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| About Downunda | Trail
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12th May 2002 From:
Pearisburg  Today is my "zero" day in Pearisburg. Why do I feel a little
guilty for not hiking today?
Pearisburg (pictured) is a nice little town settled in a pretty valley. I'm told that the population is around 2,200. Apart from a little tourism, the only industry here is a Celanese factory, which manufactures cigarette filters. Got my laundry out of the way early on, then went for a walk around town. I wandered up to the north end of town where there is a Wal-mart store. On the way, I saw a road sign that said "Roanoke - 66 miles." I drove through Roanoke with my wife, Faye, about 5 years ago, so it will be strange to be walking over a similar route. We also drove along The Skyline Drive, which the AT follows and crisscrosses. While walking through Wal-mart's car park, I saw a red haired female in shorts and carrying hiking poles wandering around. I called out "Hi" and she turned around. I had guessed correctly, she was an AT hiker named Flame, who with her husband, Papa Smurf, was wandering around the car park trying to find someone to drive them about 10 miles south to the AT. They needed to hike the 10 miles before Pearisburg and wanted to "slack pack" it (hiking without backpack) today. I had seen their entries in the shelter register so it was good to put a face to the name.
With that, I say goodnight all. |
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I then hit The Food Lion supermarket. I had to buy supplies for the
next 6 days. This should get me to Troutville, 93 miles north on the AT. I
must admit I hate the food shopping experience, as all I can think of is
the excessive weight in my shopping basket that will be on my back
tomorrow. For those at home: 6 days supplies = $34.75 USD. It consisted
of: one packet bagels, one 10 pack Carnation Instant Breakfast, 8 ounce
packet of cheese, 6 packets of Tuna, 6 Lipton Dinners, 6 Energy Bars, and
6 Snicker Bars.