Day 12 - 6/14/24 – Tramily-Style Trail Day

6/14 Partnership Shelter (534.3)  to  I-81 (545.9)

I spent the day enjoying the trail tramily style. First, I was introduced to the amazing trail breakfast that is honeybuns. Seriously, sweet, gooey, glazed dough in a bag has never tasted so good. I also enjoyed the slower start, as we didn’t hit the trail until around 9:30. Everyone hiked at their own pace, but we all met up at a shelter after about three hours for a snack. We’d also heard about a museum and trail magic ahead, which did not disappoint. The Settlers Museum had a farmhouse outfitted precisely as it was in 1890, which was very interesting. There was also a one-room schoolhouse with bins full of Gatorade and snacks for hikers. After that stop, I set out in front because I wanted to swim in the river right before town. Unfortunately, the “river” was much more of a creek about a foot deep, which explained the odd glance I received from the museum curator when I told him my plans to swim. No swim break just meant we got to the road crossing that much earlier, though.

Eight Left, a member of the Tramily, trying (and failing) to hitchhike

We lounged outside a gas station, waiting for everyone to arrive, and then had a late lunch at El Burrito Loco. I had planned to set off for another ten miles to meet my mom at another road crossing, but her flight was delayed, so I decided to spend the evening with the tramily.

They wanted to hitchhike to a nearby town, but half an hour later not one car had even slowed down upon seeing us, let alone stopped. Asking people at the gas station didn’t yield better results either. Luckily, we found the number of a local cab driver who agreed to stuff all seven of us and our packs into his minivan. 

Guitar poses after winning

We spent an hour bowling, which Guitar won. Then we headed to the movies to watch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. About halfway through, my mom arrived, so I said my goodbyes and went to a hotel for a hot shower and a bed. Overall, it was one of the most full, fun, and interesting days I’ve spent on or off the trail.