Appalachian Trail (day 39) - Maupin Field Shelter to Waynesboro / mile 865

"Embrace the suck" hikers proverb

It rained solidly for the entire night and after I woke up it was still going. In fact, there was so much rain in the last 48 hours that the state of Virginia has issued a flood warning.

Even with the heavy weather, I had to get moving. I was only 20 miles away from Waynesboro and the food supply was running low.

I've packed and headed out, my shelter companion said nothing but was looking at me with "this guy is nuts" expression. The trail for the entire day was a one big flowing stream. Whenever it would stop raining for few minutes the wind would shake the trees and "interval rain" would fall. After few hours I was completely drenched and so was most of the items inside my backpack. What was worse I started to feel hypothermic and with over ten miles away from town I started to consider setting up an emergency camp and calling it a day.
Luckily it stopped raining for few hours in the afternoon, I've topped up on calories with few tortillas, pack of tuna and two cliff bars and carried on. Soon enough the rain rolled back in this time with a flash and thunder. Finally I've reached the road leading to Waynesboro and managed to catch a quick hitchhike with a council worker Henry, he section hiked local AT and said that he always tries to pick up hikers going to town, even completely drenched and miserable looking folk like myself. God bless you Henry, you saved my day.

I've checked in to Quality Inn and spread all my stuff across the room to dry, then I took a long, hot bath and went to resupply at nearby Walmarts. All the other usual chores followed and I even found some time to watch Family Guy on TV.

Weather for tomorrow was still looking grim, but I simply couldn't afford to delay and spend another 80$ at the Inn, so carrying on was the only option I could think of. Saying that I would re-evaluate the situation after tomorrow's breakfast (included!)

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