Date: 2018-06-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 62.7

Stanimals in Glasgow has been one of our favorite hostels. It¢s in someone¢s house and is run by people doing work for stay. When we got there I met three strong women, two which are older than myself. It is amazing how many strong woman there are out here, most of which are solo hikers. There is a confidence that I feel is more in my reach. Sometimes the trail changes for people. One of the women had an injury but she is not going home. She will hike it a different way, she will heal and move on in a different direction as she will not make it in time to Katadin. She will celebrate in another area on the trail with her family when she completes the 2,200 miles. Another trail friend was not having fun and after sticking it out decided to leave the trail. He is on to another adventure out West. Hike your own hike has many meanings. Im finding that when people have stumbling blocks they simply change direction. I¢m staying open minded to change. We had two of our hiking friends (trail family) leave the trail because they reached their goal. We were lucky enough to catch up to a couple of our trail friends we lost when we took 3 zeros in Pearisburg. We hiked with them for two days. Those were two of the most memorable days of this hike. We hiked with Dawdles, Chewy and a new friend Charzard who is the coolest 21 year old young man. We called ourselves family. Stacy and I, the Nana¢s. Dawdles and Chewy, Ma and Pa. Charzard the son. It is amazing how close you get to friends in a short period of time, we had a blast at camp playing bean boozeled and telling trail confessions. We had a great night at Spy rock watching the sun set. We hiked our butts off up a mountain that took all day to end the night with the game and lots of laughs. I feel like we bring out the best in each other. We ate lunch today at a street while we waited for our shuttle to the hotel. They stayed until we left and it was an emotional fare well until next time. We are returning home for two days. We will eventually catch up because the trail tends to happen that way. They take a zero, we hike a long day. We cross paths over and over with trail friends. It¢s a very unique experience. This section of the trail has been very enjoyable. We have seen more deer, I have lost count. We had one visit us for a while at camp. The flowers have been pretty and I have learned to identify jewel weed which stops the spread of poison ivy and sooths the rash. The smells of the flowers are indescribably. Most exciting have been the fire flies that are actually in the beetle family. There dance of lights are actually the males way to find a mate and they do a light dance with each other. Fire flies are super interesting and create a fairy land feel. When we return to the trail we will be entering the Shenandoah National Park. I am looking forward to this section. The trail will be there when we return. I am super excited about seeing my family and friends. I can¢t wait to see Amanda and share my positive experiences that I have had. My hope is that I can pass on a message that she can do what ever she wants. I¢ll also get to cuddle Cam for two nights as we will be staying with Dawn and family. I¢m also looking forward to driving to a coffee shop or grocery store to get fresh food when ever I feel like it. Hiking tid bits: CHAFING. A losing battle with moisture and friction that caused chafing in very uncomfortable and unmentionable areas of the body. Powder, ointment and products with vasaline are helpful for treatment but prevention is difficult as moisture is hard to avoid. What is the solution, grin and bear it!