Date: 2015-06-13
From: past Walker Gap

To: VA623
Miles today: 2.6

June 13thSome place past Walker Gap to VA623 2.6 Miles I spent the previous evening going over my options. They were non-to good. The next town was a tantalizing 20.1 miles ahead - normally less than a day and a morning away, but without food that was not going to happen. I realized that in my current state I was likely to only be capable of 6 to 8 miles a day. Turns out you need food to hike - who knew?   Complicating things was that the next water supply was still 7.1 miles away. Remember how I mentioned that I was saving the reminder of my water for when things got worse - well this was it so I drank the rest of it. I knew that it would probably take a full day at my reduced pace to make the next water source - an unpleasant thought in muggy 88 degree weather without water and while going on 48+ hours of no food.    Now, I was not in 'true' danger of dying unless something unexpected happened. While not a high traffic section any portion of the trail gets a passers-by at least once every few hours. I could beg for food and water, and without doubt the first person I asked would give it without a second thought. However, I really hate the idea that I had become one of 'those people' who went into the wilderness and found himself unable to cope. I got myself into this situation so I was going to find a way out.   In my A.T guide there was a listing for a shuttle driver based out of the next town of Bland, VA. There was also a forest road only 2.6 miles further north of where I was. I tried calling the shuttle driver - no answer. I left a message and started hiking north.   I tried calling once every hour but got no response. My mobile coverage was spotty and I wasn't sure there would be any once I got to the road, so I was getting increasingly nervous. If I *had* to I could walk down the woods road until it intersected with a larger road - a distance of @ 7 miles. This would be more reasonable than following the A.T because roads are much easier to walk and there is always a chance of a hitch (very slight one on a little used woods road). That said the idea of such a lengthy walk was depressing.   As I arrived at the woods road I saw Doodlebug and another woman sitting on a rock next to the road. They explained that Doddlebug was having some problems so they were waiting on a shuttle to take them to a hostel. I was like 'oh thank god', since I knew I could tag along.   They asked about me, and I explained my food situation. Against my protests they made me eat.   "Ladies, I will be in town soon where I can have real food instead of trail food"   "Doesn't matter - you need to prime the pump, eat this"   No water though - they were out too.   I was dropped off at a motel in Bland. I ordered a pizza and took a shower while I waited on it being delivered. It's fairly unusual to be able to order delivery in trail towns, and when you can you pay outrageously for it. A large pizza, fries, and a 2 liter bottle of soda in this case cost me $32 before tip. Counter to the cost though is that when you are exhausted from the trek and feel you can barely move the idea of not having to leave your room in order to eat (however disgusting the food may be) is very powerful.   Later that afternoon I encountered Theseus and two others whose names I forget at the only 'Restaurant' in town - a Dairy Queen. We had dinner together while discussing trail life and shared trail gossip.    Just before I went to sleep I spoke on the phone with C, who always puts me in a good mood. That conversation gave me a much needed boost.