Day 42: Into the Arms of Jeanne and Wendy...

Wet tent again in the morning. Slow pack up, and we three were the last to leave. Then holy steep climb out of the lowlands!!?! We knew we'd be climbing 1200 feet, but thought it was spread out over 4 miles. Clearly, the real climb was in the first mile, then the slight incline up to the summit was the next three... Ugh. I was feeling lightheaded and had to go slow. Perhaps my oatmeal and honey bun hadn't hit yet? I stopped to eat half a Clif bar and kept going. Really felt out of it, which was weird because my pack was so light (last half day before town).

The guys had stopped at a look-out for a break and a snack so I sat with them a bit and ate the other half of my bar before taking off. We had planned to meet Jeanne and Wendy at the Rendezvous motel at 4:30, and we had almost 15 miles to go.

Hiked and hiked. Luckily, the hills pretty much went away, and we were ridge-running most of the rest of the day. A couple nice views, too. Made it to Doc Knob shelter for lunch, and we basically feasted on anything we had left. The boys had an extra dinner, so Xan and I split that while Brian ate four pbj tortillas. (my ramen/pb was not cutting it - I think I was just not getting enough calories after the big day yesterday). I felt much better after lunch. (thanks for sharing, boys)

Eight more miles till family hugs! We all cruised along at our own speeds. Caught up with Xan for a while then we ran into Powder, Russell and Brian as the downhill began. Muddy muddy, steep downhill, but we knew we were getting close.

Achilles had run off ahead, so someone would actually be there at 4:30. Xan, Brian and I emerged from the woods at about 4:45. And there they were! Jeanne and Wendy! Live and in color! Achilles had found the two ladies and we all converged and greeted each other. Jeanne and Wendy have been following the blog closely, so they feel like they know the boys, but now they got to actually meet them.

We threw our bags in the back of the two cars and jumped in. We gave Dewlap and Rainer a ride to the Food Lion, and we gave Powder and Russell a ride to the Plaza Motel where our packages were. The ladies were more than happy to help and I was glad they brought two SUVs! Picked up our packages and guess where that missing package was.... Whoops! I had bounced it from Demascus to HERE and not to Atkins. Hiker brain fart.

Brian's mom had sent a box from her office where everyone threw in random stuff. This is the second box from her office like this and it's been fun to see the surprises some of her co-workers throw in there. (good idea Brian's mom!!) The favorite random item so far: Hannah Montana powdered juice mixes. Ha!

We all needed a snack so we walked over to the Dairy Queen and snacked. Best Blizzard I've ever had...? Then we were on to check out an outfitter to pick up a few needs. The outfitter near Pearisburg really didn't have much, so we drove to the one in Blacksburg. Jackpot! I got bear rope, more fuel, and water treatment drops. Brian got drops and Dr Brommer's soap. Achilles got a new section to his bent hiking pole (finally!). And Xan got a shiny new pair of shoes. It was a golden stop.



Then we were on our way back to feast at Jeanne's house. Luckily, Jeanne has a beautiful, big house with a big basement and porch area, so we spread our stuff all over the place. The tents were all wet, so we aired them out, threw laundry in the wash, scrubbed down our packs and sleeping bags, and laid out our boots to dry. All the while, Wendy was grilling up the steaks and ribs on the grill. Jeanne was whipping up the salad and corn. I showered up (ah) and borrowed a shirt, and as soon as the dinner bell rang, we were all ready to go. Delicious meal!!! Sooooooo good. And so much, too. And there was dessert! Homemade brownies with homemade ice cream and strawberries and hot fudge. Ohgodyesivediedandgonetoheaven!!!

I had seconds of dessert.

After everyone had their fill of food and had showered, we went back to chatting and organizing everything as best we could. At one point, Xan, Brian and I were going to try to make it to Carolina Beach to celebrate our friend Still Steve finishing the AT, but we figured it would be way too much of a hassle to get all the way over there and back without taking a week off the trail. Congratulatins, Still Steve!!! We wish we could join you!! Make sure to catch up with us up north!!

So because we opted out of the beach, we decided to take a zero day here with the ladies in Blacksburg. It was kind of unanimous. Jeanne and Wendy are being too good to us!

Off to bed with a day of errands and organizing ahead of us tomorrow. The boys are going to help Jeanne with a few things around the house before a trip to Walmart for supplies. So nice to be in a bed - a double bed! - aaaaaallllll to myself.

Big smiles as I drift off....
(much love to Jeanne and Wendy :)

(16.4)


-- Posted from the trail...

Location:Blacksburg, VA