Date: 2008-04-26
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter (1700')

To: Pat & Deborah's, Stanardsville, VA
Miles today: 14.8

Most of my journal entries seem to follow this formula: I got up at __ AM, ate __ pop tarts and got out by __ AM. I saw a bird that looked like __. The weather was __ and the walk was __. I got in around __ PM and ate __ for dinner and then three __ candy bars. Its like a journal mad lib so now I'm going to restrain myself and neglect to mention those basic elements of my day and hopefully spare some journal pages and save a few trees. Strides was out early on his way to Waynesboro with Weasies AYCE pancakes calling his name. I took my time getting to the pickup and walked over Calf Mtn. There were a bunch of towers on top which look ugly. If they're going to put a bunch of manmade stuff on top of a mountain that the AT or any trail goes over why not also put a lookout tower for hikers or whoever wants to enjoy the view. It seems like the trail maintainers could negotiate something and it surely wouldn't cast as much as the technology they've already hauled up the mountain I got to the pick up about an hour and a half early and considered putting in another 3 mi but figured it wouldn't matter either way. It was a nice spot with a little parking area where people would drive up, look at the view and drive away. Some people don't even get out of their cars to enjoy the view and just do the slow cruise through before driving on. I met up with Deborah and she came prepared with sodas. We drove into Waynesboro to pick up my package I had delivered. I sent it to a B&B because I knew the PO would be closed so it was a little awkward when I picked it up and didn't stay. We met Strides, Spruce, and Southside at Hardees and I found out of Strides record smashing 6 pancakes at Weasies. I don't think I could've done any better but Strides seemed humbled by the experience. When we arrived at the house Pat and Amelia were there as well as some ham sandwiches and carrot soup to hold us over until dinner. There was a cooler of beer on the porch and after a shower I felt quite at peace. Pat & Deborah were being incredibly hospitable and accommodating to the 4 thru-hikers that were all fresh off the trail. Dinner was salad, lasagna, mashed potatoes, bread and chuck roast. Home cooked meals on the trail are rare but some of the most uplifting and nourishing things for me. Not long after dinner my Uncle Rick, Aunt Karen, and Jessie and Elizabeth showed up after hearing I was in the neighborhood. They brought more food and beer and I was able to talk to them for a while about my trip. We all went down the street to look at the cows that comprise Pat's free range beef and is where the roast I ate earlier came from. Dessert back at the house was strawberry pie with ice cream and a few chocolate chip cookies. I always tell myself not to overeat when I stay off the trail but I really can't help it. It was great to see so many familiar faces tonight and I really fell like I have a lot of support on this journey. Even though I'm only seeing friends and family for a brief moment in my several months out it goes a long way. Huge thank you's to Uncle Rick, Aunt Karen, and the girls for coming out and Pat & Deborah for hosting.