Date: 2009-05-08
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Phrase of the Day: "Holy Cow - Big Miles"After dinner it poured some more, but then it stopped and the moon was out.I think it may have rained some more through the night, but I am not sure. I was up and hiking by 7:30.I did the first 4.6 miels in about 1.5 hours. The terrain was finally like the "highway" I had been promised. Crossed a magnificent field with some gorgeous views of the moutains and valleys. And, the best part was it was finally clear so that I could see and take some pictures. No sooner had I crossed the field and the thunder clouds rolled in. Got my rain coat and pack cover on. And the skies opened up. And, the thunder and lightning kept coming. I was scared. It felt like it was right over my head. There was really no where to stop. They tell you don't get near trees, roots, or rocks. Well not much out there but that. So, I pretty much was running. I kept having to throw my poles because I was afraid of getting hit by lightning. Finally stopped to put my rain pants on and within 10 minutes was at the shelter. I decided to wait out the rain as long as I could. It was about 10:15 or 10:30. I had done about 7.6 miles in less than 3 hours. That part of the day was looking good. I ate an early lunch. Two guys came in who were doing a 50 miles section. I ran into them the day I slacked. Didn't get there names, but they were very personable. They were from Grundy, VA. Which is a small town that was flooded so many times they moved the entire town up to higher ground. I think I heard something on NPR about it. Interesting.Finally about 11 it cleared. It really cleared. The wind picked up and the sun finally came out.The next 8 miles were not as easy as the first. But, it was pretty good terrain. I made it to the shelter by 2:30. Done with 15.9 miles.As I was hiking I was mulling over whether to try to keep hiking. I needed to get to town before the PO closed and in Mayberry they close earlier than at home. They were closing at 11. I had another 10 miles to go. If I stopped, it may take me 5 hours to get in which means I would have to be up and hiking by 5. Not very easy to do. So, I decided to keep hiking. At the shelter was a guy named Minnesota smith who was resting. He decided to go with me. I met him at Kincora. Really strange guy. PHD guy with no social skills. But he was great to hike with. We conversed all the way down the mountain and he was funny. Very smart guy. Works in Geology with oil companies. The last 10 miles probably are not bad, but after doing 16 miles I was hurting. We made good time. We made it to the TN/VA border around 5. He always does a little ceremony. He carried a small bottle of Chambord. We toasted, took pictures and moved on. 3.8 miles to go.My left foot was killing me. Not the normal foot pain, but because of the rain I had wet prune feet and a couple of small blisters on my toes.My left thigh was also hurting. This is new, but what can I expect when I am being a crazy woman. The last 3.8 miles were brutal. We finally made it down by about 6:30. Wooooo Hoooo.Eight states down and only 6 more to go. Because I was so late into town - I couldn't find a real room. There are 2 hostels in town. One is better than the ohter. We ended up at the one at the Methodist Church. Apparently, homeless people like to come. The cops also come with drug dogs and search. No drugs or alcohol allowed, but apparently, they don't listen. The cops did show up and go through the place without the dogs. When I got there a young guy was out on the outside porch smoking a joint. So, they definitely don't pay attention.Minnesota found us two bunks upstairs in a room with 4. But, I had to move. The stench from him was so bad I was ready to gag. Now, I know I probably smell just as bad, but I can't really smell me.I found a bunk down stairs that had only one person in it.They have showers, but no towels or anything. So off I went to the Dollar General to buy a towel and soap. Minnesota came and was buying canned goods to eat. I left him there and went over to the pizza joint. thought I would get a salad. Ran into Juice and Mama Llam. And they invited me to join them. I met them the first night at Kincora. Nice people from Texas. They were sucking down a ton of food. I had salad and three chicken tenders. Could only eat 2 of the 4 tenders. Hope I get hungry again.Finally got back to the hostel at 9 and took a shower and went to bed. Not a good night. My left leg was achy all night.Windbreaker and Sara are here as well as Lucky Star, and Big Camera.I found 22 cents on the trail yesteray. I stopped a few times to stretch and found 2 dimes and then 2 pennies. Up over 40 cents now.