Date: 2010-04-26
From: Wapiti-Dismal Creek

To: North of Pearisburg
Miles today: 20.5

Fraser FirAppalachian TrailGeorgia to MaineYear SixDay Four04/26/2010Entry two of TwoThis section has been absolutely amazing. Bluettes, violets and other spring flowers emerging as well as green grass that has been dormant for months.As I peer down into Wilburn Valley to my east and get a distant shot of West Virginia and the New River to my west, I know that I must be close to Pearisburg.The clear skies/overcast skies/light rain saga continues as I walk above 3500 feet.I bought a $10.00 watch in Dublin and in some ways I wish that I did not buy it. Does it really matter what time it is?I feel "pressured" to get down into town- why? I want to have camp set up north of Pearisburg before dark-again, why? There are no deadlines.Another question..where is Angels Rest? I should have been there by now. Forget about the destination and enjoy the walk... I say to myself.Quickly thereafter, I come upone the Angels Rest Blue Blaze trail and Pearis Mountain- I opt not to climb Angels Rest and start to descend quickly.I run into a South Bound Section Hiker. He is in shorts with no shirt and gasping for air.My south bound friend asks about Woodshole Hostile and I give him a "rough" idea of how long he will need to hike to get there this evening.This guy reminds me of an old family friend- Brad Lewondowski. I descend into summer-the foliage is full and green as I come down into Pearisburg. I walk up to the Rendevous and enter to see my friend (not Buck-the owner) behind the desk. He looks suprised to see me and inquires if I want a room.I tell him that I spoke to Buck and need to take a shower, wash clothes and charge up my mP3.My friend appears hesitant and I feel resistance as I did when I needed a ride up the gravel forest road from him a few days past. My friend is not too cool about my imposition, especially using the computer to plug in my mP3.When he leaves the room, I get behind the desk and see that Buck has the flash drive tied up with something, no problem. He has another computer on the other side of the office. no power..oh, well.After playing this guy's game, I get a key to a room and wash clothes, change clothes and take a much needed shower.My pants do not fit. In four short days, I have lost additional weight. yeah, right...no seriously, I was already on a pretty aggressive work out program, but even with a belt, my pants are falling off.After I make a mess of the motel room, I grab a broom and sweep up, throw out all of my trash on the front landing and clean the bath room and "mop" the motel room floor.While my clothes are washing, I head to Dairy Queen for mmm..good dinner.Next, I go to RiteAid and buy a bunch of goodies including Gatorade, snicker bars and moleskin.The cashier is the bomb..let me tell you..The cashier behind the photo desk lets me leave my mP3 for a couple of hours while I wait on my laundry and go grocery shopping. I explain my situation to her and she adds to the opinion the Pearsiburg is a very friendly hiker town.The folks at Ingles or Bi-Lo??? are just as cool. I do not have one of their shopper cards to save on my Gatorade and beef jerky and they come through by letting me use one of their cards..totally awesome!!The rain picks up as I return to pick up my mP3 from RiteAid. I guess I better get ready to get back on the trail.One concern...I use my good ole 1993 Ford Explorer to get around town and the transmission is definitely slipping. I am hard pressed to get into third gear.hmmmm.....it will all be good.What another great day, but man, I am so ready to get back out onto the trail and be in the wilderness.