A much needed break!

A few days after Daleville, a family friend who lives in Lynchburg picked me up at US 501 near Big Island, VA after a 20 mile day and brought me back to their home to have dinner with them and stay the night. It was amazing! I was really feeling worn out the past few days, and it was wonderful to have a comfortable bed to sleep in. The next day I had planned on hiking another 20 miles and having my parents pick me up, but I woke up still feeling run down so I decided to take an impromptu rest day even though I had been planning to take a rest day the next day with my parents. I spent some time taking care of medical school business on the internet, soaking in the hot tub, and reading. Then, in the afternoon, Lisa (my host) told me she had set up a massage appointment for me! What a treat; my legs definitely appreciated the attention! I met my parents that evening, and Lisa brought out her bluegrass band to play for us. Talk about trail magic! The next day we drove to Appomattox Court House, where Robert E. Lee surrendered to U.S. Grant to end the Civil War. Very cool history to visit! That evening we had dinner in a really cool restaurant in downtown Lynchburg in a renovated tobacco warehouse. Lisa offered to pick me up again after hiking 23 miles today, so I have a warm bed and a wonderful dinner to look forward to again tonight! I have been incredibly lucky with such gracious and hospitable hosts on the trail thus far, but Lisa and her husband Robert really have set the bar high! They have been unbelievably kind and generous. Only eight days to Harpers Ferry, WV! Harpers Ferry is regarded as the mental halfway point on the trail by most hikers, even though the actual halfway point is about three days north. I can't wait to get there!