Casa de Lipscomb

Right now I am as close to hiker heaven as you can probably get. Sitting in a beautiful kitchen in an amazing house, with seven friends, on a gorgeous day, waiting for a delicious dinner to be prepared. Also, there's plenty of Dr. Pepper.

Three days ago, Freefall and I pulled up to the James River near Glasgow, VA, which just happens to be down the road from Fairfield, VA, where my good ol' hiking buddy Vachon and his wife, Mary Lynn, live. So after a nice afternoon dip in the river, we hopped in their car and were whisked away to what has become an impromptu hostel. We picked up Pick and Rabid the same day, while Cookie Monster and Timeless (who I just met) were already at the house waiting. Since I've been here, Freefall, Cookie, and Timeless have all packed on, but Thinker, Brahma Bull, and Sweet Potato have taken their places.

I first met Mary Lynn back in Hot Springs, where she came to visit Vachon, and I was instantly overwhelmed by love and generosity. They insisted everyone pack into the adorable little cabin they had rented, while Vachon, Dave from Maine, and I were slackpacked all the way to Erwin, TN. This time it's the same story all over again and even more. They have opened up their entire house to us AND their cars. Everyone who has been here has been slackpacked as far as possible (I went all the way from Glasgow to Montebello - 38 miles) and on top of all that, a hiker-family dinner every night. I have had barbecue chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs, tortellini and fettucini alfredo (with homemade sauces), grilled salmon, and roast beef w/ potatoes.

Basically what I'm saying is - I live here now. I've been here five nights and it's going to be awful to tear myself away from it. Two months ago, I didn't even know any of the people here, but now we're all together like one big happy family. The Lipscombs have let their house be a home away from home. It will be impossible for me to ever repay them. And it will definitely be impossible for anyone to ever top this trail magic.