Date: 2018-05-02
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Alderson, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Last night I had one of my best night¢s sleep since we began our adventure. I didn¢t wake up until after 7 and had to quickly switch to high gear because breakfast was going to be served at 7:30. I certainly didn¢t want to miss out on that! Neville had made a delicious peach crisp with yogurt topping, more scrambled eggs (with spinach mixed in this time), sausage and the famous homemade bread with apple butter. Can¢t think of a better start to a Zero day! We had gotten most of our gear packed the night before, because our friend/Trail Angel, Theresa, was coming to pick us up at 9:30 to drive us back to her home in Alderson, WV, just across the state line. She arrived soon after breakfast and we gave her a mini tour of the Woods Hole Hostel before heading out.Next Step needed to go by Blacksburg, VA (which, unfortunately, just happened to be in the opposite direction of Theresa¢s house) to go by an Outfitter to pick up a new Osprey backpack. The one he was using had a busted side zipper, and the Osprey rep asked that he just send a picture of the damage and they would replace the pack if we could go pick it up at the nearest outfitter. Great customer service, Osprey!! Theresa, being a true Trail Angel said that it would be no problem to go get it before heading to Alderson. By the time we left the outfitter it was after 11 so we decided to stop and grab some lunch before making the 90-minute drive to her house. Great idea!!! Especially since there just happened to be a Chick-Fil-a only a couple of miles from the outfitter!!!! I had just mentioned the night before that I could really go for a Chick-Fil-a sandwich, and now I was sitting there eating one not even 24 hours later!! The drive from Blacksburg to Alderson is absolutely beautiful. As we came around the last curve on the backcountry road, Theresa pointed out her farm just ahead. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined! A log cabin nestled in the hillside looked like the perfect place to relax on our Zero Day. We asked about the adorable little cabin that sat just to the right of the house and we couldn¢t believe when she told us that was the chicken coop! Are you kidding me?!?! I can¢t say I¢ve ever seen a 5-star Chicken Resort until today! Theresa showed us to our room and I told her there might be a problem...we might not ever leave. ¢You don¢t have to¢, she replied. ¢The farm right across the road is for sale!¢ We took a tour of part of her property and were stunned to find the most adorable treehouse around back the perfect place to spend the day with a good book! Next Step and I agreed that we would love to have one built when we finish our adventure and settle back down. After our tour, we brought in all of our gear and resupply boxes that we had received the night before and went right to work so that we could get to the most important part of our day - relaxing on the porch! We finally got all of our chores done and Theresa and I got a chance to catch up a bit since it¢s been years since we have had a chance to visit. She is a beautiful lady with such a gentle spirit. We were so blessed to be able to have this time together! Theresa is also quite an artist and photographer. Finally, she is our go-to for identifying plants and trees we see along the trail. After an incredible supper featuring Alaskan salmon (that she had caught herself!!), venison with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, and broccoli salad, we thought it would be a good idea to take a walk before dessert. We walked through the pasture to a spring and she pointed out lots of different flowers and trees along the way, some of which were the same that we had sent her pictures of to help us identify. Next Step asked if we could walk across the road and take a look at the property that was for sale. As we walked along listening to the birds and the absolute stillness of the evening, it really made us want to move right in. We headed back and decided to have our chocolate cake and milk on the front porch, while Aspen, her yellow lab, played ball in the front yard. Now the sun has gone down and you can hear the water gently flowing in the stream and the crickets chirping. Yes, I¢m pretty sure Next Step is going to have to pry my fingers off the gate to get me out of here tomorrow. Tonight I¢m feeling grateful for friendships that just pick up right where you left them. Thank you Theresa, you truly are a Trail Angel. Hugs ¢ Which WayWeather:Day ¢ 78 degrees / SunnyNight ¢ 53 degrees / Clear Over the Horizon: McAfee¢s Knob