Date: 2009-05-19
From: Camp site

To: Bland, VA Big Walker Motel
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

I planned on having lunch in town today so we got up and out earlier than usual. Ben left before I did as usual. Normally I see him within an hour of starting but didn't see him today. I thought he must have picked up his pace. Eating non trail food in town can do that to you. I hiked along at my normal pace. There was a climb at the beginning and toward the end of the day's hike with a ridge run in between. The trail was fairly well groomed so I made descent time. About a half mile from the road into Bland I came upon some trail magic in the form of drinks. Many different kinds of soda and gator aide to choose from. Downed a soda in one pull and continued on my way. At the road that went into Bland there was a Senior Center on one side and a church on the other side of the road. A happy guy in front of the senior center pointed to the right to go to Bland. I waited for a car to approach going in that direction and tried for a ride. It occurred to me that there were 10 or 15 cars leaving Bland for every one going into Bland. That got me wondering. After 15 minutes and three cars I decided to walk the three miles into town. Got most of the way there when a pickup finally stopped to give me a ride the rest of the way into town. I was quite surprised to see Ben in the bed of the pickup. How did I pass you? I asked. I didn't want you to pass me again so I hid behind a tree until you passed and then I started hiking again. Wow, you can't argue with that type of solid logic.We checked into the motel, "the" as in the only one. The next order of business was lunch and Dairy Queen was the closest place so we went there. While talking to the desk clerk, I found out that Debbie aka Mad Bat was checked in and going to the bus station tomorrow. It appeared that she was stopping her hike here. Got a piece of paper and ordered her to appear at King Arthurs court at 6:00 for fun and merriment, and tapped it to her door. She showed up to. She and Preacherman had wanted to call me King Arthur way back in the Smokies because when I put on my cold weather headwear they said I looked like King Arthur ready to go to a joust, but I had seen her only occasionally since then. We had a couple adult beverages and ordered a pizza. We celebrated her hike, but didn't try to talk her out of it. Usually a whole lot of anguish and self debate preceeds that decision and we didn't want to add to her stress. Just wanted to let her know that we supported her decision, had enjoyed her company on the trail, and that she would be missed. I think she truly appreciated the sendoff. I hung most of my gear out to dry and spent the afternoon figuring out how far it was going to be to the next resupply point and how much food I needed to buy before we left and then shopping for it. After the party I repacked everything and went to bed watching a little television. Scream from the next bed! Wondering what prompted that outburst I jumped out of my bed, quick as I could with my left arm supporting my ribs. That was a big spider on Ben's bed. He wasn't very close to it, unless standing by the door is close. He didn't like it and wasn't going any closer to do anything about it. I got rid of it for him and went back to bed. We had a ride back to the trailhead in the morning and I didn't want to miss it. The rest of the night was uneventful.See you on the trail.Nice Lenses