Date: 2003-03-04
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Plaza Motel (VA 608)
Miles today: 11.0

Whew!   Today went entirly different than planned... Boy that sure does happen a lot, maybe I should just stop planning.... Like that will ever happen. :)         Well started at 715 when I woke up to a peliated woodpecker, rattling a nearby tree with its strong beak. FS had already cooked and was halfway packed. Man, I dont know how he does this whole sleeping thing, but I need more than 7 hours of sleep between 20 milers. Oh well, I packed up quick and hit the trail by 735. I thought I was behind him the whole way, but apparently he ducked into the woods to "take care of business" and I passed him. So when I got to the first shelter and saw that he had not signed the register, I was puzzled to say the least. About 10 minutes later, FS comes walking down to the shelter, clicking his poles on the rocks. He announced that he did not want to walk to next shelter. In fact he wanted to get out and hitch to Pearisburg. He said he needed a day off. I certainly could use a shower, so I agreed. We checked the books and we had an exit point about 1 mile North on the trail.          Off we were and by 1230, we were standing at the one and only general store for miles.   From there we made some phone calls, trying to make arrangement for the night in Pearisburg. Jerry, a Trail Angel, had sent my dad a note a little bit ago telling about the Holy Family Hostel in town. Unfortunatly it was closed. But still we decided to hitch to Pearisburg and see what we could do. After about 2 hours of getting 3 short rides, we finally made it the 25 miles to Pearisburg.          We hit the PO, the motel (to pick up my maildrop and MORE Trail Magic from Bushwhack & Bramble   Thanks!), and then get pizza.   We have to make a decision as to where we will stay for the night. Nothing cheap. So I call up Jerry to ask him for a suggestion for a good nights stay. No answer. So we bite the bullet and pay for a night at the Plaza Motel. About 30 minutes after we settle in, the phone rings. I answer and it is Jerry. Jerry announces that he wants to hook us up. And he did- with two nights at the Plaza Motel!   What a guy.   Thank you very, very much!   This is some incredible trail magic that will not be forgotten.          With a smile on our face we call up Bill, the caretaker of the hostel (who offers shuttles around town), and ask if he will take us to the WALMART. "Sure," he says, "I'll be right over." So FS and I hit the Super-Walmart for a couple hours. I ended up with a new pair of Starter Running Shoes and a couple other little odds and ends. I plan to walk in the shoes and eventually (within a week) send my boots home. The boots are not doing their job. They get saturated, dont keep the water out, take years to dry, and are too heavy. So we will see how the shoes do. As we are checking out, FS yogis a ride back to the Motel from the people inline behind us. Sweet.   Good full day of Trail Magic!   So today went differently than planned but it was for the better. Town food, dry everything, and some needed rest. Tomm we will zero here and then set out the next day... at least thats the plan.... ;)414.6 miles left and 17 days.... can it be done?