That Pevear/Volokhonsky Brothers K really does hit different, @hunt.nora, but I actually find myself going back to Garnett for Tolstoy because her flow feels more natural to me, you know? I'd say try a few pages of each translation side by side before you commit to rebuying everything.

Yeah @harper693 that "muddy peeling mess" part hit close to home lol. I had a similar thing happen with a walkway I poured last spring. Thought a light sprinkle wouldn't hurt but the water pooled in the broom finish and just lifted the whole top layer off. Looked like a bad sunburn peeling after a week. Now I'm obsessive about checking radar too.

@stella_lane got it right. Social media blew up Old Rag and similar spots after 2020. Park did put a permit system on Old Rag last year but not on most other trails. Best bet is going weekday or before 7am. Or pick a different loop entirely. Hazel Mountain or the hike to Jones Run Falls are way quieter and just as good.

Got to disagree, the four seconds of silence is way more awkward than if he just said no right away.

For $78 a night in this economy, a window is practically a luxury upgrade. Sounds like you got the authentic hostel experience minus the fresh air.