Me and Norman had the Shelter all to ourselves last night. It’s like our private little place to call home for the night. I’m glad I was in the Shelter and not in my tent because we had rain! Yes, glorious, wondrous rainfall. It sounded like much more than it actually was. With the tin roof on the shelter, it magnified it tenfold. Yet when I ventured out, the ground was barely wet. Definitely not the same kind of rain I had up north, that’s for sure. This poor state of Virginia needs a downpour because they are starving for water!

Norman and I packed up and hit the trail. It was really quiet. Not a peep from a squirrel or a bird. I arrived at Manassas Gap and met a hiker, Mexican Mainer. She was so excited to see me. I wondered if I had met her before but apparently she was thrilled because I was a woman. She said all the hikers she’s been seeing are guys. I have to agree. Woman are definitely outnumbered out here, probable 4:1.

Me and Mexican Mainer, born in Tijuana and now resides in Maine, is finishing up her hike this year. She has a little over 400 miles to complete. She’ll end up in Pennsylvania. She told her husband she wouldn’t be coming home till she’s done. I think this is her 4th or 5th year. I totally understand. Once you get going, you want to do nothing but finish this beast, as I affectionately call the AT. We exchanged numbers and plan to keep in contact. You need a cheering squad when you hit the tough days and someone to rejoice with, when you’re done! I’ll be checking on ya.

I decided to go into Front Royal. I had done a few extra miles yesterday so it gave me spare time to relax. I asked the neighbor for a ride, John from the Pentagon. I figured he was safe. He took me into town on his way to work.

Front Royal loves hikers. I went straight to Mountain Trails Outdoor Store. Charlie Brown, as he calls himself hooked me up. There’s FREE laundry and showers in the back of the store. They have locking storage units for your backpacks, outlets to charge your devices and the brewery gives us 1/2 price beer. I love Front Royal. Talk about one stop shopping.

I washed my hiking outfit, socks and PJ’s, then took a shower and washed my hair. So my issue is most places don’t have conditioner and if I’m to wash my thick head of hair, I require conditioner to comb it when I’m done. Guess what? They had a big bottle of conditioner. What a happy camper I was!

Norman accidentally got locked up in the locker and I could tell, he wasn’t happy about it. His constant grin looked more like a glare! Oops, you are not an animal so I promptly removed him. He pouted for a bit until I introduced him to the Panda Bear. Panda Bear hiked the entire section of the Shenandoah NP. That’s a big deal because he is one big bear! Norman was relieved and grateful to be out of the cage and found forgiveness. Thank goodness. We still have over 200 miles left on this trail.

After having my salad and beer, I packed up my new clean clothes and Norman was happy again. We headed out, thanking Charlie Brown for the incredible gift of cleanliness. It is the small things that I miss the most. Shower or Bath, Flush Toliets and Running Water and clothes that don’t stink!

Charlie Brown told me there was a Trolley that will take me back to the trail. Wow, how much better does it get? I stopped at the local ice cream and coffee shop. I asked if I could get ice cream and coffee together? Heck yes, one shot or two? Two shots of espresso over a scoop of Coconut Chocolate and Almond bits. Oh my word, it was amazing.

I headed to the Town Square and here comes Christie, the Trolley Driver. She comes bouncing out of the Trolley to take her break and has the biggest grin on her face. Is she my lost sister? I love this joyful woman! Ends up she is the one who made the suggestion to add a stop at the AT Trailhead. The Trolley didn’t go there but hikers could really use this FREE service. Thank you Christie! I was back on trail lickity split.

So I take back the thing I wrote about yesterday. It is hot and humid. Oh no, I’m not complaining just stating the facts. Good thing I took that shower or I’d really be a stinky mess. Now I’m just half stinky but still a mess. I finished up the day and arrived at the shelter just north of the Shenandoah National Park boundary. Tomorrow I’ll be in the Shenney’s as they call it.

As Norman and I were getting comfortable, here comes Bol and her dog Douglas. She was looking for a place to relax for an hour or two. Well, you’ve come to the right place. We started chatting and it was like talking with a friend. We confided about all sorts of things, relationships, career choices, our faith. Bol is from Bulgaria and a very. talented tennis player and coach. She makes a living coaching clients on their game. Wow, have you thought about Pickleball? We had great conversation about who and what we desire to be, how to conduct ourselves, how the world views women, and how the Lord influences us. We spent most the afternoon together before she hiked back to her car. Gosh, I hope we meet again. What an incredible woman she is!

I have only one regret today and that is not being with my dear friend Debbie Carapiet. She is the heart and soul of Bayside Cafe and is having her final Appreciation Dinner for all us volunteers. Debbie is retiring and I have served under her leadership for 14 plus years. This woman is a prayer warrior like no other. She has a heart that never ceases, and love that overflows from her veins! Gosh I am going to miss her terribly but now she will have no excuses when I ask her to come play pickleball! Can’t wait to see you on the courts. I love you! And thank you again for my birthday cookie!

Sometimes I wonder if I am suppose to still be out here, on this trail. Then God blesses me with a day like today! Mexican Mainer, John from the Pentagon, Charlie Brown, Christie the Trolley Driver and then Bol with her dog Douglas. I am reminded that yes, in fact, I’m right where I need to be. Thank you Jesus for sending all these angels my way. You are such a faithful and wonderful God!