Kate's AT Blog: Feeling the family love!

In a one weeks span I had three family visits!!!! I am so blessed to have such awesome, supportive family. I certainly couldn't be hiking with out all the positive encouragement. You guys rock!

First, I was able to meet up with Uncle Craig in the town of Marion. We had a little confusion in finding one another, but eventually got connected. We got AMAZING sonic malts and caught up sharing stories. We explored the town, I had a job interview, and then we grabbed dinner. I didn't want to show back up at the shelter empty handed so I picked up two dozen donuts to bring to hiker friends! The sonic was right next to the grocery store..... So we got another malt!!! YES

Upon dropping me off at the shelter, Uncle Craig got to meet some hikers and see most of them just arrive in from a twenty plus mile day. Had a fun time catching up, thanks for the visit!

Next came an unexpected surprise from Uncle Jim and Aunt Amer. I unfortunately had my phone off because when it is searching for signal it kills the battery life. Anyways they had me pinned! It was like I was the little red dot they were following on a GPS!! I passed through the town of Bland... Where they were.

The next morning I walked across a super cool suspension bridge and then crossed a main road. Trent's grocery store was only 0.5 miles off the trail and I really wanted a deli sandwich. While at the store I turned on my phone figuring I would have signal and got all of the missed messages from my aunt and uncle! Ahhhhhh

They had unfortunately left town, having not heard from me BUT they left trail magic. AND the coolest part.... It was right next to the bridge I had just crossed. SO CRAZY - like I said it's like they were following me on a map! We got caught up via cell and I was given clues to find the magic.

Thanks so much for the awesome surprise! My spirits were certainly lifted for the next stretch. So sorry we missed each other. I greatly appreciated you going out of your way to leave some magic!!!

AND Eman and Ash popped in for a visit!!!! We were able to catch each other in Pearisburg, a rather large town comparatively, with cell service. We were able to share stories and many a laughs. We grabbed some lunch before they hit the road north and dropped me off at the hostel. Thanks for making the drive over to meet me. It was so great to see ya! (Thanks for taking some winter gear home too)

Uncle Craig and I enjoying sonic!!!