Date: 2008-06-03
From: Craig Creek Valley

To: Briar Patch's Home
Miles today: 15.5

Today held the entertained possibility of deviating from the trail to a store for treats then back again. Sounds like a goal to me. So a little pep in the step, and pride in the stride and by 7:15 I was headed down the trail.Not long after, we came to the Audie Murphy memorial. The stone marker was set up at the approximate site location where a plane crash claimed his Life in 1971. Audie was a World War II Medal of Honor recipiant from Texas who later became a film star. Coming down the mountain, through some fields and rolling hills, the trail crossed VA 311. It was only 1 mile west to Catawba. There was a general store listed in the guide. So 1 mile justified the side trip. You just never know when you head toward a town, what exactly it will be like?Upon arriving to an intersection, there was a Post Office & across the street was a General Store. That's it, I didn't forget anything.Other than a few houses this was Catawba. I laid in the shade of the only tree at the side of the post office. Bramma Bull, Sweet Potatoe, Thinker and some others were there as well going through their mail drops they had picked up. A doubley good spot to be as there is usually excess food that people don't want to carry from there resupply mail.I eventually, grabbed some goodies along with a sub from the deli of the general store. The cold coke tasted especially good today.After a leisure lunch, we were ready to walk back up the road to the trail.As good AT fortune would have it, a lady who took in some hikers last night, loaned them her truck today. Where else does this happen?So Bramma Bull, drove us back to the trail head before returning her truck.What a great day so far. I know it sounds like one continuos party at times? The truth is, the hiking is demanding and exhausting at times. The terrain is rugged and the conditions will test your abilities, the challenge is always there. It's the little things we would normally take for granted that become huge and are a big deal. So an opportunity for a cold pop, deli sub, pizza or whatever, is a real treat, like water in the desert. So walking an extra mile or two, or hitching 10 miles is all of a sudden a welcome opportunity of delight.The day went from sunny to an ever darkening sky. I was on the ridgeline heading for the "Dragons Tooth". It had started to rain lightly. I really don't want to get caught up here when it really cuts loose.The weather discouraged all of us from taking the blue blaze to the top of Dragons Tooth lookout. The climb down was tricky enough in good weather and dry rocks. This was requiring our full attention.Coming down a hill at the end of the day, I spotted a white cooler in the distance. Trail Magic! Inside the cooler I was treated to an ice cold coke. This trail magic was courtesy of "Briar Patch" a former 2001 Thru hiker who summitted on Sep 12th. 2001 the day after the attack.In addition, there was an invitation for any hiker to stay at his home who needed a place to stay. At the time, there was no reason too.Upon coming to a small road, another opportunity arose to walk about a half mile to another store. Afterall, it had been a few hours since Catawba.This store had cold beer. This, some oreo's and a hot dog is just what I needed.As several of us were gathered under the covered front walk, it began to rain. Then it rained even harder. Had we chosen not to detour, we would be climbing in the rain and pitching our tents in a wicked storm.But some things just work out.Sprite called "Briar Patch", About 30 minutes later he drove up. Normally he could handle 4 people in his home at best. However, having a big heart and a lot of sympathy he brought 8 of us back in 2 trips.I'm not sure I could extend the same courtesy to family, whom were wet & smellylike we were, let alone perfect strangers?Briar Patch brought us home to his wife Mandy. Thinking she would blow a gasket, she was quite the opposite. She welcomed us into her home. Rooms, couches and floor space was assigned, next the line up for showers.Briar Patch was really troubled as he received more calls and had to turn away 9 other hikers. Tonight we are guests in the home of 2 wonderful people. They preparred what food they had available to try and feed everyone. A few of us bought our dinners at the store to eleviate the burden. There were bodies strung out everywhere. Somehow it all worked? I am amazed once again at the kindness and generosity people have shown me and other hikers.It's for this very reason that I have no tolerance for those who's conduct may tarnish or disuade future acts of kindness from those who give from their hearts, expecting nothing in return but a smile.The rain seems unforgiving tonight. It is good to be under roof, dry, fed and with friends. Thank you Mandy & Scott Vaught a.k.a Briar Patch, your hospitality will never be forgotten. You both have made a special moment for many on an already special adventure.