Date: 2008-04-12
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: scattered clouds

At 5:05a, I reached over to wake Toddy Bear up because he was gonna try and make it to the Post Office before they closed. It wasn't until 5:45a, however, that he got up...and hit the trail by 6:30a. As he left, Yeti woke up and said, "It might be a good idea to hit the trail before the rain starts." He was right, and we got up...so did the Flying House of Steve. Well, the only food left in my pack was one pack of Ramen Noodles, oatmeal, and Carnations Instant Breakfast. So, being extra light, Yeti and I hit the trail at 7:15a. After some walking, we reached these powerlines which offered a great view to the countryside down below. There was, however, a bull up on the ridge. I thought this was odd because the other cows were down in the valley below. Then, Yeti and I continued on our trek and eventually reached the sidetrail for Angel's Rest. The Flying House of Steve told us it was nice and that the detour was well worth the time. In the new spirit of "Yeti Hiking," we reached the rocks, dropped our packs, took water and a pack of Lance Lightly Smoked Swiss Crackers. We sat there and watched Pearisburg traffic stirring in the early hours. Yeti then said, "it's funny how everyone down there is concerned with the everyday hustle-and-bustle of life and are moving from town to work, but us, our big concerns are water, food, and shelter. I mean, look at us, we're sitting on a rock, eating crackers, and enjoying the day while everybody down there is hustling!" He's right...it's great to be able to just enjoy life without having to worry about the daily drama which is this life we live in!! Ever since I've been out here, I've noticed that I am no longer as "high strung" as I once was.Anyhow, we pushed on and ran into several dayhikers from Commons University, Virginia Tech, and some locals! We then reached the town and began following the blue blazes to the Hostel. As we were walking, a car pulled up and a guy with red hair asked, "Are you Bad Hummus?" After some discussion, I realized it was RED, the guy who helped re-open the Hostel and the Priest of the church. They had just finished dropping Chris and Lacey off at the trailhead and told me where my maildrop was. When we passed the courthouse, I noticed some very awesome signs acknowledging the Pearisburgians who have fought in every war since the American Revolution...I do enjoy history, especially walking through it!!! As we reached the Hostel, Yeti and I saw two hammocks in the yard and knew that Roundhorse and Brandon must also be here. When we entered, we were greeted by Toddy Bear, who was toweling off after a shower, and he informed us that Roundhorse and Brandon went to Pizza Hut and would be back soon. As we were leaving to go wash clothes, Roundhorse and Brandon entered and we chatted for a bit. They asked if we had Yellow Blazed and then they accused Stovie of doing the same...really? Oh well! They're convinced that Team Deutschmark is a bunch of Yellow-blazers...so, we walked down to Pizza Hut and ordered some pizza and a salad bar. After eating, we walked to the Laundromat and planned the next stretch until our next resupply. Then, we walked to Dairy Queen and enjoyed a Blizzard (I had the Banana Cream Pie flavored one). We then began walking back to the Hostel and were offered a ride by a gentleman named The Captain instead.As we walked through the door, we saw Roundhorse and Brandon with their packs on. They were gonna leave soon, but left TONS of stuff, including homemade brownies, in the hiker box. I weighed myself and I have lost 28 pounds since leaving Springer Mnt. I'm pretty sure a lot of it is fat, not muscle, because I take protein supplements everyday and my clothes are too big!!! We ate some Mexican food, resupplied at Wal-Mart and then prepared for bed. Oh! I spoke with Buns and Roses today. They have to double back towards Bland because Roses left her ID and credit card in the hotel and the management staff wouldn't mail it. Also, Kanati called and we filled him in on how Fester, Stovie, and the rest of Team Deutschmark were doing. Then, he asked if I would be available to finish up that last 17 mile stretch in the GSMNP with him so that I could celebrate in this accomplishment with him...You better believe I'm gonna do this!!!