We didn’t have to wake up to the sun thanks to the blackout curtains. However, our bodies had a different idea. It was 5:30a and Warthog was awake. I slept another two hours. We were supposed to meet at 8a to go to breakfast at Waffle House – Stacey (Warthog’s sister) had never been. After breakfast we went for a resupply run at the local Food City. Our basket seemed incredibly full as we pushed it through the store. But half was being sent forward since our next resupply point will be at a campground with a reputation of having very limited (and a slightly expensive) products.
The next stop was Ross’ for more running shorts. Warthog wants to send back his pants and only carry shorts. If the temperature drops, he still has his wool bottoms and rain pants that’ll protect him. I only sent back one of my two pairs of pants.
Then it was the post office to ship forward our resupply and finally, the outfitter store for just a couple of other supplies we had forgotten. We felt horrible to have to do all of our errands while family was in town. But what can you do? These things have to get done and after they leave, we won’t be able to make the stops. Besides, I think they enjoyed seeing the things we had to pick up and learning about life on the trail.
After the errands, we all went to lunch at Longhorn so Warthog could have a steak. His parents sure do love him!
Mom, dad, and Stacey had to leave a day earlier than originally planned. Warthog and I will stay back another two nights. It’s longer than we originally expected. However, we want to give my rash/heels plenty of time to dry out and get better. I’m frustrated that my health has taken so much time away from the trail this week, but know it has been necessary so I can be whole and healthy. I’ve been worried about making good time. Knowing that, Warthog assures me that we could take almost a month off at this point and still be okay. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. For now, I’ll take the couple of days and pray that does the job. I expect things with my heel rash will get a little worse after we get back out and then better. For now, I’ve made the best decisions I can to ensure they will stay dry and healthy.
Our family left a little after 4p. I was incredibly sad to see them go and fought back tears as we were waving goodbye. It was a great visit, but far too short.
Afterwards, we crashed in the room and relaxed. We ate leftovers for dinner and watched movie. Apparently we miss movies… and music. I miss music so, so much.
We didn’t go to bed all that late, something like 11p. But still several hours later than we would on the trail. Normally the late bedtime would stress me out, but we have a full night of sleep ahead of us and a full day of nothing planned tomorrow. It’s glorious.
-ansel