Date: 2003-06-24
From: Catawba Mtn Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: few clouds

Well, today Charlie completed what is fondly known an Virginia's Triple Crown! He did Dragons Tooth, a high rocky climb, a couple of days ago and today our hike took us to the other two high points.   The day started immeditely with a 1.3 mile cimb to McAfee Knob. This is a famous rock escarpment that is on the cover of many AT books. It juts out over space and when you sit on the edge, it looks like you are flying! It was beautiful, of course, but it was also extra special cause it is one of those places that I have dreamed about for years. I have always been able to see myself in my minds-eye standing up there, living my dream of a thru hike. Well, I was finally here! And sharing it with Bumpkin and Charlie made it even more special!   After a leisurely lunch on the Knob, we headed out for the 6 mile hike to the last destination in the Triple Crown...Tinkers Cliffs. We walked all afternoon along the ridgeline, and the hike was really nice. The only problem was that it was geting increasingly difficult! At one point, Charlie pointed way off in the distance and said, "See those cliffs way up there....is that where we are going?".   I said with all of the authority of a seasoned AT hiker, "No....that is a huge climb,...we are only going up 900 feet". Meanwhile, we continued to go up....and up..and up. I thought we would never make it up there! When we finally got to thecliffs, Charlie said, "You know those cliffs we saw way up there....I think we are there!". I had to laugh and agree with him! Tinker Cliffs are a series of cliffs and huge rocks that overlook the valley. The AT goes right along the edge for half a mile, and the views are fabulous! It was really something special, and again, I was extra glad that Charlie got to see it!   For the last mile of our hike, we met up with Bumpkin and we all went down off the ridge to the campsite. That had to be the longest mile we have all ever walked! We were all three seriously dragging! It was a hard day!!! We kept each other distracted with descriptions of our favorite movies and most embarassing moments til finally the shelter came into view.    We agreed to make dinner there and then move on to the campsite.The water source, of course, was a long walk down and Charlie offered to go get us all water! You cannot know what a gesture this is!!! When you get to the shelter, you are so tired, and so hungry! Unfortunatly, one of the dreaded camp chores that must be done before anything else is going for water! We are all responsible for our own water, and to have someone get it for you is a serious treat!! He is the best!   Well, we finally made it to the campsite, and after some hilarity involving hanging the bearbag, we all settled in for the night. It is the three of us and Pirate, and we are tented next to a gurgling stream. The birds are singing and the sun is going down. It sure does feel good!No matter how hard my day goes, when I am finally in my tent, fed, and dry, I always feel a sense of accomplishment. Tonight, I feel that accomplishment along with the happiness that comes with sharing all of this with my brother. This is great!Love, Anna aka Mud Butt------------------------------Local access to PocketMail mobilee-mail now available in Europe, NorthAmerica & Australia http://www.pocketmail.com