5.9.12 - Double Zero

Planned on taking one zero day in Daleville, then getting out today around midday. Was raining just about all day from late morning until evening, so we zeroed again. It's one thing if you're already out in it. It's another if you and all your gear are dry and still in town. Lazy lazy day of laying around and not doing much. Even took a nap. Kinda restless and looking forward to getting back to the trail. Now have 8 days to get 140 miles in order to fly out of Charlottesville, to Milwaukee for my sister's dental school graduation. Gonna be some challenging hiking days ahead I have a feeling!

Another farewell dinner with Flosser! And at Three Lil Pigs. Third night in a row there.

When we got in town, there was a package waiting from "Chaos", our generous new friend who gave us a lift back to the trail from Gatlinburg. Was pumped to get in and get my hands on this! Opened it up to find a box of Slim Jims, trail mix, McDonalds and Subway gift cards! Saweeeet! Tarzan and I went to McDonalds, spent 3 hours, and ate two lunches. We took care of things using wifi and planning out our next section of hike to Waynesboro, VA. Thanks Chaos! You're the man!

Also received a card from a very close family friend, someone I really enjoy, and someone who has always been like a second mother to me. Mrs Huber sent a great letter and a McD's gift card from her and Mr H! Really happy to also hear that you are following my blog Mom #2! Thank you thank you!

Tarzan got his new warm weather sleeping bag, hooked up nicely from Big Agnes. Also inside the box, a surprise we didn't expect. An envelope with Honey Stinger (BA's sister company) energy bars and supplements! A little gift from the warehouse manager Diego.

Went to the outfitter in town and scored a great deal on a warm weather sleeping bag. Didn't really want to buy any more equipment, but already the 30 degree bag I switched to is far too warm and doesn't unzip all the way. Bought last year's model Lafuma Extreme 600. 45 degree bag, 1 pound 5 ounces, and full zip. Three factors leading me to purchase. Plus, it was almost a steal at $64. Time to put it to the test!

Also, dropped some weight by sending a few more not absolutely necessary items up to NY, and switched out to a different backpack. Had the Granite Gear Blaze AC 60, which I liked, but swapped out to the Granite Gear Crown VC 60. Lighter, no frame sheet to crack, and a few other small different features. Other great thing is that this smells new and not like dirty sweat! Replacement hiking shoes came in from Merrell too. Hopefully will break in easily and comfortably.

Back to the trail tomorrow! Hoping for sunny, dry, but not hot days ahead.