Date: 2014-05-20
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: U.S 250/Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: broken clouds

500' climb out was not terrible in that trail was pretty well groomed. Stopped to look at 150 year old chimney which was built without mortar and had been part of a one room house. It still amazes me that people lived way back in on these mountains and survived like they did and raised a family. More ups and downs and the only difficult part was a long washed out section that looked like an old creek bed but probably had been a roadway at one time and simply had eroded over time with continual wash outs. Gray Ghost and I made great time and got out to U.S. 250 in about 2 hours. While trying to call Stanimals - line was busy - a guy in a yellow truck who had just let off thru hikers Mack and AYCE pulled up and asked if we needed a ride into Waynesboro. The next thing you know we were of to Waynesboro with "Yellow Truck" the trail name of the driver. Yellow Truck is quite the Ambassador for the town and every town along the trail should have someone like him. After dropping Gray Ghost off at the Quality Inn we headed to Stanamils but I asked if we could stop at McDonalds first and we were then quickly pulling into the drive thru where I ordered up some food. We got to Stanimals which is in a very nice residential neighborhood and the personal home of Adam Stanley who had previously thru hiked the AT. His place is really nice with great landscaping and Adam is a very supportive person. I quickly consumed my food from McDonalds and then showered and did some laundry. Since my ankle was still giving me some problems I contacted the local health clinic and found out they could give me a cortisone shot if deemed appropriate. I then limped the 4 blocks and was treat by some very caring people. The Doctor there was totally different than the one I dealt with back in Charlottsville in that he asked me questions, looked at and felt my ankle and was sensitive to my need to keep hiking. After discussing different options he decided that an intramuscular shot of cortisone would be appropriate and which at the time I am writing this seems to have alleviated a lot of the inflammation. I do want to thank a very nice person at Gouverneur Correctional Facility who helped me with some insurance issues I had while at the clinic. Diane D. continues to be a very helpful and professional person and was able to get me some information which allowed me to pay for my visit. Thanks Diane. I then went back to the house and did some journalling to catch up on several days of notes. Stanimal then took Peaches and I to the local Krogers to buy resupply food. I also purchased fixings for making tuna salad and had a large plateful for supper that night along with a pint of Black Rasberry and dark chocolate ice cream. Talked to Laura, Mom & Dad and Joel who advised me a good friend Paul M. had passed away. I want to let the family know our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time. I slept out on the sun porch on a day bed while the other 3 guys are staying in the basement. Its so nice out here and very relaxing. There's talk of rain tonight and tomorrow morning. With only a 7.0 mile hike I should be ok. Peaches and I are leaving early, he to cover a lot of miles (30) and I to make sure I get to the shelter so if it rains I won't have to tent. Again, Stanimals has been a great place and I would highly recommend it to anyone on the trail. Its such a warm and comfortable atmosphere that it rekindles the soul.