Day 82 - Friday, September 2

Linda

We had almost all day to spend in Waynesboro, since the Moaks weren't due to pick us up until late afternoon, but I woke up at 7:00, and couldn't' get back to sleep. So I went across to Kroger's again and bought a quart of milk, a dozen donuts, 6 eggs, and a pound of sausage for breakfast. Seems like we spend most of our time in civilization in one food establishment or another. After waiting for the firemen to finish with their breakfast in the kitchen, we then took over and feasted until thoroughly stuffed. We had another long conversation with Chief Frost before everyone got involved with their respective activities for the day. He said he's been inspired by all the hikers he's met and wants to hike the trail himself in a few years. Sure hope he is able to realize his dream. I think all the hikers that have passed through here would agree that he's inspired them as well. He was certainly a man to be admired.

Later in the morning we went to Kroger's one last time to buy all our supplies for next week when we get back on the trail. Stopped by a Southern Department Store to try on clothes. Ronald couldn't even find a vest or a sport coat small enough to fit him, so we went to look at dresses. I tried on dress after dress, all size 9's while Ronald sat on the counter and watched me parade by. Of course we didn't buy anything, but it sure was an ego boost. When we got back we repackaged all the food, then took what would be our last shower for a while. When we were clean and as neatly dressed as we get, we sat and wrote while waiting for 4:30 and our reunion with the parents.

Tom and Marion arrived right on schedule. It sure was good to see them. I'm sure I'm repeating myself, but you don't realize how much you miss being around friends and family until they are there again for a while. We drove to Peaks of Otter, and got there about 6:30, but no Becky and Len. We set up in two campsites and waited, but they were true to form and didn't arrive till 9:30. Len had gotten tied up at work and couldn't get away early as planned.

We also had another surprise while waiting. There was a note for us at the Ranger Station from Sudie Wood and Sammy Trail, two friends from college. They were up here for the weekend also, so we dashed over to their campsite and had a great chat to get caught up on what everyone is doing. When Becky and Len finally did arrive, they were looking pretty good. They must have been sticking to their diets. Becky has also gotten her hair cut and the style suits her. We continued our family reunion by munching on the hoards of goodies everyone had brought, and talked and laughed into the night until everyone was too tired to sit up and talk any longer. A very pleasant beginning to what should be an equally pleasant weekend. Looking forward to seeing Randy in the morning. He just recently got back from spending a year in Oregon, so I haven't seen him since he's been back in Virginia.

Ron

We laid around last night unable to sleep. Around midnight we walked over to an all night store. Up one aisle and down another, we went, looking for something to eat. An hour went by before we decided to get some seedless grapes. That satisfied our need until this morning.

Up this morning at 7:30 and we went back to the store for breakfast. We finally settled down to a pound of sausage, half dozen eggs, dozen doughnuts and a quart of milk. After breakfast we put together or shopping list for next weeks hike, then went out to procure our goods. Between two stores we spent $30 on food, but I doubt it will last the entire week. Back at the fire station we repackaged our food and talked to the fire chief. He expressed the desire to hike the trail. I'm encouraged when I see older people on the trail. Considering his vision handicap, I was even more encouraged. People all too often handicap themselves when they get older and fail to realize their dreams.

We both took showers then sat down to catch up on our log books until my parents arrived. After a quick an joyous reunion we were on our way to the Peaks. I had been thinking about this day since Maine and it's hard to believe it's coming true. When we arrived at the Peaks campground we had a note that a couple of friends were there too. We went over and chatted with Sudie Wood and Sammy Trail for a while.

After setting up camp we all sat around waiting for Becky and Len to arrive. When they failed to arrive by 9:00 we went ahead and ate dinner. Becky and Len finally showed up around 9:30 and we all spent the evening sitting around and catching up on events.