After a rejuvenating 16 hours of sleep, I gradually swim up into consciousness. Nearby, a cat curls comfortably at my feet, prompting me to shower her with a few affectionate pets. I’m feeling pretty good right now, perhaps all this nourishing food and ample rest is exactly what my body needed. Oh, and let’s not overlook the wonderful company of friends and the delightful presence of the cats.
After taking my time to gather my thoughts and motivations for the day, I finally take a refreshing shower, pack my belongings, and meticulously inventory my food bag. The shower, a personal favorite, feels luxurious as I indulge in extra moments with my back under the perfectly aligned jets of warm water. I appreciate the charm of the well-fitted brickwork that complements this lovely house. Today, we’re heading back to Waynesboro. Our agenda includes a necessary stop at Walmart, followed by a lunch outing with Alexandra, and an eagerly awaited visit with my cousin. Since we’re contemplating slackpacking tomorrow, we’ll most likely be staying at Stanimals tonight.
We kick off the day with the Walmart run. I rush over to the pharmacy just before it closes for at least 30 minutes at 1:30 PM, arriving in line at 1:24 PM. The prescriptions are ready, but they require processing through insurance. I present my insurance card, yet the woman assisting me seems flummoxed by the details. Despite her attempts to look me up using my Social Security Number, we reach a frustrating impasse. Thankfully, I had encountered this confusion before, so when I asked the pharmacist for guidance, she clarified how to navigate the system. I relay that to the current staff member, and after following my instructions, everything works seamlessly! I receive my prescriptions. The Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) will set me back $75 for two units, while the other prescription comes at no additional cost.
Next, Alexandra and I embark on a shopping spree. I grab beef jerky, an assortment of snacks, and Liquid IV for hydration, not to mention a couple of Hot Wheels intended as gifts for my cousin’s two little boys.
Our journey continues as we head to the River Restaurant for lunch, where I indulge in mouthwatering burgers. I savor my first burger that isn’t overcooked, opting for one topped with goat cheese and vibrant red peppers. Each bite is pure deliciousness.
After the delightful meal, Alexandra drops us off at my cousin’s house, where I’m joyously reunited with my cousin, his wife, and their two energetic boys. We engage in light-hearted conversations and enjoy watching the kids’ antics. It’s been a while since I last saw them back in late February or early March, and it’s remarkable how much they’ve grown since then. They’re gearing up for an exciting vacation to Florida soon, and everyone in the family will be thrilled to see the kids.
As fellow hikers, we’re eager to reconvene at AYCE and catch up with several other hikers. I borrow a car and head out to pick up Happy. Ultimately, we arrive at the AYCE Asian buffet. Even though I’m not overly hungry yet, I make a concerted effort to maximize my dining experience, indulging in sushi and shrimp. While we certainly had our share of plates, we’re not exactly setting records this time.
Afterward, I drive Happy back to his hotel before returning to my cousin’s house. On my way, I spot familiar faces—Dying, Wise, Hemlock, Stinky, Bloom, and Lucky—gathered at a nearby Chipotle. I pull in and drive alongside them; they take a moment to recognize me as I roll up. I inquire about their plans for aqua blazing, but they haven’t figured it out yet and plan on hiking out the following day. We chat for a brief moment before parting ways and heading back to our respective accommodations.
Upon returning to my cousin’s house, I express my gratitude once again for their generosity in letting me use the car. They’ve prepared cozy beds for us on the third floor, where we decide to settle in for the night. The latest addition to our plans reveals that we’ll set off on a hike in the morning. Even if my package finally arrives, Stewart can conveniently bring it since the entrance station will be closed, allowing him to drive right in. While I’m not entirely sold on this plan, we’re doing our best to adapt.
After a lovely evening filled with engaging conversations and good company, it’s time for bed, and we retreat for a much-needed rest.
Interview with [Guest’s Name]: A Day of Nourishment and Reunion
Editor: Thank you for joining us today! You had quite a rejuvenating day. Can you tell us how that 16 hours of sleep impacted your mood when you woke up?
Guest: Absolutely! I felt amazing after such a long sleep. It’s like my body hit the reset button. The bliss of waking up and seeing my cat curled at my feet added to the warmth of the moment. Those little things make a big difference in how you start the day.
Editor: It sounds like you’re really in tune with what your body needs. You mentioned pampering yourself with a shower. How does that ritual contribute to your well-being?
Guest: Oh, it’s one of my favorites! Taking a long, hot shower just feels luxurious and helps clear my mind. The sensation of warm water is incredibly soothing, and it gives me the chance to reflect on the day ahead. Plus, the charm of the house I’m staying in makes it even more special!
Editor: After your refreshing shower, you headed to Walmart. It sounds like you ran into some challenges with your prescriptions. Can you walk us through that experience?
Guest: Sure! I arrived just in time before the pharmacy closed, but things got tricky when there was confusion with my insurance details. Fortunately, I had encountered similar issues in the past, so I could guide the staff on how to resolve it. It ended up being a bit of a team effort!
Editor: That’s great teamwork! Once you had your prescriptions sorted, the shopping spree with Alexandra sounded fun. What items did you pick up?
Guest: It really was! I got some beef jerky, snacks for the road, and Liquid IV to stay hydrated. I also grabbed a couple of Hot Wheels for my cousin’s boys. It felt good to think of them while shopping!
Editor: I can imagine! Following that, you had lunch at the River Restaurant. What stood out about your meal?
Guest: Oh, it was a delightful experience! I finally had a burger that wasn’t overcooked, topped with goat cheese and red peppers. It’s all about those little culinary wins, and I savored every bite.
Editor: It sounds like the perfect cap to your outing before heading to your cousin’s house. How did it feel to reconnect with family?
Guest: It was heartwarming! I hadn’t seen them in months, and their two boys are bundles of energy. We shared lots of laughs and enjoyed their playful antics. It’s moments like these that remind me how vital family connections are.
Editor: It certainly seems like you filled your day with nourishment and joy, both physically and emotionally. Any final thoughts you’d like to share about your day?
Guest: Just that it was a wonderful reminder of the importance of rest, good food, and being surrounded by loved ones. I’m looking forward to what tomorrow brings, especially with our plans for slackpacking!
Editor: Thank you for sharing your day with us! It’s inspiring to hear how you prioritize your well-being and relationships.
Guest: Thank you for having me!
Urant. What was the highlight of that meal for you?
Guest: The highlight definitely had to be that burger! It was perfectly cooked and topped with goat cheese and vibrant red peppers. After so many undercooked meals, it felt incredibly satisfying to finally enjoy a delicious burger. Each bite was just bursting with flavor!
Editor: Sounds delightful! After lunch, you visited your cousin and his family. What was it like to reunite after several months apart?
Guest: It was heartwarming! Seeing my cousin, his wife, and their two energetic boys brought back so many fond memories. The kids have grown so much since the last time I saw them. Sharing laughter and watching them play was truly joyful, especially as they’re gearing up for their Florida vacation. It felt like no time had passed at all.
Editor: It sounds like the family connection is very important to you. Later, you headed to AYCE for dinner. How did you approach your meal there?
Guest: Even though I wasn’t super hungry, I wanted to make the most of the buffet experience! I indulged in some sushi and shrimp, savoring the variety. It was a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for catching up with fellow hikers. We may not have set any records, but we definitely had a good time!
Editor: You had quite the busy day! Reflecting on your experiences, how did these moments contribute to your sense of well-being?
Guest: Each part of the day had its own significance. From the soothing effects of rest and nourishment to the joy of connecting with friends and family, it reminded me of the importance of balance and connection in life. It was a beautiful blend of self-care and shared moments that left me feeling rejuvenated and grateful!
Editor: Thank you for sharing such a lovely reflection on your day! It sounds like a perfect blend of relaxation and special moments with loved ones.
Guest: Thank you for having me! It was my pleasure to share!