Date: 2014-04-21
From: War Spur Shelter to Niday Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Easter! I woke up to find that the Boy Scout troop leaders (out for an adult hike without the youths) had left some Reese's eggs candy for me! How kind and thoughtful! While they were both out of camp by 7:30, I got a slightly slower start, making it to the next road crossing a mile and a half away by 8:45. I tried to hitch a ride to the nearest church, but rather than get a ride, I was told that there was a mile "or so" down the road. Well, while it was a long walk, it was absolutely beautiful. With red buds blooming and living the pastures alongside the road, it was a wonderful jaunt off trail. I arrived at Craig Valley Gospel fellowship around 9:20 but waited outside hoping to catch the 11 o'clock service as I could hear the first service already underway inside. Once church let out, I was met by Pastor Jay Law and welcomed with open arms. He repeatedly told me that I was to be treated as an angel as The Lord may make his presence know in countless ways. What a complement! Usually I'm just plain ol' hiker trash! He informed me that on Easter they only have a sunrise service so I had missed theirs, but before taking me down the road to the next church, he and his darling wife made sure I ate plenty of the leftover homemade breakfast and had pound cake and snacks to-go. Such great people! Their hospitality and welcoming way was really all the gospel I needed and was hoping for! After reaching the church down the road, I was met by a loving and accepting congregation of folks numbering no more than ten. As the service began and the prayers said aloud, I knew I was not in a typical Methodist/ baptist church. It was only after being anointed with oil and prayed over and hearing others prayed over in Hebrew that I realized it was a Pentecostal church. While this was certainly a new experience for me, I felt welcomed and loved and accepted nonetheless. I'm not exactly sure why I felt so strongly about finding a church for Easter Sunday as it has been several years since I've pursued church, but I am glad that I did listen to that little voice inside telling me to make it a priority. As I've experienced before in life, it's the little seeds planted along the way that ultimately serve as the means of the greatest growth. After getting a ride back to the trail, I hiked the remaining 9 or so miles to Pickle Branch Shelter. I was surprised to find a few other folks there, but enjoyed the company and was glad to not spend the evening alone. The night turned chilly rather quickly, and since I was in my hammock, I wasn't nearly as warm as I'd hoped to be. Since I knew that a couple of my friends were behind me by a day or so, I didn't feel the least bit guilty about sleeping in til 9:45! What a lazy bum! Finally, around 11:30 I made my way to the rocky top of Dragon's Tooth. At that point I had cell service and got a text from the boys I'd been missing saying that they were actually ahead of me by at least half a day! I had a moment of feeling absolutely helpless and once again very homesick for the company of those I love before calling my wonderful mama who of course supported my decision to yellow blaze (skip part of the trail by traveling via road) my way to Daleville. This not only put me ahead of the boys and allowed me to be right back with Nails, but also saved my sanity as this has been one of the hardest stretches of trail for me mentally. I am so thankful for caring parents who know just what to say, friends who make trail life meaningful, and the solitude to appreciate them both. As I now sit in a cool and comfy hotel room, I am happy to be continuing on with the trail knowing that I am never truly alone. The love and support I have felt this past week from family, friend, and stranger alike remind me that this journey is bigger than myself and that I am as much a part of the trail as it is becoming of me.