Date: 2003-05-17
From: Rockfish Gap Waynesboro VA 

To: Rockfish Gap Waynesboro VA 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 65 Avg Mls/Day 13.0Weather: Cloudy, cool, overcast, light rain. High temp in low 50's.I guess it was a good time to be on a zero. Although I like to hike in cool and even cloudy weather, it rained most of the day. Actually, it doesn't look good for tomorrow; Charlie and I are both considering another zero or at least taking off late and hiking only 7 miles to the first shelter.Today started with the AYCE breakfast buffet at Shoney's...a nice follow-up to last night's dinner. Charlie and I both felt we had lost more weight in the last week and we both like to take advantage of the in town days to eat as many calories as we can. It was quite good...I must have had a dozen strips of bacon. I think we're going back tomorrow morning.We got a ride downtown with the supervisor at the construction of a new Applebee's across the road, Dave. Great guy. Thanks Dave! Since the post office didn't open until 9, we went to nearby Krogers for resupply. We didn't need a lot as SNP has waysides with stores and eating places. I still ended up spending $16 on cookies, snickers, peanut butter, crackers, etc. Next was the post office where we both had boxes to pick up. One of Charlie's was full of homemade cookies...and they were good. While I was waiting for Charlie, a local guy, Jim, recognized that we were hikers and was nice enough to ask us if we needed a ride anywhere. Well, yes...our next stop was the outfitter at the edge of town. We got there just before it opened at 10. Jim also gave us his father's name and number to call when we needed a ride back to the Trail. Thanks Jim, it's guys like you that make hiking a lot more enjoyable.At the outfitter I spent a few bucks. Bought a pair of light Marmot rain pants for the summer months. I'll send home the heavier Schoeller guide pants until Hanover NH. Also picked up new knee high gators. Not too sure I'll like them in hot weather but had to try them. The ankle high ones I've been using have helped keep the socks clean and the longer ones should add some insect bite protection. Speaking of insects, bought a bottle deet spray. Also, got a small Mountainhouse meal.We then headed for the library where I sat at the computer next to Wicked Wizard. We were supposed to get together for dinner last night...but he had no way of knowing I ended up out at the Best Western. We were only allowed an hour on the computer which was barely enough time to visit trailjournals.Dave got tied up and did not pick us up at the library at 1 p.m. I asked this friendly looking gentleman leaving the library if he would happen to be going west. His name was Richard and he said he would be happy to give us a ride back to the motel. Good guess on my part. Great guy!...Thanks again Richard and we enjoyed talking to you. So, between Dave, Jim and Richard we got our errands ran all around town. Much appreciated! After dropping our purchases in the room, we went to Wendy's next door and ate off the dollar menu. I hadn't had a frosty for awhile.Went back to the room; called and talked to my Dad. We're planning on meeting Wednesday evening at Big Meadows in SNP. It will be great to see my folks for a visit on the Trail. After that, Julia called and we talked about ordering a new pair of boots from LL Bean that she will bring with her when we meet in Harpers Ferry in 10 days. Never did get a nap. Took a shower and did some packing.Charlie and I ate dinner about 6:30 at the restaurant next door. Had a great prime rib...the best I've had in years. We talked a little about tomorrow. The only thing we decided for sure was that we were meeting for breakfast at 8 at Shoney's AYCE breakfast buffet. Sounds good to me.Went back to the room and finished packing. The Trail in SNP is good. I hiked most of it last summer. It is well graded and not full of rocks. The slopes are gradual and best of all, there are places to eat right on the Trail.Thought for the Day: "Zero" refers "zero miles" and not the day itself.