Day 86

Today was a very short hike to Rock Fish Gap where we got picked up and taken to Stanimals 328 Hostel. The options of loaner clothes was… interesting. There was even see-through lingerie in there. Only thing I could find that would fit me was a pair of ladies capris pants and blue shirt, so that’s what I rocked all day until I was able to do my laundry. I even went to the post office, lunch at an “all you can eat” Chinese buffet and Walmart in those things. The looks I got was priceless and really made my day. These people will never see me again. I got a huge kick out of it. The little alcove where I stayed was cute but it got REALLY warm in there. The AC unit doesn’t really reach this room so there’s a fan in here. After I got all my chores done, me and a few other hikers all went to a burger bar here and it was absolutely phenomenal. I could literally spend a few days here just eating and I was actually considering staying another day since I believe I’ve pulled a tendon in my back due to my pack not riding properly. I couldn’t tighten the hip belt enough so I had too much weight on my shoulders. I had a smaller hip belt, proper drink holder for this pack, another pouch for the other strap and new shoes all shipped here so I’m excited to see how well it rides now. I’m excited to get out in Shenandoah National Park so I’m heading out tomorrow in the morning. I don’t know what to expect. They say the trail crosses Skyline Drive, I think, 38 times and there’s a lot of waystations where I can get food and drink. My plan was to carry only 3 days of food but I went overboard once again and my food bag is stuffed. I went heavy on things I can eat quickly and easily as I need more calories. I’m stunned I lost 29.1 lbs and I’m now lighter than I was in highschool. With the new pouch on my shoulder strap, I should be able to carry more snacks to eat while I walk. That’s the plan.