May 23

You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Today started as just one of those days. I started hiking 100% sure I was walking the correct way out of the shelter... and because pride goeth before a fall, I was incorrect. I found that I was cartographically challenged after a mile uphill, in the wrong direction. So, I turn around and find myself back at the shelter (also the wrong way by .2 miles). I turned around again, chose wisely, and put the pedal down. I had to catch keeper for a ride into Buena Vista, VA to resupply (got off the trail at 801.1).

I thought if there ever was a day when I needed trail magic, this was it. After about 15 miles, the trail responded. I found a little box of sodas and snacks. Keeper had also held the shuttle for me.

After resupplying at a friendly but far from adequately stocked with hiker food local grocer, I called the wine shop. I'm not a wino. It just said in the book that the owner helped maintain a trail angel network. This means he knew who to call to find rides and the like. I needed one out of town.

This is where it gets crazy. Chip, an exceptionally generous, older trail angel, was sent my way. Within a few minutes I find that he is actively involved in scouts, is a retired Air Force MP, and works as a volunteer at the habitat for humanity thrift store. He also happened to graduate from winter park high school in 1961. What's the chance I'd run into a fellow wildcat? We had so much to talk about regarding Florida. We talked of a scout camp we both attended named lanoche, of dinky dock, the springs, of a fire tower right off of 441, and of camp wewa. It was amazing hearing all the older details I never knew.

I had mentioned that he was generous. It was almost overwhelming. In addition to good conversation, he bought pizza from a local place called salernos, ice cream from a local shop, gave me a driven tour of Washington and Lee + VMI, invited me to sleep at his home (after checking with his wife) , offered a shower, did my laundry, and brought out the old year book. It was incredible.

It's funny how different the attitude can be between a day's beginning and end. Plans can also change in an instant. People can be genuinely nice. I'm glad I met Chip. I wish he and his wife good health and happiness.