Day 56: Partnership Shelter to Relax Inn, Atkins VA

11.6 miles

Talked with a guy who tented last night at Partnership - he is out on a section hike but has attempted two thrus. Once he ran out of money in New Jersey, and the second time he got a stress fracture. I have plenty of money budgeted for this trip, and we have a separate savings, but I really need to be mindful of the money I spend in town. Like, maybe eat hiker meals I have left over instead of going out to eat. It's hard, though.

Went up to the visitor center to look around. Then we got on the trail about 9:15. There were a couple climbs but some really nice views. Leapfrogged with the Virginia Creepers all day. First stopped at a forest service road for a snack and they were there. They told me a little bit about how they started hiking together - Bill the Backpacking Oven Magician is the nucleus of the group. Today is the anniversary of his wife's death (she passed away - tragically - the day after he returned from their first section hike). But he has gotten through his grief - even remarried recently - and it is a real testament to his character that he is such an incredible guy - not bitter or angry at all. His friends love him very very much.

The wildflowers are incredible, still. It is amazing to me how such delicate things exist "in the wild". Or so close to where hikers tromp daily.

Speaking of tromping, my new shoes are ok but they are really putting a lot of pressure where the shoe hits under the ankle. I think I'm going to have to trade them in for something else - my ankles are bruising (but not blistering!!). It will have to wait until we get to Pearisburg, though. The VC's tell me there is a good outfitter in Blacksburg.

Ate lunch at the shelter with the VC's. They are staying the night at the shelter, but don't want to take up space that thru hikers might need. I looked through the shelter logs - didn't look like many thrus stay here since Atkins is only 5 miles away - so they should be fine. When I got ready to leave, Blue Blaze said "you have a surprise in town!" but wouldn't tell me anything else. I had no idea what the surprise was - but figured it wasn't too long before town so I would be patient. :)

The hike down the mountain runs through rhododendron tunnels. I hope I see some rhododendrons in bloom - will have to come back next year if I don't. Saw a picturesque red barn for a very long time. Crossed some railroad tracks and waited for the train (to wave at the conductor, of course) but he did not wave back. So disappointing!

Got to the Relax Inn and asked OWL about my surprise but she looked totally confused. So I set about "town" chores - laundry, shower, phone calls, etc. When I pulled out my rain pants, $20 fell out of my backpack! Aha - so that's the surprise!! A hot dinner courtesy of the Virginia Creepers! How awesome is that??

Went up to "The Barn" restaurant but it looked kinda scary (only one car in the parking lot at 6pm) so I decided to skip it. Went back to the gas station and bought some Epsom salts, a gatorade, and some cheese...then had hiker dinner and a nice hot bath. Started packing up my stuff for tomorrow, and when I pulled my insoles out of my pack, another $40 fell out. Holy crap! THANK YOU VIRGINIA CREEPERS!!!