to Dahlgren campground, I got REALLY down. It's hard to even remember how bad I felt now (things have really turned around-I'll get there in a minute), but I remember thinking that this was the very lowest point I've hit in my entire hike. I knew I'd feel even worse if I quit, but I really wanted to just call it in and go home. I stumbled into Dahlgren around 5:45 not even wanting to be around people. Then I see Sanford. As I walk by his red canopy and chairs scouting for a hammock site, he says, "Trail Magic!" I was still dazed at this point, so I told him I'd be back and went to set up my hammock.I set up my camp and went off to take a shower. (Yes-shower. Dahlgren is a free, state-run backpackers campground, complete with bathrooms, potable water, and hot showers.) After my shower, I went down to check out the red tent. I still didn't feel very social, but was lured by the promise of magic. Over the next several hours, my perspective completely changed.Aisle 9 and Sanford are trail alum who live in DC. Sanford thru-hiked in 2006, and they both hiked lots of long sections in 2008, when they met in Hiawassee. They brought in absolutely incredible magic. I had a grape soda while Aisle 9 cooked me chicken and veggie kabobs, followed by a beer brat. I also had a donut, cookies, and later a Yuengling lager. Even better then the food, though, was the camaraderie. We all sat around for hours telling stories and laughing. I also loved reading register entries from Aisle 9 and Sanford's wedding, which was last October. I've always loved hearing stories of couples who met on the trail, but they are even more meaningful to me now. Instead of this making me miss Braids more, however, it just made me think of her in a happy, loving way.The entire evening cemented for me that I must finish my hike over the coming months, and then (and only then) go home to Braids and my family. I've known this all along, but now I feel at home on the trail once again and excited for the miles ahead. Aisle 9 and Sanford (and Motor!), this really was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I cannot thank you enough!!!As if things weren't wonderful enough, as I was going to bed, Sanford informed me that they're cooking breakfast, too! Incredible!