Derrick Earls, More Heart than Scars tackle the AT together and in Spirit!: Day 8 May 23, 2014

Previous night the campsite was full of Mosquitos and flies. My Katadyn water pump was busted and someone asked if anyone had lost a sawyer water pump. I politely asked if I could have if no one claimed in the morning. Scored the Sawyer in the a.m. We hiked approximately ten miles to partnership shelter. Within the first four miles there was a lost request for the green bagged sawyer. It was taped to a tree. Of course it was the one I claimed. Without hesitation I took the sign and contact information. We were both headed to Marion. Upon getting to the motel I called and the hiker came to our room. He was grateful but I received no reward. We as people should expect no reward always do out of the kindness of your heart! Honestly I kinda wanted a reward. However I knew that I need to continue to curve my thinking on doing good deeds and expecting nothing. I will continue to do out of the kindness of my heart.

The partnership shelter was bad ass. A loft, nice shower and other cool things. Catherine got a picture with IHOP's medal today at Mt. Rogers visitors center. The 6 mile shuttle into town at 2:30 was fifty cents. We were headed to the Marion hiker homecoming. Upon arriving there was nothing there but nice trout streams. We expected free food, showers, gear vendors, etc. No time to fish due to making an executive decision to stay at the econo lodge motel. That's what every other hiker did that was a part of our shuttle. We quickly found the next shuttle. I made some young African American girls bust out laughing while on our shuttle ride. Some of them spoke French and they were 18-21 years in age. Joe mentioned he was married and they gave me a hard time about being the third wheel. One of them said it's okay you may find your soul mate on the trail. With a cute approach and big smile I said who knows maybe I will find her on this bus!! The old lady in front stated I better shower first! We all died laughing! Good times! One of them said she would take me as is! It was a neat experience. We said our goodbyes and parted ways.

We made it to the econo lodge to find out Joe reserved the motel in Marion Illinois not Marion VA. Good news was there was vacancy! KFC buffet was unbelievable! I almost put them out of business!! 5 full plates. I did laundry and I could have slept with my head in my laundry bag. Go Tide laundry detergent! Met our hiking friend CAT. He is a 60+ Chinese man and we offered him a hot shower at our room. Yes he is a thru hiker. He came by at 830 pm. to oblige. He tried to pay us five dollars but we couldn't take it. He was an awesome character. I finally washed my feet and then showered. WoW! It felt amazing after 6 days of no shower. Nick one of Joes friends stayed with us at the econo and will hike the weekend with us. He is an awesome 45 year old from Gboro.

Update blog tomorrow and re supply. Hopefully fly fish if I'm lucky.