Date: 2016-06-06
From: Stealth near mile 847

To: Rockfish Gap/Waynesboro
Miles today: 13.5

I woke up and owuldn't you know my mattress didn't leak all night! Now I am really confused as to what is going on with it. I ate my breakfast and then continued on. Planning to hit Waynesboro and stay at Stanimal's Hostel before heading into the Shenadoah's! I ran into a SOBO and he told me he left a map and information of Waynesboro at the Shelter if I wanted to grab it to look at before I got there. I grabbed the map and saw there was a Residence Inn in Waynesboro! I was pumped. I still have a ton of hotel points from a few years ago working in Ohio and staying in a hotel for almost 7 months. I love Residence Inn's because every room is a suite and they are typicclly pretty nice, way nice then what a hiker can usually afford but I would be staying for free. I basically ran the remaining miles and made it to Rockfish Gap just before 1pm. I hit the food truck and got some awesome Chili Cheese Fries and then went up to the Information Center to call for a ride into town. Waynesboro has a calling list of 10-12 Trail Angels who will pick you up for a free ride into town! The first number I called the guy said no problem, be there in 15.I chatted with the man at the Visitor Center about Louisiana, he lived in Metarie for a while. He said he has lived all over working as a surveyor for Roadways but the only place he would love to move back to is Metarie/New Orleans. We talked about work and go into title issue on lands something he was very faamiliar with also and he told me about the complex heirship on 3000 acres of property nearby that is right by the AT. We both seemed to really enjoy the history of researching title and it was a great conversation.My ride arrived and said the ride was $100.00, but if I signed his guest book it was free. So I signed the book and saved $100.00.I got to the Residence Inn which is even nicer than others I have stayed at. I got a King Bed in a Studio style room with a big TV on a Swivel to face towards the bed or living room which has a recliner and sofa. Full Fridge, stove top, dish washer, etc. I am in Luxury! Walking distance from Walmart where I went for resupply, got more than I need since there are a ton of resupply options almost daily in SNP but I figured I'd get 2.5 days of healthier food so I'm not stuck with junk since that hasn't worked for me. I hit the bar at the Golden Corral and made them lose on the Buffet as my Grandpa would say. On the way back I grabbed two Yeungling Tall boys and now I am just relaxing! I'm going to get back on trail tmw for around noon and just hike however far I end up hiking. No rush, I am on pace to hit the halfway mark (the actual halfway mark not just Harper's Ferry) about 3 days before making 2 months so no worries! I am ahead of what is being called the"super bubble" and will have plenty of time for the second half of the trail which will be more technical in some places (New Hampshire, Maine, parts of PA).I'm tempted to Zero here since my accomdations are so nice but I will save the rest of my reward points for later down the trail. I fully intend to burn them and get the best room possible at every chance I get from now to Maine! And just to say it again, Man I love hotel points haha, free town stay in luxury compared to a hostel or the normal hiker motel/hotels. Will hit the hot tub tonight after a few beers and be ready to continue slaying the AT. Last few days have been a little rough, but I think I'm getting better on food choices and this town stay has already refreshed me!