Early to bed and early to rise, doesn’t make me anymore wise. But it sure helps my body feel better. Today is a town day. George sent my resupply box to Luray and I was ready to take the afternoon off. I’ll have to play catch-up when I get on tomorrow but that’ll be easy enough.

Norman and I packed up and hit the trail around 7am. It was a nice morning with no one on the trail. I just don’t get it. I really thought I’d see more people, at least day hikers. It’s a weekend. Don’t people get out anymore? Did I miss something over these past few months? One thing is for sure, Fall is happening in Virginia. The leaves are turning yellow and they are covering the trail.

It was another easy day, little miles, little elevation and Little Rock’s! In the Shenandoah’s, instead of putting up wooden signs, they have concrete pillars. They are solid, I imagine no one will steal them and they will be there till the end of time. They still have White Blazes painted on trees every now and then, but these pillars are placed at every trailhead. And there’s a lot of trails in the Shenandoah’s.

I made it to the top of Pass Mountain which wasn’t much. It mostly consisted of a pile of mossy rocks with a view of Luray, but the trees blocked most of it. There are some big trees on this park. Huge pines, lots of Walnut and Oak Trees, some Laurel and lower brush. Unfortunately with the lack of rain, the ferns are curled up and dying. But that may all change. There is a forecast of a storm coming this way. Oh joy! It must’ve followed me from Maine.

I texted Allison from Open Arms Hostel and she had explicit directions as to where she would meet me. She is the sole owner and operator of the Hostel and has been doing this since 2015. I came out of the woods and crossed the highway. At least this time, it had Pedestrian Signs and painted crosswalks. I felt much safer, kind of.

Allison showed up right on time and took me immediately to the grocery store. She says all hikers have cravings for something when they get off trail. She knows us well. I bought some fruit, yogurt, sparkling water and IPA. The essentials.

We headed back to Open Arms, and I met the two dogs and two cats. It’s so nice to have a home to enjoy, even if it’s short lived. Allison showed me around, walked me to my private room and hooked me up with a hot shower. A shower is one of my favorite pleasures these days. Just hot water washing off the dirt and grime all over my body.

Ends up I had two packages. One was my expected resupply box and one was a padded envelope from my dear friend Gaye. Gaye boxed up a Spa Day for me! It had face masks, foot masks which I’ve never had before, dark chocolate, moisturizing lip balm and a couple of pages from a Devotional. Thank you for this gift of love. I stayed in my room and pampered myself.

The rest of the day I did nothing at all. It was just perfect. Allison did my laundry while I sat on the front porch and relaxed with the cat. Later in the afternoon, Allison had another hiker to pick up, so she dropped me off at the Mexican Restaurant. I had Carne Asada and Guacamole with Chips. After a bit, Allison came back and we went for Ice Cream. As far as I’m concerned, this day couldn’t have been any better.

Thank you Lord for rest and healing. Being Sunday, it was a wonderful day to rejoice in you and all that you have blessed me with. My Church was right here at Open Arms. It was rejuvenating, filled with hospitality, love, peace and rest for the soul. Just a perfect day on and off trail!