Date: 2005-05-16
From: Swift Run Gap Stealth site

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was filled with trail magic!As I said before I was planning on eating my way thru SNP. The first stop today was for lunch at Lewis Mountain Camp Ground, a 9.3 mile hike. I was the last one packed and got out about 25 minutes later then Buzz and 15 minutes after Doc. The trail was nice and flat so I was making good time. I kept thinking I was going to catch up with one or both of them but I didn¢t. I got to Pocosin Cabin and there was a couple there who had spent the night. I took a break and had some crackers and the rest of my Gatorade. The two said they were both in the Army and liked to hike so we shared some stores and I headed out for Lewis Campground. I got the Campground and was taking my pack off when Doc walked by. We all went to the store and had cokes, snacks and ice cream since they did not have a grill.Next stop was for dinner at the big Meadows Campgrounds. Again, there were more great views. There was one view of the Shenandoah Valley that was especially beautiful. I just stood there and took it in.On the way I passed an elderly man hiking with a wood pole. I asked how old he was and he said 76. We made some more small talk. He had dropped some of his family members off for Trail Days back in Damascus and was back here hiking because it was one of his favor hikes. What was surprising was he had thru hiked the trail three times. I think the last time he did it he would have been 64 or 65. His trail name was Walking Man. I got a picture of the both of us. Now for that trail magic: Remember that couple I said I saw at the shelter? As I was leaving the camp store they were walking in. I said hi again and they asked how would I feel about a steak dinner at their place. They even offered a shuttle back to the trail. I said something dumb like, ¢Are you kidding?¢ They said they were serious. I said I would really like to but I was hiking with two other people, but they offered the same for them.I went back to the store and asked Doc and Buzz if they wanted to come along for the dinner. They both had that same funny look I must have had when the couple asked me. I told the story to them and explained that we had to make the campgrounds by 6:00 to get picked up. That¢s all it took and off we went at a rather good clip. The chant as we walked along was ¢steak, steak, steak!¢. We made great time and were at the campgrounds at 4:00 PM. We got our clothes washed, took a shower and put on our camping best and were ready at 5:45.Bill showed up right on time and we were on our way. He has a small house in Luray, VA. It was an hour drive from the campgrounds due to the distance we had to go and the 35 speed limit. We reached his house after pleasant conversation.We were offered beer or wine to drink while dinner was grilled. Bill and Rhonda cooked bake potatoes, corn, portabello mushrooms, salad, and STEAK for us. They said to make sure and save room for apple pie and ice cream for dessert. Rhonda said she couldn't quite eat all hers and had some steak and potatoes left. Doc said he would gladly be the disposal and take care of it for her. There was still one steak left so Buzz and I split it. Bill then said he had some real Moonshine if anyone wanted to try an after dinner drink. Buzz and Doc had one and said it was really good, I opted not to. I am not a drinker and after one drink I would never have gotten the journal done. I was stuffed and said I was glad we remembered our manners and that no one licked their plate clean after we were done.To Bill and Rhonda: I can not thank you enough for the wonderful treat and the generosity and kindness you showed us for the evening. An act of trail magic like that lifted our sprits so much we felt we could hike for a week without stopping. It was a most enjoyable evening and a real special night in our adventure so far. We all hope you enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed being there with you. When you get to retire and go on your hike may you experience the kindness that you showed us and have the adventure of a life time like we are.Thanks again, and god bless.