Date: 2008-06-27
From: Hog Wallow Spring

To: Mosby Camp.
Miles today: 13.0

The deer were so close last night you could hear them breathing. They were eating acorns all night. While packing up, I took out a cliff bar and stuck 3 birthday candles in it.After lighting them, Freckles, Powder & I walked over to Sprite and wished her Happy Birthday. It was the best I could do with what I had. We were only 10 miles from Front Royal. There we would celebrate her birthday properly. She wanted Mexican.We had stopped for a break at Possums overlook. It was just at the SNP Boundry and just feet beyond the official marker. Wow, the Shenandoah's done. We have nearly come half way? While enjoying the overlook, we all glanced over to find a "Pink Blaze" painted on a rock. The term is used to depict romantic encounter while on the trail. But here, in living color was an actual pink blaze.It truly was a kodak moment. This apparrently may have been an omen for Powder, as he was going to meet his girlfriend today? Go get em tiger!After 10 miles we reached US 522. It started to sprinkle and we still had a 4 mile hitch into Front Royal. I was fumbling with my pack rain cover, Sprite & Freckles were standing to cross the road, when a car came pulling in.He didn't see me until afterward. Girls can get a ride at the snap of a finger.We piled in and were driven to the far edge of town to the Jalisco Mexican restaurant. Good food and margaritas, a great way to celebrate Sprites birthday.We did ask to be seated away from other patrons. Our trail aroma at times could be offensive to some.After a lengthy celebration, (2 margaritas) we went back out into the heat and started walking back into town from the other direction. A few blocks down, a lady in a pick up called out to us from the road asking if we needed a ride?A quick yes, brought her whipping back around to pick us up. What good fortune, where else does this happen? She drove us to the outfitter, We were very appreciative. About 45 minutes later she came by the outfitters again. We happened to be standing out front ready to begin walking again. Once again we piled in the back of her truck and she drove us to Food Lion for resupply before going back out on the trail.Wow, we have managed to shave several miles and do so much in such a short period of time. It would be a straight 4 mile hitch back to the trailhead from here. Later after our shopping was complete and our packs were heavy again, you would not believe who pulled up again?It was none other than our Heaven sent, AT approved Trail Angel! We learned her name was Carol Martin. When asked why she was doing this, she told us that a member of her church was a hiker and shared the story of trail magic and how much it means? The rest is history, a lovely woman, who made all the difference in the world to 3 strangers. An appropriate gift to Sprite as well, on her birthday.Carol drove us back to the trailhead. Now we didn't want to say goodbye to our new friend. We stood along side her truck parked along the busy hiway and talked. Eventully, she pulled away. Thank you Carol, your kindness will never be forgotten.We figured the Shelter that was 5 miles ahead would be full? We were looking for some seclusion to celebrate Sprites birthday. Freckles found a small trail off the main trail. A small sign read "Mosby Camp".This was totally out of the ordinary, But should I be surprised?This secluded camp site had a fire pit, flat ground and 2 benches. Once again, just when you need it, it appears. A private spot, and benches? There have never been benches? Yet here they are, to make tonight better.We enjoyed some of Sprite's favorites. Couscous, Red wine and 2 strawberry shortcakes each, with fresh strawberries. A white candle was positioned on a a rock of the tall fire pit. We gathered around Sprites camera and went through all her pictures. It brought back faces and fond memories of those who could not be here tonight. It was an unforgettable evening. It actually was an unforgettable day. Just thinking of all the trail magic we experienced today? The ease in which everything just fell into place and happened so effortlessly. The people whom out of nowhere, came to our aid.We are walking with Angels.All this has reminded me of my Dad. All his life, he was the guy who stopped to help people who were stranded along the road. He would give charity of his time and little money he had, to those in need that he thought, he could be of help?This was not done in convenience, it was usually at the most inopportune times. Whether we were running late to be somewhere, or the weather was extremely poor or just whatever. He was an Angel to many strangers. Had we lived closer to the trail, I may have seen even less of him. Perhaps it is he, who walks with us now?From my tent, I look out into the darkness and see the glow burning from the white candle. It takes me back to the Smokys, when "El Gixin" would burn a white candle in the shelter each evening before going to bed. It reminds me of the purity of the evening. I would like to share this evening with him now. He is and always will be a special character that enriched this journey. I wonder what he is doing right now?Happy Birthday to you again Sprite. You are an amazing woman and a true friend.I could not have dreamed any of this any better.