Date: 2004-05-21
From: Niday Shelter, VA

To: Catawba, State Road 624, VA
Miles today: 15.9

Last night, the temperature did not fall much at all. I was hot and sticky because of the humidity and my perspiration. I could have cleaned myself up a bit with a cloth and some cold stream water, but I would still be sticky after applying mosquito repellant.Unfortunately, after I woke up, today wasn't going to turn out to be very pleasant. I don't think that I've been very negative in my journal, but today was tough because of the humidity, rocks, and boulders.The worst part of the day came as I hiked up towards Dragon's Tooth. I had already ascended 2,000 feet or so towards the Auddie Murphy memorial and it was another climb up 1,500 feet to Dragon's Tooth. Dragon's Tooth is an incredible group of giant boulders. From there, you can see miles down in the valley and to the adjacent mountains.The Trail, up to this point was very rocky and what made it even more difficult was the fact that the last water source was five miles away. It has been difficult to stay well-hydrated during the last few days.Continuing down the moutain, hikers are faced with some steep descents by way of rebar hand-holds. In two spots, you have to hold on to rebar that has been inserted into the boulders as some sort of ladder. It can be tricky, especialy since the rocks can have some slick spots from the moss that grows on them. In addition, the trail seemed to travel to every single boulder field on the way down the mountain. It was like a "Tour of Boulders." It greatly reduced my usual 2.2 mile an hour hiking pace. I had seen enough boulders after reaching Dragon's Tooth and didn't like the obstacle course that I faced today. My destination for the day was Four Pines Hostel in Catawba. I expected to arrive there by 4pm, but it was after 5pm by the time I made it to the intersection of the Trail and the paved, state road on which the hostel is located. By the time I reached the road crosing, I was tired, hungry, hot and I seemed to ache all over. The prior day, I also managed to fall on my left knee. That's the one that is sensitive and gives me the most problems. I was feeling miserable.There is a bit of good news, however. As I neared the road crossing that led to the hostel, I noticed an ice chest just off the trail. Inside, it had several black cherry sodas in it. Now, I don't think that I've ever had that flavor, but it was the best tasting soft drink that I've had on this trip. Having that "trail magic" lifted my spirits a little bit. Along side the cooler were a few bags of potato chips and a huge can of Planter's peanuts. You bet - I stuffed my face. The sign next to these goodies read, "Mala's Magic, Madness & Mayhem." So, thanks to Mala.The next stop: Four Pines Hostel. Bluebell and Moonstone met me at the trail crossing after they enjoyed the remaining trail magic. Moonstone quickly thumbed a ride for us, so we piled in the back of a pickup truck for the four-tenths of a mile ride to the hostel. Once at the hostel, the owner, Jay, shuttled the hikers, (maybe 15 to 20) to the Homeplace Restaurant.The Homeplace Restaurant is actually a big, old home, on a farm in the Catawba valley, built in 1907. The rooms have been converted into dining areas and the meals are served family style, AYCE. Oh yeah, it was good!!It's late, and I'm going to bed. I hope that tomorrow is easier than today was.