Date: 2014-06-21
From: 1015 Campsite

To: Teahorse Hostel
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: broken clouds

It rained last night not hard just enough to get the tent wet. Up at 6:15. Not raining but the water from the trees kept thing wet. Packed up and headed out at 7:15. Worn my rain gear but quickly took off my jacket. Trail was minimally rocky but I made good time. Crossed the WVA border but no actually border sign. The 4 guys caught me at Loudon Heights then we descented on a rocky and steep trail to Route 340. Went under 340 to the sidewalk on the bridge. Told the guys about the river and the Staircase rapids. They stayed to take pictures while I headed up the trail. The trail climbs up from the bridge and comes out on the former Storer College campus. It is now mostly park service building. Storer was a black college until the mid 20th century.Arrived at ATC headquarters at 9:05. Got my picture take and received my NOBO number. I am the 703rd NOBO Thru hiker. Looked at the book to see who else has arrived. Just Terry arrived yesterday. No sign of Mighty Blue. Shellback arrived on 6/17, Bandana Bill on 6/16. White Spot and No Steps on 6/15 along with Draggin. EKG and Mad Dog was here on 6/14. Potato was 688 on 6/19 and Safety First on 6/17. Interesting where people are from where I am. Worked on the computer checking Email etc. Got 10 postcards of my ATC picture.Just Terry and his wife came in and we chatted. Then I headed up the street to the Teahorse Hostel. Checked in at noon. My friend Lee call to let me know she was on her way. Decide to do laundry today. Upstairs was the Hostel with 2 bathrooms, 2 bunkrooms - 1 for 4 (female) and 1 for 10 (male). There was also a small Kitchen with snacks and a large sitting area. Very neat and clean. Showered and finished my laundry while working on the computer. The computer had limited access since the owner or son would leave and the door would be locked. While on the computer checked ULA website to see if my new pack will hold my weight and it seems capable of it.Lee arrived at 1:30 and we drove down to the town area but had difficulty finding parking. It was cool with a slight breeze. Walked down the hill to Hannah's BBQ. I had mac and cheese, and 1/2 rack of ribs with beer. We then walked thru the historic town and to the overlook of the rivers. I stopped for a Gummi Bear mud wrestling sundae which was very good. We then headed back to hostel where I showed Lee some of my pictures. There was a gentleman there who originally started in Maine but decided it was too hard to continue so he jumped to Southern Pennsylvania. We discussed the trail in Maine specifically Kathadin. He said there was one section which is very rocky and there are hand holds and big boulders. He had started with another person who only wanted to go short distances. Plus he was falling and slipping a lot. Lee left at 6 so I headed down the street to check out the 2 restaurants - one for Pizza, one for Prime Rib. Also went to ATC to see who checked in and I realized I hadn't got my passport stamped. I could have waited a half hour for ride back to the hostel with one of the staff but decided not to do this. Decided on the Prime Rib at the Anvil. Got a small glass of beer and a good prime rib with potatoes. Unfortunately the service was poor.Got back to the hostel and call LouAnn then sorted clothes. Achilles came in and we visited. Then the 4 people from Mich. came in who are on a bike trip. We visited more and I ended in bed by 11.Nice day with a good visit from an old friend. Checked my weight and I'm down to 138 early and up to 142 at the end of the day. Still down 24 pounds.