Today was supposed to be about conquering Dragon's Tooth, the first of the Virginia Triple Crown. But, as the saying goes, 'Plan A rarely works out.' Instead, we found ourselves in a situation that could have been a disaster, had we not made the right decision. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of thinking before acting, and the wisdom of going with the flow when the situation demands it.
The day started with a forecast that promised heavy thunderstorms and rain starting at 2 pm. We were determined to climb Dragon's Tooth, a treacherous hike even on a dry day. But, as we began our journey, the rain started falling, and it seemed like the forecast was spot on. I was disappointed, as I had been looking forward to the challenge. However, my disappointment turned to relief when we decided to turn back. The decision was not easy, especially for me, as I am not familiar with the terrain and wanted to avoid any potential injuries.
The Russian proverb, 'Podumav, reshaysya. A reshivsya, ne dumay' (think before making a decision, but when you made a decision, stop thinking), came to mind. It was a reminder that sometimes we need to make tough choices, and that once a decision is made, we should trust our instincts and move forward. We called Just Sam, the owner of Huckleberry's, a nearby hostel, and he kindly offered to take us back to the road. This decision turned out to be the right one, as we learned later that many people had been injured at Dragon's Tooth when it was wet.
Huckleberry's is a place that embodies the American spirit. With a cowboy hat, a buck knife, and an oil lamp running on bear oil, he is the epitome of a true American. He showed us around the hostel, which is a haven for hikers, with bunks, showers, laundry, and a fire pit. He even got us a reservation at a fancy Southern all-you-can-eat diner, where we indulged in delicious food. The atmosphere at Huckleberry's is electric, with music, laughter, and a sense of community. It's the kind of place where you can forget your worries and just enjoy the moment.
One of the most surreal moments was when Doohickey and Dreamcatcher asked each other if they wanted to have a drink in Dutch. It was a lighthearted moment that showed the unique and welcoming atmosphere at Huckleberry's. The hostel is a haven for hikers, and the people who work there are passionate about creating a sense of community and camaraderie.
In the end, today was not about climbing Dragon's Tooth, but about making the right decision and finding a new adventure. We learned that sometimes the best thing to do is go with the flow and embrace the unexpected. And, as we sat around the fire pit at Huckleberry's, we realized that we had made the right choice. The experience taught us that sometimes the smart thing to do is not to follow the plan, but to adapt and find a new path. And, in the end, that's what makes life interesting.
