Date: 2016-04-18
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Howard Johnson Express
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

We woke early, the birds were very happy and singing all around us. A gift from God, as our alarm clock!! The shelter gang got an early start and were got out of camp about 8:30 am. The trail was extremely nice for a while and we made great time, about 2 1/2 miles per hour, maybe more. Then.....not!! Rocks, boulders and hills oh my. Not bad, just slows us down. Puzzles passed us this morning, shortly after .....WE SAW OUR FIRST BEAR!!   Fiber was in the lead, I in the middle and Big bringing up the end. We stop, Fiber points and whispers "a bear" at our 3 o'clock, down a hill about 200-250 yards. We initially just see a big black mass, which is not uncommon and not a bear. But....it's moving and looks at us....it is a bear!! We watch and it moves away from us, then.....two lil tiny cubs. They were so very small, they must have been newly born. We were thrilled to see them!!The weather has been amazing, hot, dry and sunny. Today was about 80°. We ran the ridge most of the late morning and then switch backs down the mountain opened to a flat nice side walk like trail. As we got closer to the road and Daleville/Troutville, the trail ran through newly bloomed trees and trees with flowers, blooming Dogwoods and wildflowers and it smelled amazing!! Big Cypress was struggling, we didn't take our normal breaks today, as we just wanted to get to town!! The heat and his congestion, sinuses and body aches were wearing on him. We finally had the trail open at highway 220. We turned right and headed to Howard Johnson Express. Big Cypress and Fiber rested outside and I asked Miss Missy if I could see a room. Room 103, close to the lobby, as we were exhausted. Done....We are staying. Fiber was going on to the Motel 6, he has his resupply box and meeting his Uncle there. I did Big Cypress laundry while he soaked in the bathtub. Then I walked over to the gas station next door and got drinks and snacks. Then I soaked and Big Cypress did my laundry. It's about 3:30 and we call the taxi, $15 to take us up to the Troutville Post Office. Then, we called Homer Witcher, A fellow thru hiker (2002) and trail maintainer. He wanted no money....and wouldn't take any!! We can't thank him enough!! The post office was very happy we picked up our boxes, we had a few boxes and we were taking up too much space, they said. We walked over to the Outdoor Trails outfitters. Got fuel and socks for Big. Then had a delicious meal, with real fabric napkins, at Three Lil Pigs BBQ. Boy was it good! They even give thru hikers a free banana pudding dessert!!! After dinner we stopped at Kroger for few things. Our room has lil fridge and microwave, so....lunch will be a big salad we got to go from the BBQ and dinner will be Bob Evans Mac n Cheese and Korean Beef Bulgogi. On our walk back we saw Rabbit, Leopard and Crash with Crash's dad. T B was shocked at Big Cypress weight loss, as he noticed right away. Later, TB took me up to CVS for KT Tape for muscles and blister prevention. Thanks Bunches!!Have to say....We miss Fiber!! He was toying with the idea of moving over here tomorrow, as the Ho Jo is basically right next to the trailhead.