No bear visited last night. Not even a mouse. But the wind was blowing. I was up, packed and on the trail by first sign of daylight. However, in the bottom of the canyon, that was 7am.

The trail was cool, breeze blowing, horsetail clouds and blue skies. I wound back and forth from east side to west side, still heading southerly. I saw my morning deers, lots of quiet bushy tailed squirrels and a few ravens. The trees were so tall in places, reaching towards the endless sky.

This is my last day in the Shenandoah’s. I’m going to miss this place. The thin ribbon of dirt has been so well-groomed, the inclines and declines so mild, and the shale, boulders and roots have been little to non-visible. We’ll at least not on the trail or hindering my ever so short steps.

There were quite a few times I crossed the road, which in the morning was really quiet. I hardly saw any cars at all. I walked to RipRap Overlook. It faced the west and the valley, farmlands and city below. It was breathtaking. Almost as though the hand of God wiped away the mountains and trees, and made a huge basin below. It went on for miles and miles.

On the east side, there was forest, all wilderness and nothing that resembled civilization. It was, for the most part, where I came from. The trail is hidden, tucked deeply into the trees and brush so you cannot see it. There were many times I could only look at the trees that surrounded me and not much more. It is thick and dense woodlands, as far as the mind could imagine.

Once I exited the Shenandoah Ranger Station and Southern Terminus, I dropped off my permit and headed to town. George mailed me my last resupply box to Waynesboro so off I went. A nice lady with her golden retriever picked me up and took me to the post office. Door to door service. I dropped my pack and walked in. I told the gal behind the counter I was expecting a package, General Delivery. You’re a hiker! Is it that obvious or did my smell give me away? I picked up my box and out the door I went, smell and all.

Some of the hikers I met on trail mentioned Stanimal’s Hostel in Waynesboro. It’s an unique place with hikers and others looking for a bed. After getting my box, I walked the .8 miles to the Hostel.

I was greeted by Squirrel and South Star. Squirrel injured himself a month or so ago and now is in charge of checking us hikers in. He gave me the ten cent tour, showing me the laundry room, common areas, bathrooms, and bunk rooms. It is very clean and the kitchen area organized. There’s definitely a woman that takes care of this place!

South star invited me and Squirrel to lunch next door. It’s a whole in the wall with women and men playing cards and games. There is an option of hot dogs, chili, chicken noodle soup and sloppy joes. I had chili dog and a cup of watermelon. And an ice cold Dr. Pepper. It was pretty darn good.

Then I headed back to Stanimals and took care of my domestic duty’s. Laundry, Shower and Resupply. By the afternoon, I made it to Walmart and purchased steak, vegetables and beer for tonight’s Bar-B-Que. one of the hikers Goose was cooking. He marinated my steak and I took care of the grilled vegetables. Such a feast.

After dinner, we sat around and talked about the trail, where we are headed and what to expect. Now that I’m out of the Shenandoah’s, the terrain gets serious again. Priest is coming up and it’s a climb! I decided to get to bed early and was in my bunk and fast asleep by 9pm. Thank you Lord for giving me peace in what the future will bring. You have prepared me and I will always place my faith in you.