Date: 2015-06-01
From: 849.3 campsite, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

A light rain began as soon as I concluded last night's entry. The storm skirted just to our north, mainly bringing pockets of decent rain, strong wind, and a decent lightning show, but my tent was dry by morning. With only 12.4 miles to cover before reach on US 250/Blue Ridge Parkway that would take us into Waynesboro, Burnsides and I took our time waking up and preparing. The day would end up being less about the trail and more about the kindness of people.The first would come in the form of a section hiker named Checker. As we were about to roll away from camp, she offered us her phone number in case we reached her neck of the woods in Pennsylvania and needed anything. We thanked her for the offer and said we would contact her if the need arose. Off we headed towards the summit of Humpback Mountain, a relatively easy climb that would take us to the day's high point of 3,612ft.On we continued past The Rocks Overlook, Glass Hollow Overlook, and on towards Paul C. Wolfe Shelter. During this stretch I nearly stepped on my third snake in as many days, fortunately only a baby 6-inch one this time. We stopped at the shelter in order to refill on water and quickly wash our faces and hair. It's important to always look fresh on town days. The feeling wouldn't last long, however, for we were soon drenched in sweat as the early morning hour temperatures continued to climb.Both having an interest in history, especially in the area of the country we've been trekking through, we both enjoyed checking out a small, almost unrecognizable cemetery just off the trail noticeable only by half a dozen or so old rock slab headstones void of any details of the deceased other than one that some person had carved nonsense on. A mile after stood the remains of an old cabin ruin, parts of a stone foundation and chimney close to ~6ft high still standing, so far winning the battle against time.Covering the final few miles in no time, we hustled our way over easy terrain after being tipped off of trail magic waiting at Rockfish Gap. With a 3-mile pace, we reached our destonation in 4 hours and were rewarded with the trail magic we so desired - a tub of goodies including bananas, raisins, assorted chips, honey buns, cinnamon roles, and sodas (not Coke.) Knowing that we'd soon be entering Waynesboro, we kept our intake to a minimum so other potential hikers could enjoy. We continued on to the intersections of US 250 and the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway where we met a hiker named Soda who "supposedly" has the ability to down more Coke than me; I agreed to disagree. Soda placed a call to a Waynesboro native provided on a list of volunteers who shuttle hikers into and around town for free (a huge help.)Gizmo arrived 15 minutes later and we were soon heading into town, only a few miles from the trail. On the way Gizmo showed us the locations of stores, restaurants, a laundry mat, etc. as we passed around what was our price to pay for the ride - signing his AT log book. Soda hopped out at the free camping area in a park near the YMCA while Burnsides and I had business to take care of at the Ming Garden buffet. Over the next hour we took several trips to the large selection of food, bringing back plate after plate of sushi, hibachi, fried this's and that's, and deserts. We exited with labored breathing and bellies maxed to their limits as we made our way a couple of blocks to a laundry mat.With our wash going, we soon realized the amount of detergent used wasn't adequate as our clothes sloshed around in a pool of brown water. With the price of a load being a bit steep, plus the thought of the clothes being soaked in sweat in less than 2 days, we didn't care. As our clothes continued through the washer and dryer, we visited 2 neighboring thrift shops looking for anything random we thought might add to our trail experience. Burnsides purchased a pair of swimming trunks and I found some more pantyhose and a book that I'll be shipping home, both for under $3. Win.We then walked across downtown to the Grace Lutheran Church which offers an evening hostel possible by volunteers. Up to 20 hikers may arrive between 5:00pm-8:00pm to sign up and are able to stay for free until 9:00am the next morning. Also provided are showers, cots for sleeping, AC, a big screen TV with movie selection, computers with WiFi, and a selection of food to snack on throughout the night and morning. Truly an awesome deal for hikers for it allows them to use their money in ways other than lodging. Burnsides and I set up our area in a communal room, took our first shower after 3 sweat-soaked days, and hung around and relaxed for a bit. Though laundry isn't offered during the stay, one of the volunteers wasn't able to make a full load and offered to run our clothes through for a second round in order to so do. With our clothes feeling clean, yet still containing a sock-like smell, we gladly accepted. Clothes were returned smelling like fresh linens.Burnsides and I then headed back out to Kroger to get a Coke for tonight as well as an adult beverage to enjoy during the outing since it's not allowed on the property, and for good reason. In the parking lot of Kroger we saw, hobbling from a distance, Moosehead and Safari heading in our direction. We exchanged greetings and caught each other up on the latest happenings over the past few days. They both has quite the adventure, but the details will be saved for their own respected journals. We then all walked over to the park where they're both camping for the night and enjoyed half an hour or so of catching up. When rain began falling and lightning striking from a nearby storm, Burnsides and I retreated back to the church for the evening.Lights out in the sleeping area was half an hour ago, but the lounge is available til midnight. A group of 8 hikers have been relaxing, snacking, and enjoying the movie A River Runs Through It, one of my favorites. Brad Pitt's character just landed the big one, and it's a beauty. Tomorrow will be a zero as we spend the day taking care of additional chores and perhaps finding a way to treat ourselves after the past week we've all had out on the trail.Here's to a 3-mile pace, all you can eat Chinese, and the love of brothers.