Date: 2006-05-06
From: Niday Shelter

To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 22.5

Catawba, VA is 1.0 mile off the Appalachian Trail and a popular spot for AT thru hikers. Today's History Lesson:"Nearly 100 years ago, the restorative wonders of Catawba were apparent to state officials seeking a healing place for folks with consumption. They found Roanoke Red Sulphur Springs tucked between the mountain ranges. The resort touted mineral waters and offered relief of hay fever, dyspepsia, and female troubles. Developed in 1857, the spa was for people in need of fresh air and sunshine, then the only cure for tuberculosis. The Catawba Sanitorium took in its first TB patients in 1909. The facility converted to a state mental hospital in 1972.From healing waters to breathtaking views, this community is good for the spirit. Catawba still offers the healing powers of serenity to those who stop to enjoy breathtaking views of rolling green hills and tree-covered mountains. The farms of yesteryear remain, slightly smaller and more modern, but keeping to the routine of cattle and crops.With the Appalachian Trail topping the mountains and the Transamerica Bicycle Route traversing Rts. 785 and 779, the area is a haven for nature lovers. Catawba is seven miles from Interstate 81, but the mountains hide the valley. North of the Catawba Valley General Store is The Homeplace. The family-style restaurant with the best food on the Appalachian Trail is open Thursday-Sunday.The Homeplace has a special down-home charm . The scrumptious food ¢ fried chicken, country ham, home-cooked vegetables and desserts ¢ is as healing to the palette as the views are to the eyes.Harold Wingate established The Homeplace in 1982. The good food and Wingate¢s friendliness made the restaurant a local favorite. Several expansions later, the old farmhouse has space for 200 guests in the dining room where Wingate feeds about 2,500 people weekly. The Homeplace is part of the history of Catawba and now a big part of its present. When the Catawba Sanitorium opened, the Morgan family who owned the house served meals and rented rooms to local school teachers and patients¢ families. The restaurant stays busy, and long waits are common." I must agree because there were probably 100 people waiting in line along with me at dinner time tonight. However, the time passed fairly quickly and the reward was a belly filled with: ham, fried chicken, roast beef, corn, green beans, mashed potato, gravy, biscuits, sweet lemonade and cherry cobbler with ice cream for dessert.All this for $13.00! "The area has phenomenal hiking. McAfee¢s Knob, named after one of the area¢s early settlers, and Dragon¢s Tooth, which has unusual rock formations, offer splendid views from mountain overlooks. Catawba is thought to be the oldest settled area of Roanoke County. A cabin-fort was built in 1722, and property owners are listed as early as 1740. No one knows how the name originated, but Indian artifacts are found all over the valley. Legend has it Catawba Indians camped along Catawba Creek." Some of the familiar faces here:Texas (from Houston), Afterburner (from Norwich, CT) Bear Can (Buffalo, NY), Grey EagleI plan to be in Daleville, VA on May 8th. and will take a full "Zero Day" May 9th.Tonight I will sleep in one of the gazebos located next to The Homeplace and tomorrow will re-take the trail to continue this trek of dreams.As a child, I walked through the world with wonder and awe. Each day started with a question and ended with a question. I had the mind of a beginner. Anonymous