Date: 2014-05-28
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: HoJo Express Daleville
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 6:30 to try and get an early start. Breakfast of bananas and muffing. Ready to go at 7 but called for car rental info and hotel reservation in Daleville. Ended up leaving at 7:45. Headed down the hill to the trail and missed the trail entering the woods. Had to backtrack. Trail started in the woods then entered pastures with various fence stiles. Met up and hiked with Beer Hunter. He thru hiked in 2011 and is back on the trail today after going home for 2 weeks. He is hiking with a friend from England who is finishing thru hike this year from Springer to Harpers Ferry.Trail climbed up but was smooth so we made good time to Johns Hollow Shelter arriving there at 10:15. Got Water and left 20 mins later. Got to Catawba Mt. shelter at 11:20 where Beer Hunter was going to breakfast and wait for his friend.Started the climb to McAkee Knob. Encounter many day hikers as well as bridges over the rocks. Figured the climb wasn't that hard if elementary school children climb to the Knob. Got to the Knob which was crowded with thru hikers, day hikers, and school kids.   Awesome views of the valleys. The descent down was rocky on the ridgeline. Got to Campbell Shelter to get water but the source was not a good one. Had lunch of tuna sandwiches and left at 2:15. Actually am making good time today. The trail went along the ridgeline but was not rocky. Made it to Tinker Cliffs at 3. There were many slack packers from the 4 Pines hostel. The trail runs 1/2 mile along the rocks with great views.Decided at that point to continue to Daleville instead of staying at Lambert Meadow. This would make for a 26 mile day but I had water and felt good. Just hoped the trail was not too rocky.Arrived at Lambert Meadows at 3:55 Got Water, had a snack and headed out. If the trail is not too difficult should arrive at 7:30. Thinking of ribs, slaw and sweet tea from 3 little pigs.Trail became rocky so pace slowed down. Did have some great vistas of the valley and lake below and of Roanoke. Wasn't paying attention and tripped falling forward heading my head on a rock. Got up dusted off and headed onward.Trail started the flat smooth steep descent. Crossed the bridges, railroad tracks and a second bridge. Arrived at Route 220 and realized I missed the trail. I was supposed to be on the right of the HO JO Express and it was on my left. Backtracked to find the trail which then went thru heavy woods and eventually arrived at 220 again. Also saw the trail to the north.Decided to check in first then get dinner. Arrived at 8:30, got my room which was up the hill. Headed for 3 Little Pigs BBQ for take out. Called home to check on the status there, which has improved. Past other hikers returning from dinner.Order 1/2 slab of ribs, 2 slaw, brunswick stew, fries, banana pudding and 1/2 gallon of Sweet tea. Got back to the room. Ate the stew, fries, 1/2 the ribs and 1 slaw. Then relaxed and looked at my schedule for the next week.A long hot (80s) day but very satisfing.   Will decide if I'm out of here tomorrow or stay one day. Passed the 700 mile mark today early and am now up to 724