Sunday, June 19th

Marion, VA (534.3 mi) to Bear Garden Hiker Hostel (558.5 mi)

Hiking Miles 24.2

Total Ascent: 4,828.4 ft

Total Descent: 5,565.9 ft

Total Grade: 430.8 ft/mi

Steps: 57,728

FATHER’S DAY! Woke up and started the morning with a frosted cruller and a cold brew. Stevie joined me and we each ate our three donuts in celebration of Father’s Day. It was so special to be spending it with Stevie while we were on this amazing journey, and already on the second half of it.

After packing up all of our items, we were picked up by a sweet trail angel named Stacy at 6:45 am. She lived just down the road, and she was an avid hiker. Her trail name was “GOAT” (Girl On Appalachian Trail) and thankfully she was referred to us by a guy named “Coach” on FAR OUT because it was literally impossible to find a ride on Sunday (church, cabs closed, way too early in the morning, etc.).

We left the trailhead at the same spot where we were picked up yesterday before Tuna Bomber (now “Double Trouble”) and Smiles had left their shelter. 

Stevie and I stopped at a historic 19th century 1890 farm stand along the way – it had a cool farm house on the property with chickens, roosters, etc. however we could not get into the house for a tour. We did enter a quaint school house (Settler’s Museum) loaded with assorted trail magic which was a pleasant surprise.

Double Trouble caught up with us and we eventually stopped in Atkins, VA at a small town and waited for Smiles to arrive so we could have lunch together as we planned. We purchased some Gatorades and a Yoohoo chocolate drink at a local convenience store to take with us.

After waiting a bit, we walked to the Sweet Water Venue restaurant and continued waiting outside for Smiles to arrive. One half hour later (after unsuccessfully trying to call Smiles a few times), we saw him walking towards us without his backpack. It turned out that he decided to stop for Mexican food and had already eaten. Unfortunately, that “wait time” threw off our schedule for reaching the Bear Garden Hostel by least an hour. Smiles went off (we figured to go get his backpack) as we entered the Sweet Water Venue restaurant. The three of us ordered a delicious bowl of Mac & Cheese with Pulled Pork, their speciality.

We met an interesting hiker named “AJ the Viking Chef”, who was actually a cook in his off-trail life. It was cool in that he was trying and rating the food he ate while on trail. He actually loved the Sweet Water Venue so much that he stayed in town an extra few days to try almost everything on the menu.

The three of us ended up back on trail (after eating lunch) at 2:20 pm, and we still had 12.7 miles remaining to go. Right after taking a pic at the 1/4-way sign on the AT, we met a nice Amish family, a mother, dad and two girls. They were well dressed for their day hike. After explaining that I was a thru-hiker, the dad looked at me and said “Don’t you think you are a bit late to be here at this point on the trail”? Although we were much farther ahead than he realized, given our 575 miles clocked previously, I wittingly replied “Yeah I know, we got a late start this morning.”

Along the way, we were jokingly cursing Smiles for making us late. Little did we know, the poor kid was actually well behind us because he stayed a bit longer in town after retrieving his backpack to call and wish his dad a Happy Father’s Day. He’s a great kid!

We did finally arrive at the Bear Garden Hostel at 7 pm and spoke with the gracious owners Bert (Roberta) and Bob. I apologized for our late arrival and Stevie complimented Bert by asking about her trail experiences, so she knew we were very grateful. 

Stevie, Double Trouble, and I received lower bunks, the full tour of the hostel, and the 4 of us were able to sign up for the marathon challenge for the next day – slack packing 26.2 miles southbound back to the hostel and earning one of Bert’s home baked cakes. Bob joked Bert about making her famous carrot cake instead of a chocolate one, and she was happy to bake it. So we quickly agreed to that. I love carrot cake! Smiles eventually showed up several hours later and set up for the night in the hostel’s loft.

We also met a cool lady section hiker named Mighty Mouse who was bunking in the same room with us. She had just completed the marathon hike today and was enjoying a Texas Chocolate Cake prepared by Bert. She let us try some and it was absolutely delicious. Now I couldn’t wait until we completed the marathon so we could try the carrot cake!

We showered, laundered, ate tons of food, I video chatted with Teresa, and went to bed. Stevie was up until midnight doing laundry because their water was gravity fed. Showering took forever, laundry also took forever, and heaven forbid someone was doing laundry while anyone was showering!

Some highlights of the day included getting texts from everyone in the family, and others (both on and off the trail) wishing me a Happy Father’s Day!