I want to thank the guys at Mt. Rogers Outfitters for helping me get to where I needed to be. I had thought when I pulled into to Damascus to start my section hike that they would be able to help me get my car looked at by a reputable mechanic. It had been making noises since leaving Florida. The mechanics at home told me it would cost 1300 dollars to repair. Since that was about my traveling budget for the summer, I decided to risk taking the car to Damascus and start my hike, regardless. MRO hooked me up, sending me to Mr. Joe, then he sent me to a shop. I walked away from my car and started my hike, fully trusting it would be fixed. A week later I checked my phone and called about my car. MRO had a shuttle in route to pick me up. I had every plan of returning to the trail that day. However, while checking my phone messages, I discovered that a horrific tragedy had occurred in my family-my sister in law and baby nephew drowned in a river in Mississippi, along with another man. All it took was one call to MRO and they picked up and paid for my car-20 bucks-and had it waiting for me when the shuttle returned me to Damascus. All that had been wrong was a rusty screw. Though pushing 200,000 miles, my car performed better during the ride to MS than it has in the last 5 years. I have been reading about the help MRO has provided hikers over the years and was just sure they would be able to help me. I had no idea how important they would become to my hiking story. Many thanks also goes out to Legoman, 49.5, and Indian Brave. We had an awesome lunch at the Barn, great conversation and then Legoman let me use his phone to check my messages. Thank you for staying with me until the shuttle arrived. I could have never expected that kind of news and am most appreciative that I did not have to wait alone. Trail angels come in many forms. I met quite a few this summer. The magic of the trail will always be remembered. See you next year!
_travelingteacher_Mt. Rogers Outfitters
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#2
I echo your sentiments, TravelingTeacher. I've always found Jeff and his dad and all the fine staff at MRO to be extremely helpful and the very best sort of people to be found anywhere. You can tell they aren't doing what they do simply to make a buck. For a number of years now they have displayed an unwavering love for the hiking community and have gone out of their way, time and time again, to help those in need. God bless them all!
Also, thanks for sharing something of the pain in your family. So sorry to hear of your loss. May the Father of all comfort bring it to bear upon your life right now and the rest of the family.
_Woody_
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#3
Very sad that I'm sure a most good woman & child had their lives prematurely ended in such a way. Same thing happened to an insanely fit young hiker this summer up in Maine. Whenever any of your friends or family members do anything on the water, make sure they wear life preservers, whether on a boat or not, it's a really good idea; especially if the water is cold, deep, or any kind of current. Even snorkelling in shallow water, I used to wear a CO2 inflatable vest when I was young & virile !
_inchworm plumber_