Date: 2015-06-02
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0

A quick entry for the day. I awoke at 6:30am after a sleepless night due to a shared room of several snorers. Laughter drifting in from the next room led me in where I started my day with a couple cups of coffee and a bowl of cereal. Burnsides and I gradually packed up and our belongings and hung around watching the news until we had to vacate the church at 9:00am. Unsure of whether we'd be returning tonight or not, we took our things with us as we headed out for the day.The first stop was the local post office where I sent home the last of my gear that I didn't needed, whether due to not utilizing it in the first 2 months or no longer needing it. Goodbye 20F sleeping bag, stove, harmonica, and a bag of miscellaneous things totaling around ~4-5lbs. The day would be filled with more kindness from strangers and questions regarding our hike so far. At the post office alone Burnsides and I spoke with 3 locals. We next walked a few blocks to an antique shop, then to a Salvation Army - a favorite hobby of mine in the real world. We both treated ourselves to $2.50 Hawaiin-style shirts that we plan to wither hike in or wear as town shirts for fun. I scored mine in the kids section and so it fits me as you'd expect; it's a great addition nonetheless.Off to the local library we headed to where we met Moosehead. We spent the next couple hours relaxing, doing this and that, and mainly passing time. Along with paying off monthly bills and chatting with my brother Ryan, I also took time to sew Burnsides' gaiters for him that had developed holes where his boots have rubbed as he hikes. At 1:00pm a local trail angel and volunteer shuttle provider, John, arrived to take us across town to the Zeus Theater where we'd spend the next couple of hours enjoying the nonstop action that is Mad Max: Fury Road. Though essentially just one long car chase scene, the visuals and action are solid and often funny. Immediately as we entered the theater and were dropping off our packs behind the ticket counter, the manager offered to take us wherever we wanted after the movie ended - even without us asking. After the movie ended and, as she promised, the manager gave us a lift back downtown and dropped us off at Kroger's where we would restock our food supplies. Burnsides and I would receive looks for the remainder of the evening as we walked around in our new digs - jealousy, most likely.We next ventured to the place we had done some damage at the prior afternoon, the Ming Garden. Taking it a bit easier this time around, I'd still down 3 full plates and as many Coke's as Burnsides, Moosehead, and I enjoyed another fine meal while watching Federrer lose in 3 straight sets for the first time that I can remember over the past decade. With bellies full and the buttons of my undersized shirt screaming for mercy, we wobbled back to the Grace Lutheran Church for another night at the hostel.The hostel is full tonight, Moosehead joining the ranks as well, which all but guarantees me a poor night's rest due to snoring. It beats sleeping in the mountains tonight, though, as rain falls outside. The last hiker limped in an hour ago, soaked and muddy, as I sat looking like a clean, plump pumpkin in my baby Gap shirt watching Jeopardy. I was in his shoes several nights ago and without a hostel to retreat to. Enjoy it while you have it.Burnsides has never seen The Last Samarai so the movie is just getting underway as I wrap up this entry. Also a favorite of mine, I hope he enjoys my suggestion. Another local will be picking us up at 8:30am in the morning and returning us to the trail where we'll enter the Shenandoah's for the next 100+ miles. Waynesville, VA, by far, has taken over as my #1 trail town. The community is so welcoming and the locals so engaging with hikers that call this town home for a night or 2 as they continue their treks. It's been a pleasure staying here.Here's to video chats with my brother, tiny curve-hugging shirts, and a walk through history as I enter the Shenandoah's.