Date: 2013-05-31
From: VA Route 311

To: US 220/Daleville
Miles today: 19.8

"I've learned that it is impossible to accomplish anything without the help of other people.      Age 82"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn".   Age 92From: "Live, Learn and Pass It On"   Boy are those folks wise, and what a day I had to see all that wisdom in action. We got walking around eight something and made tracks to McAfee Knob. The trail is heavily used by people hiking to this very scenic and much photographed spot. It is breathtaking and only three others were there when we arrived mid-morning. We took photos and enjoyed the stunning vistas.      I could have sat there for hours. A hawk flew by on a thermal, then another, then four, five and finally eight. Wow, they were magnificent against the rocks and valley below. We enjoyed the sunny morning and finally moved on. What a place.    I'd been feeling a little hungry, and wanted to eat before the next climb to the scenic Tinker Cliffs. RS was ahead and wanted to stop atop the cliffs, so I just ate a Kind bar out of my pocket and pressed on uphill. It was clear that this was a bad decision for me pretty quickly as I felt drained and the climb was a struggle.       The trail blazes are confusing at the Cliffs and it's easy to go below them and miss the cliff walk. I didn't see RS, so hollered for him. I just wanted to stop and eat. No answer, but Sole Sister was behind me and called out. I backtracked and we found the high route where we enjoyed views back to McAfee Knob and had a clear picture of the ridge line we'd hiked for many miles. It was all amazing, but I was exhausted. No sign of Redspecs, so we hiked on, calling his name.    We found him further down the trail, bushwhacking a bit with two other hikers who'd made the same error I did but hadn't backed up. Finally we found a place to sit and eat, but I was already completely bonked. I ate a lot, but knew that my lack of pep was really due to inadequate food yesterday and the prior 12 days of hiking without a break. This was the last hike before a zero day, but 20 miles is still 20 miles.    That's where you all come in. Ever since I began this hike, I've been supported by my immediate and extended family, friends from all over and people whom I've met along the way. It's a group effort, truly, as I think about everyone so often.            Folks like Larry, Ms. Vicki and Mileback, Hattie and Mr. Fred, Wiggy and Maggie, Miss Janet, Shepherd, Pam, Neville and Michael, Joe Mitchell, Alex, The Captain, Survivor Dave and so many others. Wonderful readers whom I've come to know, especially Julie H, Patrick P, Jim F, Ken B, Mark E, Ron E, PrayerWalker, Trail Weaver, Jackie, Cheryl and many more. And unforgettable hiking friends like Jolly, Obie, Dreamer, Captain Dan, Camel and Alfalfa and Redspecs. I'm so delighted that you enjoy my thoughts about this hike, and I'm here to tell you that your support has been so appreciated and important to me. Today, more than any other, the last miles were simply a mental challenge. And every nice thought, prayer sent and atta girl comment were on my mind as I willed myself the rest of the way to town.    We stopped at a shelter for water and RS and I just laid down to rest. He was very tired also. I could have stayed for hours but nine miles remained and time was passing. I was so thankful that Alex had made it possible to walk without my full pack. All I had to do was get up and walk. OK, so just do it.    I pressed on and on. The miles seemed to go slowly but we made progress. At last we came to power lines three miles from town. A nice hiker named Mash caught up and we chatted for the last stretch, making the time go by more easily. Then, I caught sight of Sole Sister's bright blue shirt at a bridge crossing ahead. I thought she was long gone. Nope, she was sitting at the bridge with the amazing and thoughtful Alex, who hiked in the last half mile with a bag of cold beer and Gatorade for all of us. Well, life is a blast and beer never tasted as good. Thank you, thank you, thank you.       Wow, I am here to say if this isn't a team effort, then I've missed the boat. Thank you all--you are as important a part of my hike as the steps I take each day. And I just keep learning what a gift each day is, and how the kindness of others through friendship is a tangible thing that's integral to my successful AT journey. It's all good when you can count on so many friends.Tie Dye