Date: 2015-04-15
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

There was another dose of rain for us this morning and I felt terrible for the two guys who had taken off at 530 in the hopes to catch the shuttle into town at 3. It couldn't have been more than 10 minutes after they left it turned into a torrential down pour. All I could think was thank god I decided not to go because I probably would have turned around and walked right back; especially that early and after what had happened yesterday. It was still raining by seven and I felt I deserved to sleep in for a while not hiking out in the rain again. It cleared up by 9 and I was ready to take on the day re encouraged with tales of Pizza awaiting anyone who could make it to Partnership Shelter. Feeling a new sense of urgency I was determined to make it in early so I could relax and enjoy myself some pizza and maybe a soda. I don't remember much about the day other than constantly feeling upset and discouraged about the day before and was getting into a really bad head space over the whole situation of no ponies and no fresh grounds. I'd really been hoping to hear about how far ahead everyone was and tricking myself into thinking I might be able to catch up if I hiked hard enough.The clouds must have sensed my negativity cause the last 2 miles of my hike it was pouring down rain and I had neglected to pull out my rain gear. I kept telling myself "it's just around the corner" for about 40 minutes and ended up getting absolutely soaked. When I finally did turn the last corner I was in a sort of trance that was suddenly broken by the awkward flaps of a turkey who had been just as startled by me as I was him. It took off like a cannon ball knocking over every branch and limb standing in its way, I've never seen a less graceful bird. When I looked back up the trail I was delighted to see that I was just feet away from the shelter...and pizza!I dropped my gear and just about sprinted over to the phone they leave outside for thru hikers to use along with a yellow pages. I flipped open the book and the first thing that I saw was a big note saying the primary pizza place had closed and to try pizza hut they might deliver. I called and they needed a 40 dollar minimum. Devastating since I was the only one there and had doubts about anyone else arriving that evening. I went back to the shelter and began to patiently but anxiously wait for some people to show up. Finally 2 people did and I was able to talk them both into ordering with me, the day had been saved. As we waited for our food to arrive we had a long discussion on the difficulties of the trail and it was really nice to hear others openly discuss the hardships they'd been facing because lets be honest this is a little more than a walk in the woods...especially if you're not yellow and blue blazing the whole time As the pizza arrive the conversation shifted to the positives and the fun we were having. I'd be lying if I said that the last couple days hadn't tested me but I knew that'd happen. Everyone hits a mental wall at some point out here and the Virginia's is usually the place it happens. I feel like I've pushed through the wall though since even the worst days out here always have a moment or two of pure joy a day, and besides I like to think I've got sunshine on a cloudy day