Date: 2006-05-16
From: Kimberling Creek Suspension Bridge

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: mist

Bama and Little Wing hiked on past Jenny Knob Shelter to pick up some more good weather miles. Old Grandad decided to stay at the shelter. The girls arrived at the Kimberling Creek suspension bridge at about 6:00 pm and set up their camp and tents. Bama said it was really neat and they used the steps up to the bridge landing to keep their stuff clean and have a place to sit. They did their cooking on the concrete landing - always good when you can avoid dirt.Old Grandad had earlier imparted some trail wisdom by telling Bama and Little Wing about his foot treatment, Vermont Bag Balm®. Seems this dairy farmer's udder cream is really good for the rough feet. Of course the girls had to try it. We'll see how it worked.At 7:30 pm - just like clockwork - Old Drum hiked up and set up his tent. He was somewhat surprized to see Bama and Little Wing and it was just a coincidence that he stopped here. Old Drum's routine is to hike everyday until 7:30 pm and wherever he is, he stops and sets up camp.As usual, everyday's schedule is modified on the day's difficulty and the weather. They read about Miss Tillie's Woodshole Hostel at Sugar Run Gap in Wingfoot's Guide and decided to go there tonight. Note: Bama saw wild life!! 2 deer crossed the trail in front of her. Strange in all these 600+ miles how few actual animals have been reported.Bama and Little Wing got to Tillie Wood's hostel at about 3:00 pm this afternoon. The weather has been somewhat overcast and it has been unusually cold with the high only about 50. Woodshole Hostel is nice and Miss Tille a wonderful hostess. Regretfully, she says this may be her last year to work the thru-hiker season. Her granddaughter, Neville, in her late 20s, may take over - not sure. Neville is a massage therapist and is giving everyone who wants one a foot massage for $8. Whatta great luxury. Bama and Little Wing signed up first! The accomodations are sparce, but welcoming. The sleeping area is on the upper level of the "barn" and everyone gets a mattress, but they have to use their sleeping bag. There is a bathroom and a solar shower, which today means no hot water, so the girls will wait until tomorrow when they get to a motel in Perisburg, VA.Sharing the barn is Knock Knock, Marco Solo and Old Drum who came in later in the day. Old Drum entertained Miss Tillie with trail tales. He was with Parks & Recreation when he was working and Miss Tillie's husband was also working in that line and was honored by the state governor for it. He originally found this old log homestead while doing research in wildlife and he and Tillie moved here to live. She opened the hostel after his death a number of years ago.Miss Tillie will only seat 8 hikers for breakfast in her kitchen, so it's first come served. If you get there after 8 have checked in, you're on your own. Bama and Little Wing will have a fine, hot, old fashioned breakfast. Tomorrow, on to the "city." http://www.woodsholehostel.com/Legend_of_Woods_Hole.htmlCONGRATS TO BAMA: Yesterday, I returned home from work to find a sign in our yard that read "Pelham Residential Yard of the Month!" Our city honors those it believes have gone beyond the call in landscaping. Bama rarely had time to work in the yard when she was raising two fine children by herself. After we married and especially after she retired from BellSouth three years ago, she turned her attention to the yard with a vengence. Aided by our lovely, retired backdoor neighbor, Vernell Betz and me, she has turned our front and back yard (especially) into "Martha Stewart Land." It would take me three more pages to tell you all the plant and flower varieties that she has planted. Bama NEVER does anything halfway. I am SO very proud of her!Bill