MST Trek Day 59

Whe we woke up, it was raining, but it didn't matter to us because we were in a motel.  Thanks again to Jesse for coming to our aid and getting us back on track with our directions.  Laine's friend, Monty, picked us up, took us to the trailhead and hiked with us again today.  As always, it is nice to have company.  We hiked through the scattered rain showers, which made the temperatures much cooler-- a welcome reprieve.  At about midday we stopped for lunch at a little grocery store, and I received a call from a gentleman named Allen de Hart.  I felt privileged to get the phone call; Allen is a living legend in the hiking community.  One of his accomplishments was hiking and laying out the original MST in the early '80s with a surveyor's wheel.  If not for him, I would not have this trail to be hiking on right now.  Furthermore, when I told him where I was, he stopped by and introduced himself in person.  It was my great pleasure.  Our afternoon was muggy, but not as uncomfortable as the previous days.  We made it 16.3 miles to the Pine Ridge Baptist Church near Lawson; the last 2.5 miles were spent hiking in a torrential downpour.  People at the church were so kind--they opened the doors of the church so we didn't have to sleep in the rain.  I continue to be blown away by the kindness and generosity of others.  Thank you so much.