Date: 2007-07-30
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 14.5

Chief and I got up really early in order to get to the trail. His cabin is about 45 to 75 minutes away from the trail, so we left the house at 7. We stopped at Jerry's Cabin for breakfast and I ordered the Hungry Man's platter which included 2 bicuits with gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, and then I got a side of hashbrowns and a sweet tea. It was too much food. The biscuits and gravy were just too heavy. But it was a hardy breakfast and I am sure that I will have plenty of energy for today's hike. We went into the gift store at the Mount Rogers Headquarters and I made a purchase or two. I wish that I had taken a picture of the stuffed bear in the shop as it looked very similar to the one that came into the shelter with me in the Shenandoahs. Actually, it ws better looking. I also didn't get a picture of Partnership shelter either. Guess I'll have to revisit the place. We stopped in at the shelter which is really nice - a double decker with a hot shower and a sink, although for some reason the hot in the hot shower is turned off right now. We met three young guys doing a section hike from here to Damascus. Their finish date is Thursday so I imagine this is the only day I will see them. Two of them are cousins, all from the midwest, Indiana and Ohio. Their names are Jeremy, Jason, and Joe. Jason is a dairy farmer and has interesting stories to tell. I let them hike ahead of me so that I don't have to eat spider webs or worry about them catching up to me if I need to stop for a pee break.Today's hike is pretty uneventful, but so nice to just have a day pack. The trail is very smooth, some rocks, but nothing extreme and so flat. I pass the three guys just before the South fork of the Holston River as they stopped to eat. Chief was waiting for me at the road with a soda and fruit. The fellas finally show up and we share some fruit with them. The next section of the hike goes through some cow pastures and I play with the cows a bit telling them jokes and what not. Also in one of the pastures is an abandoned school bus. Why? Who knows, but it's a photo op moment. I pop into Trimpi Shelter to check out the privy just as the fellas are leaving. We chat a bit about the trail, how easy it is and how nice the weather is - well I think it is nice. They are dying due to the humidity, so unlike home they say. From here on the trail signs with mileage markers don't match my Wingfoot guide and I get a little frustrated. But I finally make it to Dickey Gap and Chief has trail magic'ed the boys with sodas and we chat a bit more and relax on the tailgate of Chief's truck. The boys hike on another two miles, and Chief and I head back to the cabin. I must say that I felt like a true trail Superstar today due to Chief meeting me at every road crossing with a cold drink and a warm smile. I could get spoiled by this kind of treatment. We ordered pizza for dinner and drank beer and watched hiking videos. I got to talk to mom and dad and also Leslie, my friend from work. I can't believe my journey is drawing to a close. But I can believe that I have stayed up way too late tonight. Thank goodness I have a wonderfully soft bed to sleep in!