From the Journals: DAY 43

Coach
Pearisburg, VA - Rice Field Shelter: 6.7 mi
We ran into some problems leaving Pearisburg. The biggest problem was that the Professor's hydration system broke, which meant we had to go back into town to get him some water bottles after being dropped off at the Trail head. On a positive note, we got to go to Dairy Queen. I ate a foot long chili-cheese dog with a Medium chocolate shake with a cherry on top. I felt better about the whole thing after Dairy Queen and we finally got back onto the Trail a little after 2pm. I also broke a clip on my pack this morning, but it should be an easy fix at the Outfitters in Daleville. I also lost my headlamp 2 days ago. Hopefully, the Outfitters in Daleville is a good one. The Professor is going to have some tough days without the ability to drink water at will. Need to average 21.5 mi/day to Daleville. Tomorrow is another day.

Professor
Major gear malfunction, the Platypus finally gave out at the Trail head while we were trying to get started. Bag soaked. We had just paid a guy $5 to take us to the Trail head. Then we had to hike 2 miles back into town so I could get water bottles to use until I can find another Outfitters. We were both getting into a foul mood because it was a gorgeous day, we were supposed to be hiking 20 + miles and it was a perfect day for it. The day was wasting before our eyes; between a late start and gear malfunction we didn't get on the trail til mid-afternoon, there was no way we were getting our mileage. We stopped at a Dairy Queen and I ordered a foot long chili cheese dog and a milkshake to try and get our spirits up. Coach followed suit, it helped. 4+ miles straight up out of the valley. Chili cheese dog and milkshake sat "funny on the belly." Got to first shelter, great location, awesome shelter and view of the the valley. Not so bad ending to an unfortunate start. Going to try and make up the miles the next couple of days. Hopefully the weather will allow us too!