Date: 2008-05-24
From: Catawba, VA

To: Lambert meadows campsite
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Late afternoon sun is streaming in on this mossy, woodland glade. A small creek curves along one side of the area, and the AT along the other. We are tucked between two hillsides, with the company of songbirds and the sound of water spilling over rocks.   We slept right at the Home Place last night, so when we woke to a clear and radiant sunrise, put ourselves together pretty promptly, and walked to the corner store for real coffee and a breakfast biscuit. It was then time to start the walk back up the highway. Although we have had little luck hitching rides to trailheads, Gumbi, a thru hiker we just met from Maine, nicely asked a fellow with a truck to consider taking her back to the trail. He agreed, and then he stopped and asked if we wanted a ride, too. Yes! We met Liberty in the truck, too, and had a nice chat before striking out for McAfee's Knob.   As I sat here with my back to the trail, I heard a ruckus in the woods, twigs snapping and leaves rustling. I thought new hikers were coming in, but when I looked, it was two young deer racing around like a couple of puppies. They tore across to the creek, leapt over it and circled around before coming back. Then they saw me and stopped, walked closer, stared and stared, then seemed torn by curiosity, before walking back uphill. I suspect we may see more of these fellows before our stay is over.   The trail wandered over some unusually aesthetic countryside today. The trail to the well known overlook and photo spot called McAfee's Knob followed a 3 mile curving path, graded nicely and burgeoning with flowers in bloom and leafy hardwoods accented by areas of serene pines. Very large rock outcroppings along the upper reaches gave a suggestion of things to come. The pines were short, strong and articulated like bonsai trees as the rock protrusions emerged underfoot.    We shot a few images of each other standing on the knob, then found a secondary ledge where we actually stretched out in the sun while having a snack.   Our days clip right along, and most of our breaks are brief, say, 10 to 15 minutes. But we leaned into this stellar opportunity to soak up sun on warm stone.      Several miles later we came upon some more major cliff like rocks, only they were integrated into the woods along the trail. We had lunch on one that had sun, breeze and dappled shade, a winning combination, no?    Stumpknocker caught up to us after his evening with friends, and chatted a bit before moving on. I appreciate his deep respect for the trail and the hiking experience.   Our next goal was Tinker Cliffs, which are similar huge, stratified rock outcroppings, this time forming a long cliff side above the verdant Virginia valleys below.    For those of you familiar with Maiden's Cliff in Camden, imagine half a mile of such formations and you've got the right idea. Blue skies and cool, dry breezes washed the experience in the most fetching possible light.   Now its after 8 pm, and Lambert's Meadow has become a tent village, with small groups of tents sprinkled across the moss. Off to the left I can hear a small guitar and some singing, around a wood fire some fellow hikers built. To the right, I hear laughter and soft chatter from a group of Old Dominion ATC members, out for the long weekend. A wood thrush is doing its best to bring the day to a close, exchanging flute like calls with a more distant bird.    Yesterday's hike over Dragon's Tooth tweaked an old knee weakness, the first time in over 700 miles. I put a knee band on for that afternoon, and it calmed down. I was happy to find that today's trail was most forgiving, and that the knee continues to improve. I am still a little stuffed up from a cold, but otherwise feeling fine.    Tomorrow, maybe a chance to get the mat repaired or replaced, as my attempts are not working. We are planning to resupply in Daleville, staying just the night and then hiking out the next day. Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame------------------------------Have a spare PocketMa