Date: 2008-05-23
From: Locust Mountain

To: Anthrax Inn Atkins VA.
Miles today: 16.8

Virginia is really scenic. That's a good thing as I will be spending a lot of time in it. Today the trail passed an old heritage home built around 1820. We went up to check it out but it was locked. The porch swing was inviting, so I decided to sit on it and take a break. A short while later a volunteer drove up. His name was Jeff Radcliff, whom was a retired sheriff. He gave us some history on this property and mentioned tomorrow they will be having a gathering with food and music.We also discussed those 2 hikers that were shot earlier this month. As it turns out they were not hikers, they were 2 guys fishing. I had read in Damascus that they found and arrested the shooter. Disgustingly, he had previously murdered a male and female hiker on the AT nearly 20 years ago. He was caught and served only 7 years.What has also happened, is since his recent capture, he died while in custody? I will refrain from adding my comments on this, however, They are the same as everyone else's, Justice is served. (I would later see a documentry on NBC Dateline about this.)   Soon I'll be passing through Atkins VA.The companion mentioned the Relax Inn? As I was coming down the mountain and through some fields, I could see something? As I got closer I noticed an old motel that I thought was abandoned. In front of it, was a burned out building that used to be a restaurant.Surely this can't be....? Upon closer inspection, Yep it is.I was expecting 2 pkgs to be waiting for me there, as this was my first mail drop. I was going to swap out my cold weather gear and bag. I was now wondering if my package containing a lighter sleeping bag and misc. was there? To my surprise, both packages were there. Next, we all secured a room. I don't want to be negative or hurtful, but I am honest. I was actually fearful for my flip-flops and what might happen to them for wearing them in the shower. Living in the outdoors was far more sanitary than this room(s).I dubbed it with the name ANTHRAX INN. It is a fair assessment.On the up side, the Red Barn restaurant up the road, served a killer 1 lb. hamburger. Add fries and 3 sweet teas and you have a satisfying lunch.Normally, I wouldn't be able to eat like this. However, now I can do this, lose weight and still be hungry for more, all in the same sitting?The day was still young by AT standards. We were able to acquire a shuttle and did a 9 mile Backpacking Lite (slak pak) back to here.Checked in as well, are Bojangles, Rodeo and Wasabi. Sprite's friend Joan drove here from New York to meet up and spend the night. After a quick shower and a change of clothes, Joan drove us to the nearby town of Marion. We had dinner at Tuscinis (sp?) It was the same Italian retaurant that we ordered pizza from the Partnership Shelter yesterday.The food was excellant. There we ran into Peach & Fuzz, Party Animal & his girl friend along with Jersey & Sweat Hog. This would be the last time I ever saw Sweat Hog. Apparently he got off the trail right after? Too bad, I was just getting to know him. A lot more to him than meets the eye. All the best Sweat Hog!Later, I found a pay phone at the gas station and was able to make some calls.Pay phones by the way are becoming extinct. Maybe I'm just a dinosaur who refuses to carry a cell phone? In any case, they're getting harder and harder to find.