Day 51 – The Mind Wonders

The morning sun streamed in through the second-story window inside Partnership Shelter. I tried my best to sleep more but it was no use, the sun’s rays had won (this time). We packed up and explored the parking lot for cell service. We found none. I did find the Landline and some phone numbers posted to hostels, taxis, and shuttle services, none were running on a Sunday.

Hatcher was dead set on heading into Marion, VA and decided to hitch into town. Rather than wait or expect a ride to take all of us, Sip, Rabbit and I started down the trail. We’d hit Atkins, VA in 12 miles and could resupply and eat there. About ten minutes up the trail, he had sent us a text saying he got a ride, but we were confused nonetheless.

We took our sweet time hiking. Partly to navigate the loose rocks along a majority of the trail, but also because we had time to burn. We had an impromptu lunch at the high peak for the day and ran into Orange Crush and Iceman. Hikers that we’ve been leapfrogging with for several weeks. In fact, Orange Crush and I met on Day Two at Hawk Mountain Shelter.

The trail into Atkins led through some fields of tall grass. It wasn’t particularly a hot day but the humidity through those fields were oppressive. Eventually while in town we made a b-line for the local Mexican food place “El Burrito Loco.” It was a popular stopping place because at least six other hikers had the same idea. The food was decent (which is actually a huge compliment coming from a Californian turned Texan). I hold a high bar for Mexican food, and this is one I’d eat at again (although that perhaps might also be the hiker hunger talking).

We left sufficiently full and also got a resupply for a few more days at the gas station right next door. A few road crossings and slow hiking miles later we arrived at our campsite for the night. I made a fire utilizing an upright tree stump as the base. It set off an interesting blaze that was fun to watch and tend (I happen to be a little bit of a pyro).

After chatting with Rabbit and Sip about movies and tv shows for the better part of an hour or two we turned in for bed. Hatcher had gotten back on the trail but stopped just short of Atkins for the day. He’ll catch up tomorrow I’m confident.

Find out what happens on Day 52 on the Appalachian Trail.