Doing the smart thing is sometimes difficult (Day 58)

Not every day goes as planned. I wasn’t too happy with today at first, but it took us to one of the coolest places we’ve ever seen.

It all started when we came down from the mountain to filter some water. On a quad bike, Doug appeared out of nowhere with an empty trash can. Along with two apple pies to share and a freshly printed weather report.

Rained plans

The prognosis is not very hopeful. Strong storms and rain starting at 2 p.m. Today we have Dragon’s Tooth on the agenda, the first of Virginia’s Triple Crown: three unique rock formations with arguably the best views in the state.

Dragon’s Tooth is supposed to be a very treacherous climb, especially when wet. But we should be able to arrive before 2 pm.

After we finished our apple pies, another stranger appeared. He introduced himself as Just Sam. He works at Huckleberry’s, a relatively new lodge in the nearby valley. A hostel sounds great! But we have to climb a Dragon’s Tooth.

So off we went! We walked for about 5 minutes and it started to rain. It’s not even close to 2 in the afternoon yet. I haven’t seen a single forecast that’s been right so far. Shit. Every comment in the FarOut app warns that you should not walk in the rain.

The rain stopped, but all the rocks are now wet. What are we going to do? Fernando made the decision for himself. He’s not going to do it. PK – a normally fearless man – agreed. We should get back on the road, call Just Sam, and stay at Huckleberry’s house.

I have to be honest, this really put me off. We didn’t plan a day soon. I just want to hike this amazing section of trail. But I am not familiar with this terrain. The last thing I want is for me or anyone else to get hurt because I’m stubborn.

The right decision

We went back and called Just Sam to pick us up. I wasn’t happy. But the Russian proverb that Fernando thought came to mind: «Podumav, reshaysya. A reshivsya, ne dumay.» That is to say: think before you make a decision, but when you have made a decision, stop thinking.” It’s time to stop thinking.

The shuttle played “Let It Be” by the Beatles over the speaker. Very good, very good universe. I’ll let it be.

They took us to the gas station/grocery store to pick up some food, drinks, and snacks for the day. Huckleberry himself told us that he had already taken 20 people to the emergency room and 9 to the hospital, all from Dragon’s Tooth. Usually because they brought it up when it was wet. This data verified that we made the right decision. My feeling of disappointment also disappeared immediately. We did well.

The most American place in the United States.

Just to paint the picture: Huckleberry is a man in a cowboy hat with a knife on his back, showing us the oil lamp he has that runs on bear oil from a bear he shot himself. If this isn’t America, I don’t know what is. He showed us the perimeter. This place is huge! It has everything. Nice bunk beds, showers, laundry, fire pit and a carport to sit in if it rains.

Huckleberry pulled some strings and got us a reservation at a free restaurant. Not just any AYCE, but a really elegant Southern one, located in an old plantation house. Share all the food style.

After filling our bellies, we returned to the hostel. Ferdinand has been making so many Tombstone references that we decided he should watch the Tombstone movie at some point. What better place than Huckleberry’s, featuring Huckleberry and his dog Wyatt.

Although it seemed perfect, Huck was making a fire and Dreamcatcher grabbed the guitar and started playing. The atmosphere here is amazing. I’m not going to watch a movie now. Let’s sit here and enjoy the moment.

There was even a surreal moment where Doohickey and Dreamcatcher asked each other and answered if they wanted to have a drink, in Dutch. That’s so ridiculous, I’m so proud.

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