I actually dreamed last night. That is the first time I can remember dreaming on the trail! It was an odd vision. My sister could interpret for me. I had purchased the house we lived in as teenagers and remodeled it. The last place I would want to be is SoCal but there I was. Living in the home that I grew up as a teen. Hmm, not sure what that was about.

Billy Goat and I slept in till 6am. It was so nice to not be rushed and he felt the same. We had our breakfast, me coffee with biscotti and Billy Goat had Pop-tarts. That’s a very common breakfast out here on the trail. Then he ate a Honeybun! Loaded with fat and tons of calories. He’s lost too much weight and eating anything that has high fat count helps him keep what little weight he has. I’ll stick with my coffee and biscuits.

We finally left around 7:30am. I had two liters of water and Billy Goat had one liter. He doesn’t use FarOut, only paper maps so I gave him the updated water report and he decided to head down to Blackburn Trail Center. It’s a little off trail but there is water and everything a hiker needs.

I continued on as planned. If I do close to 15 miles a day, I’ll be at McAfee Knob by September 10th. That’s my plan, but we know how plans go. We make plans and God laughs. I found a great granite ledge that had views for miles of the valley and farmlands below. I didn’t get many views yesterday so this was quite nice.

The Roller Coaster started fairly quickly. The Roller Coaster, a 14-mile stretch of steep climbs and descents with few views. It’s interesting how they try to convince the Sobo’s that this is a big deal. After Maine and The Whites, it’s hard to get too excited over a few ascents and descents. But I’m going in with open eyes and I’ll let you know when I finish it up tomorrow.

I saw very few hikers except some day-hikers heading to Ravens Rock. It’s a nice vista of Bluemont and the surrounding area. Then more ups and downs before running for my life across the highway. I forgot about these crazy and dangerous road crossings. I come out of the woods and can hear what sounds like a freeway. There’s a signboard explaining where to cross the four lane divided highway. Route 7 is a high-speed, tie your shoes, and run fast, kind of butt pucker. I waited for 2-3 minutes where I can cross the eastbound lanes. Then standing in the center divide waited another 1-2 minutes before I bolted across the westbound lanes. Probably the scariest part of the trail! What happened to Pedestrian Over-crossings?

Once my heart stopped racing, I walked the .25 miles on the shoulder and went back into the woods. Only one more mile and I would be at Bears Den Rocks. It is believed that these rocks were formed over 600 million years ago. They are part of the Blue Ridge Mountains that extend from Northern Georgia to Southern Pennsylvania. Anyway you slice it, it’s a beautiful place and hundreds of hikers walk up to watch the sunset.

I was out of water and being there was not a drop found on the trail, I headed to Bears Den Hostel. It’s only .1 mile from the trail. Once I arrived, I was greeted by Pink. He has an extended stay and showed me around. For $40, you get a bunk, shower, laundry, pizza, soda, a pint of ice cream and breakfast. Sold, I’m in. All I really wanted was water but this is too good to be true.

There was plenty of places to slumber and I found a bottom bunk. I took a shower and relaxed for the evening. This couldn’t have been any better. Thank you Lord, and thank you Pink for finding this colorful place to stay for the night.

As I was talking with Pink, he said he is not a Christian. As I listened to him, and heard his stories, he has all the qualities, the character but just doesn’t know who Jesus is. I am always taken back when I meet these kind souls who are living for today, but not for eternity. This temporary home is so short but everlasting is, just like it sounds. Forever and ever. That is the promise our Lord made when he gave his life for us. I had some good conversation with Pink and I’ll be praying for his salvation and surrendering to our one and only, God Almighty.