Date: 2004-05-14
From: Almost Sugar Run Gap and Ms. Tillies

To: Pearisburg, Va - Rendevouz Inn
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Almost There and Back AgainTotal distance reached on Thursday May 13th was 611.9 miles and on this 52nd day of hiking I covered 20.3, did not reach my destination and had to sleep in the woods when it got too dark to hike, (actually too dangerous).   Several hiker friends had announced plans to spend the night with Ms Tillie Woods at the Woods Hole Hostel. This is a "must see feature of the trail". It's an old homestead that was purchased and improved by Mr. and Mrs. Woods when he was doing research on changes in the elk population in the area. Its a wonderful place, like out of a travel magazine. These are very distinguished folks. Ms Tillie has a Masters Degree and is retired from teaching science in middle school. Mr. Woods worked a long career, including a period as Assistant Secretary of the Interior under the Carter Administration. They decided to dedicate the old place to assist hikers. Built an additional building as a bunkhouse. She serves breakfast to the first 8 hikers who walk in each day. Basically she does this 2 months - May and June - then she goes back to the Atlanta area where she lives the rest of the year. Lots of former hikers donate weeks of time to help operate and maintain the place. Located on Sugar Run Road, its about 0.6 miles off the trail.Anyhow after negotiating many rocky places, I finally had to come down a 10' stone cliff and just felt the trail was rough enough that I would likely fall and get injured if I kept going.Ha, was only 0.1 miles from Sugar Run Gap when I stopped. Next morning, Friday, May 14th. I got up early packed up my makeshift tarp site (on side of the cliff) then high-tailed it to the hostel. Main reason was to just meet Ms Tillie, see the place, and tell my friends that I was OK.   :...What a reception when they saw me coming up the lane to the cabin! It was heartwarming to see the concern and to learn about the way they had waited for me. Great visit with Ms Tillie. She told me she ate my breakfast but really did not want it. She invited me in and served coffee and brownies. Wonderful.Her current volunteer, Rope Yarn, even offered to haul my pack to the Rendezvous Motel so I was able to slack pack the last 10 miles to Pearisburg. I hiked this with Chris and Ellie (Environ Engineering friends from U.P. Michigan) They carried full packs I basically carried water and lunch. I enjoy their company a lot. But, they normally travel so fast that I only see them at night.Got to town, washed clothes, took a long soaking warm bath, then went to the Lucky Star, AYCE Chinese Buffet, with Home Boy and Toe Break. I slept like a baby. Even got to talk with Mary Ann as cell phone reception is good here. She encouraged me to find a way to connect to the internet and see the people who have signed my Guest Book. (I did this on Sat morning and am very much impressed by the interest shown by many friends). Thank you all for looking at my journal. Its about all I can do now to post it [in fact I stay behind]. But later I will acknowledge each of you personally. Its a great adventure.What a life. Must get haircut and supplies then get back out on the trail. Planning to send home my winter sleeping bag and some clothes as soon as I figure out the best time and get the right summer-weight replacement stuff.