I'm writing this from the Clover Farm Food Center in Cove City. I arrived in a light drizzle and picked up a few things inside. Believe it or not, the cashier knew the MST. She's only like the third person I've met on the trail who did. Her and the owner (husband) are friendly people, and I camped out next to their store on Old US-50. For the morning, they recommended the grill next door for breakfast.

It really began raining hard the moment I put up my tent. There wasn't a moment to spare. Right now it is just windy but a threat of thunderstorms remains for tonight. I'm not complaining. This is the first non-trivial rain that I have been out in this whole trip and it didn't start in earnest until after the tent was up. The temps are warm too: hi 60s and low 40s. The rest of the week is supposed to be similar with possible rain on the weekend.

Tomorrow is Monday and I am mailing off this Day 5-16 journal packet to Brian. I'm not sure yet where/when the next journal pack will be sent. I'm only now planning the next trail segments. Until then...

Update: I had finished this day's journal entry. and was getting the bunch ready for the envelope when someone outside the tent said, "knock, knock". It was a surprise food delivery! The owners sent their son over with a full three course meal for me. Wow! And since I had bought a Mountain Dew earlier, here was a second. There was a bowl of salad, a plate full of chicken, green beans, lima beans, corn on the cob, and potatoes, plus a thick cheesy garlic bread, and for dessert a fudge brownie. Not only are these all foods I love, but I hadn't eaten very well today so it couldn't have come at a better time. It isn't just the AT that has trail angels.

Today I had gotten a late start but I expect tomorrow to be a full day of hiking so it will be good to have these reserves ready to power the day's hiking.