Troutdale, VA

We had an unexpected trip off the trail yesterday. We were at a road crossing, getting ready to hike the last 6 miles of the day, when a guy pulled up with about 8 hikers in the back of his truck. He was Jerry, of Jerry's Kitchen and Goods, and drove us to his little store/restaurant, where we dined on a variety of delicious fried pickles and potatoes. Yes, you heard that right. Then he took us up to the free hiker hostel at the Baptist Church. We had a hot shower, slept soundly under a proper roof, and returned to the store for breakfast. Now Jerry will drive us back to the trail. We are grateful for the hospitality. For any hikers reading this out there, Jerry's is the former Troutdale Trading Post, but is new and improved and the food is quite good.