Date: 2004-10-07
From: Paul C Wolf shelter

To: Waynesboro - Deluxe Budget Motel, Room 42
Miles today: 5.0

I had a strange dream last night. I dreamed that I was asleep in the shelter [which I was] with the two other hikers, when a large dog came into the shelter. The dog was wet and muddy and after sniffing around, came over and lay on my sleeping bag for warmth and then started scratching on it and tearing out the down stuffing. I yelled at it to get off, but could not move because I was trapped in the bag and could not get the zipper to work. I awoke in terror ¢yelling¢ at the non-existent dog. Once I went back to sleep I had the exact same dream again ¢ except this time it took me even longer to wake up, because I had difficulty getting my muscles to respond. Such a strange dream. Do I fear animal attacks? Or dogs in shelters? Or getting cold and wet? Or being trapped in my sleeping bag? Or guilt about Soot¢s dog? Or all of these and more? It is interesting what your subconscious knows that you don¢t.   Slept late and did not get up until I could see the yellow of the morning sun. Set off at a leisurely pace to the road, passing what the Companion says is an old cemetery. It looked like a series of old stone Cairns to me and low stonewalls. Could this be the explanation for the stone Cairns above Sarvers Hollow shelter? Also passed the stone remains of an old cabin, consisting principally of the chimney and the fireplace. It reminded me of the many ruined and abandoned cabins and cottages in the hills and mountains of Ireland. Could not but speculate on the families that once sat around that fireplace.   Before I knew it I was at Rockfish Gap, and was a little confused as to which road was which and which to Waynesboro? The directions in the Handbook are correct ¢ go left first ¢ and I stopped at the Rockfish Gap visitor¢s center to be sure. When asked ¢Which way to Waynesboro?¢ the guy replied, ¢Walking? Or do you want a ride?¢ He then gave me a list of Trail Angels who offer free shuttles to the town and a free phone to call them! In ten minutes my ride arrived and took me, and two other SOBO hitchhiking hikers, into town, and gave us a tour of the town ¢ pointing out all of the highlights e.g. the Laundromat, Good Spots to Eat, and a trip to the PO. After dropping off the two SOBO at the YMCA, he took me to the Quality Inn, and waited for me because it is the Fall Foliage Festival in Waynesboro this weekend, and sure enough there was no room at the [Quality] Inn. He then drove me over here to the Deluxe Budget Motel where I got the last remaining room, and then absolutely refused any $. A true trail Angel indeed.   So now I am showered and fed ¢ there is a Pancake House next door. I have stocked up on snacks from the Lions Food down the road.   Had a long talk with KT so all is well. Will attend to laundry in the morning - it is down town ¢ and try to get a battery for the camera. May also take a trip to the outfitters. It is great to be here and to have had such great luck with the trail and the Trail Angle. Someone up there realy is looking out for me! I have checked in for three nights, and plan to take in the sights and sounds of the Fall Foliage Festival      Thought ¢                      Hunger is the best sauce