Date: 2018-05-24
From: Campsite at mile 689.1

To: 4 Pines Hostel, Catawba, VA
Miles today: 14.3

The morning hike was good - a big up, then a big down on nice trail with switchbacks.The afternoon had a big up that I struggled with - the heat, low energy and rocks. There was a side trail to the Dragon¢s Tooth, which was a big monolith. It was kind of neat to see. I didn¢t take any pictures because I don¢t think I could capture it well.The climb down was just the worst - sheer rock. It was really terrifying and awful. Sometimes I would throw my poles down, try to slide down and land on my feet without breaking an ankle. It may be fun for a day hike, but it seemed crazy for backpacking. No pictures because my phone was buried in my pack so it wouldn¢t get smashed.Definitely the hardest day so far. I was mad and frustrated; I was worried about the hostel being full and kind of despondent about how bad the day turned out. Caroline was talking to a couple from VA who were really proud about the ¢Virginia Triple Crown¢ which consists of Dragon¢s Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. Caroline was all chatty with the couple but I had to pretend to do something with my phone to avoid telling them what I thought of their stupid Triple Crown.Then I ran into a young couple who were walking up to Dragons Tooth. They asked me how it was and I said, somewhat truthfully, that it was good. Then the guy asked ¢How long would it take, like 30 minutes?¢ and I said ¢Are you JOKING??!!¢. Then I had to backtrack a little bit and explain that it was a little harder with a backpack, etc. but that conversation could have gone better. Oh well.I made it to the hostel at 6:30 pm and Dreamcatcher had saved me a bunk. The owner had told Workhorse that he could take one of the cars to the Homeplace restaurant (keys were in the car). I changed into my camp clothes and flip-flops and got in the car with Dreamcatcher and Hills. I didn¢t even shower and my feet were so dirty. The Homeplace serves food family-style. Every table gets fried chicken and can choose other meats. The waitress brings all the sides and everything is re-fillable. I ate fried chicken, ham, green beans with bacon, pinto beans with bacon, cole slaw, biscuits, mashed potatoes with gravy, chow chow and cooked spiced apples. I think I ate more than anyone at our table, and it was all stuff I normally wouldn¢t eat. Lots of hikers and locals. We gave Captain a ride back to the trail from the Homeplace. Then we drove to a market and picked up Alma and Snickers (the Finnish couple) to bring them back to the hostel.The hostel is in a big shed with a central area with couches. Very sketchy. I did laundry and have it hanging inside. There is a sign on the bathroom that we¢re supposed to pee outside on the grass. I took a showered, which got rid of all the dirt and sweat, but I feel like I need another shower to get rid of the funk of this place. The mattresses are so dirty so I have my sleeping pad on top of the mattress but skin keeps touching the mattress. Ick! On the plus side, even though today was really hard, I am really looking forward to getting back on the trail so I can leave this place. It¢s almost 11 pm and a dozen people are hanging out on the couches who will probably be talking into the wee hours.