Date: 2006-04-12
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Baptist Church Hostel Troutdale
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I love to trust my guts and not to stick religiousely with my plans. Tonight I wanted to make it to Partnership Shelter because of the shower and the pizza. Instead of going on I decided to hitch into Troutville for a late lunch. A women with the name Diane gave me a ride directly to the trading post and as I learned in the store she was the owner. They also have a small restaurant and the menue contains all the stuff a hiker loves to eat. I started with a Jumbo Burger (giant, as the name tells), served with everything, followed by a T-bone steak with green beans and mashed potatoes. At last I had a piece of cherry cheesecake with coffee. While having lunch I probably drunk a 1/2 gallon of coke. (My god, it's 4 hours later and while writing this I could eat the same stuff once again. But they open for breakfast at 5.30) They were so friendly that I didn't feel like a stinky hiker. The waitress even showed me the raw steak before they cooked it and after serving she asked me! to taste it if it is the way I like it. The 2.4 miles from the gap are really worth the way. Diane told me that there is a hostel that belongs to the Baptist Church 200 yards behind the store. I have seen it in the book but haven't payed much attention as I never intended to stay there. As I arrived two church members were there and showed me everything. They have a nice heated bunkhouse with a porch, a big shelter like building with many benches and tables, a beach volleyball field, a basket ball place, showers and a chemical privy. Everything is clean and new and well maintaned. The guy told me that the laundry doesn't work because the state has denied the concession. Some problems with the sewing system. And to build everything comform with state regulations would cost the church 25.000 $. As I heard this number I was just about to say "Holy Shit" but in the last tenth of a second I realized that I talked to church members and so I managed to change that to "Oh my God". I hope that didn't offend them. This people are so nice. In the short time I'm here three peop! le came looking if I'm comfortable and have everything I need. The pastor even sent me a young men to tell me that the showers are working. And they are only based on donations. This place is one of the precious gifts you find only on the trail.So I did only 10.2 miles today but I don't feel guilty. Every day has it's own rhythm and today's was slower but as intense as on other days. And I started out really fast. The 4 miles from Old Orchad to Hurricane Mtn. Shelter took me only 90 minutes. But the most important thing is to have fun. And I had fun. My knees feel good, I had a good meal and a shower and I even did my laundry in a big bucket and air dryed it afterwards. Tonight I'm sleeping in a clean bunkhouse and could even turn the electrical heating on. Im sitting on a wooden porch in a rocking bench, the moon is shining on me and I hear the frogs in the distance. I wouldn't want to trade that for anything. Life can be a real bitch sometimes but at the moment it feels really good. I have been invited to spend Easter in Erwin at Miss Janet's House and will be picked up by her somewhere on the road on Saturday. I'm looking forward to spend a quiet weekend in one of my favourite trail towns with good company (ok, it's never really quiet at MJ's, but take this as a metapher for rest) and a lot of laughter and conversation. And to all of you who are reading this: Happy Easter to you and your loved ones. Enjoy the holidays and have a peaceful weekend.Bruno