Date: 2013-04-30
From: Va. 606-Trent's Grocery

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Bubba dropped me one last time at Trent's Grocery and this time I headed north 14.9 miles for Woods Hole Hostel. The hike was not that difficult. Thus far, the AT has been considerably less difficult in Virginia than it had been in Ga, NC or Tn. I would not go as far as to say it was easy though. The climbs were not as frequent, as challenging or as long. There was one pretty tough climb on this hike. But, the payoff for the climb was a magnificent view from an outcropping at 3,899 feet above sea level. The view was a panarama of green pastures, picturesque farm houses, silos, barns, cattle, cultivated fields and the beautiful backdrop presented by the Blue Ridge mountains. All seemed right with the world when gazing down upon the bucolic, peaceful setting. When I arrived at the vista, I found Glover and Atlas relaxing and lounging in the sun. What a perfect place to take a break. I stopped to chat for a while and thanked Atlas again for finding and returning my check book to me. After a few minutes, I struck off up the trail. While going across a ridge line, my phone rang. Phones ringing are not a common sound on the AT. In fact, it shocked me. I was rummaging through my pockets in an effort to get the call before it went to voice mail. I did get it and it was my friend, Tommy Simpson, from North Myrtle Beach. After concluding our conversation, I put my phone away and continued hiking. There was a huge area where there had been a controlled burn of underbrush. The only area that was not burned black was the AT itself. While I was walking through this area, I heard someone calling me. I turned to look and it was Atlas. She said she had found my wallet on the trail. Can you believe it??? Apparently, it fell out of my pocket when I pulled my phone out. The same lady had just found my lost check book a few days earlier. I am sure Atlas and Glover thought I was some demented old geezer, masquerading as a hiker, who couldn't even keep up with his check book or wallet. You know what, they may be right! But, anyway, I thanked them profusely, we laughed and continued on.In case anyone is keeping up with my falls, I logged #28 on this hike. I had gone three days without falling and I just could not stand prosperity. Oh well, just another bruise and a scratch. Nothing serious.My hike ended at the Woods Hole Hostel, described in the guide book as "a slice of heaven not to be missed". It was nice, but "a slice of heaven" may be a little bit of a stretch. When I checked in, I asked owner Neville where the shower was. She said outside behind the barn. After picking my bunk in the loft above the barn, I dropped my gear and proceeded to the shower. To my surprise, there were chickens running around inside the outdoor shower. I shooed them out and took my shower. The Woods Hole Hostel features sustainable living through farming, bee keeping, organic gardening, yoga and massage therapy. Neville also encourages all guests to pitch in and help clean up after each meal. Speaking of meals, for dinner, we had some of the most wonderful enchiladas I've ever tasted. We had huge tortillas stuffed with ground beef, rice, black beans, corn, salsa, sour cream, tomatoes and lots of other goodies. One of these babies loaded up was as much as any of us could handle. The crowning jewel of this wonderful dinner was ice cream. A wonderful meal was had by all. A splendid end to a beautiful day of hiking on the AT!Arrivederci, my friends, until we meet again...Sandman69