Date: 2016-05-04
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night after Santa, a section hiker named Bob, and I were tucked into our sleeping bags, it started to rain. Then Babbitt came along. As soon as he got into the shelter the sky opened up and we had a torrential rain- we haven't seen it rain like this! We were under the upper sleeping platform which was awesome because there was a leak in the roof but the platform caught it so we didn't get wet. I didn't sleep that great- people snoring, mouse scurrying and lots of rain noise.When we woke up there was no mist! We were excited to start our day with sunshine. Off we went to hike about 3 miles to the Skyland Restaurant for breakfast. We passed their stables and the cabins then on into the restaurant. I had eggs, home fries, ham, biscuit and an order of pancakes with blackberry syrup. Santa had an omelet and bagel with cream cheese. Our food wasn't bad but it wasn't great. We have been happily eating at the waysides and this was more expensive but not as tasty.Then off we go to hike the 11 miles into town for our resupply and our mist is back. We met two ladies out for a day hike and had a great chat while we hiked. The lady I spoke with is an ELL teacher in Virginia so we talked about the differences in services and philosophy. Once again, I am so happy to teach in a state and district that values education and recognizes us as professionals. When they turned off to finish their section after some map reading help from Santa, we saw Bob, from last night, stretched out next to the trail eating trail mix. He was surprised to see us because we left before he did so we explained about our stop for breakfast. He was not excited about the rain in the weeks' forecast so he is going to do day hikes instead of a true section. He also doesn't like rocks so he won't like this part.Now we are done eating and socializing so we settle in to hike fast into town. There is an ominous black cloud overhead so we play our game "can we beat the rain?" Alas we lost this round and it rained the last few miles. But that's okay because we were off to town and a dry bed for the night. Then we worry that no one will pick us up for the 9 miles into town because our gear is soaked and we look like drowned rats. As we come into the trailhead parking lot we see a woman packing up her stuff after a hike. Santa goes over to chat and I tag along. She is happy to go out of her way to give us a ride! We chat about hiking the whole way in because she's getting ready to do a section with a friend. She is very much like me- loves to plan. She loves it so much that her trail name is Plan!So we are settled in town and it's sunny but we can see the clouds covering the mountains. We drop our stuff and walk to the outfitters for our resupply box and a box from a friend, Cassie, that we were expecting. We found those two boxes and a third! I love surprises. We leave the boxes (we will come back later) and head to Pizza Hut for lunch. Bellies full we go get our boxes and bring them back to our room. The girls sent our resupply plus extra goodies and most importantly a note. Love the notes! Then we open Cassie's box- Santa is happy about the bars (he's getting tired of Clif bars) and the Baby Ruths. I am excited for Kit Kats- chocolate with a satisfying crunch. Then we open the mystery box and it's Star Wars graham crackers! Loved the movies and I love graham crackers- thank you Tanya and KK this is two surprise boxes in a row. Though nothing can beat the Steeler duct tape.Then my amazing awesome husband goes to the laundromat and food store while I shower and then have a soak in the tub. Definitely have to shower first!We look at our book to be sure we have our next week/ week and a half planned carefully. Really exciting section for us! We will see Count and Lavender who we hosted as they hiked through NH, then two of Santa's fraternity brothers and then Santa's sister and hopefully one or both of our nieces. A little stressful to have to stick so closely to our schedule but really exciting to see friends and family.Then off to dinner at an Irish Pub and back to call the girls. We were able to talk to all three at once because Casey came home to watch the Penguins/Capitals game with her sisters. We shared an exciting decision we are contemplating with them and asked them to think about it until we talk to them next. Then they shared their exciting decision. Life can really get exciting! Talked with our sister-in-law Tricia and asked her to pass on some news to Santa's brother Kevin. We can't really talk about all this stuff yet. I mention it because "home stuff" can really mess with your head while hiking. Sometimes it is hard to "stay in the moment" on the trail when real life is occupying a large part of your brain. All good but still distracting.Off to sleep because we have lots of miles to hike and lots of friends and family to visit in the next week.Thank you for your encouraging comments on our blog and on Facebook! We really need them sometimes and appreciate them always!