The Exciting World of Bland, VA

Since leaving Damascus, we have had much excitement, wet weather, and some small interesting Virginia towns. We sadly left several of our friends and hiking companions back in Damascus. 

We left Damascus with a heavy load full of six days of food, which paired with a few days of hard climbing on a rocky trail led to all of our feet aching. Chris's feet fairing the worst with signs of Plantar Fasciitis, along with our plans bringing us into town for our next mail drop Saturday after the Post Office closed, and the poor weather, led us to the decision to cut our mileage down going into Bland. 

To get into the bustling metropolis of Bland, VA, we got a ride from Bubba!

And were educated that Bland is more flammable before 4pm. 

We gorged ourselves at Dairy Queen since that was all that was left open when we got in. The next morning we ate ALL OF THE BREAKFAST at the Bland Corner Grill, in the back of the town gas station, store, and horse feedery. 

Then passed out on the lawn outside of the Post Office. 

Out of the two of those pant legs lying next to Chris's arm, he only left with one. Luckily three days later, the other leg was still lying on the lawn and the nice postal worker mailed it ahead to him. 

Other highlights of the town included the car wash (not for livestock or farm equipment anymore), 

and combo ministry and dental services. 

Finally, Chris went off to get his foot checked out by a pediotrist. It turned out not to be as bad as we feared. He received a cortisone shot in his foot and some anti-inflammatory medication, and was given the OK to hike on! And so we have.