Date: 2008-06-29
From: Trico Trail

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The temperture was hot and humid. First thing this morning I would be entering the much dreaded "Roller Coaster". It is 15 miles of continuos ups and downs. More annoying than anything else, it wasn't as bad as others made it out to be. In fact, every place that has had a negative reputation, I have found that it wasn't anything near the hype. (Wussies)Along the trail, I met a couple named "Rain" & "Barley" They got married and started the trail in March. This would surely be the test to make or break a relationship? I would suggest to wait until afterward, before committing to marriage.By the end of the day, my knees were screaming in pain again. My pace had slowed right down. As I approached the trail to the Bears Den Hostel, Sprite & Freckles met me with a cold coke. Oh you both are too good to me.This knee thing is really getting to me. I'd take a hammer to them if I thought it would help.We walked onto the grounds of this unusual place. It was squared stone and had the apperance of a castle.We checked in and met the care takers "Red Wing", "Hopeful" and their 19 month old daughter Lydia a.k.a. " Hikelit". This couple were former Thru-hikers who met on the trail and got married.The hostel was once a residence of a doctor who enjoyed entertaining. Later the ATC purchased the property and offers this amazing hostel.Although we chose to tent outside, we were invited for dinner.A Ridge Runner named John was there and had purchased all the groceries that we would be enjoying this evening. There were several of us here tonight. Tented next to us was "Worm" & "Dirty Feet". They had some friends who met them and brought them pizzas. We really appreciated them sharing it with us. Later at dinner, before sitting down to feast, Redwing offered a prayer. It was good to hear someone give thanks, as there is so much to be thankful for. Despite denomination or belief, no one who has been out here could deny the presence of something greater than us. No matter what you want to call it, you will find it out here.With showers and laundry out of the way, we heard of a tavern nearby?It was a couple of miles away, and the directions were vague? As it turned out, it was only Sprite, Freckles & I who ventured out.Once on a road we came to a hiway, Where could it be? There was nothing around or even looked like anything would be?The second car I flagged down was a guy named Bob. He had a real sense of humor and after giving him a breif rundown of us and our delima, he was only to happy to help. He was just leaving his in-laws and heading back to D.C.We went down an unassuming road, he had heard of a place but wasn't sure?Before long, we rounded a curve and there like an oasis was this little country tavern. It was called the "Horse Shoe Curve" restaurant & tavern. Looking back at the road it was easy to see how it got it's name.When we walked up to the door the posted hours indicated that they were closed. Bummer! We came this far only to be shot down. Bob however, said step aside, I'll show you how it's done. And like that, he entered and spoke with the bartender Jimmie Haile. To our delight as well as our surprise, we were invited in. Bob stayed for a quick one, how could we ever thank him? He was a hell of a guy, I wish he could of stuck around. Besides us, there was a local named Frank who played his guitar and sang while sitting at the bar. Next to me was John Bluemont. He was a retired Navy Submariner who now sells margarita machines. You can check him out at VirginiaRitas@aol.com.Bob did a great job introducing us and getting things going before he left.Before long we were all like old friends. It was a great evening and much like a private party for us. I met the owner James Wink who was entertaining friends upstairs at his home. He was a retired CIA Agent and upon learning of my Special Forces background, he invited me into his office to share stories and memorabilia that he knew would be of interest to me. It was indeed a priviledge that made a lasting impression. It only added to an already terrific night, on a terrific journey. I learned that Oliver North lived right down the road. This was a secure areato be sure. This area also held confidential significance that isn't widely known. What a cool place, I hope I can return one day soon?Eventually, it was time to call it a night. John offered to drive us back to the gates of the Bears Den. Thanks a lot John, it was pleasure to meet you and to share stories.As we approached our tents, Thunder and lightning made it's presence and we were back just in time to be dry. Perfect timing, though I'm convinced the rain would have waited until no matter what time we arrived?Sleep came soon after.