Date: 2008-05-31
From: Matt's Creek shelter

To: Glasgow
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: broken clouds

As we walked out of the shelter area this morning, the creek beside the trail deepened and actual pools formed, lined in rock, deep and clear. Every hikers dream, but it was morning and we had supplies to fetch. Good to know such things exist.Our short hike took us beside the James River, and over the Foot bridge. The views of huge layered rock and the wide, calm river evoked history again for me, native people and deeply worn paths along the river, and the terrible tumult when settlers began the competition for this comely territory.When we clambored up the banking to the roadside, we looked in the first turn off for people leaving, no luck. Then we remembered hearing that the right hand turnout was best for hitching east, so we trucked over there. I immediately walked to the front and stuck my thumb out, and lo, a car pulled in. He turned out to be the same fellow who shuttled Tom last year, still working his magic today. Ken greeted us warmly, and helped us stow our packs in the trunk. In his back seat was a cooler with ice and PEPSI in it!!! I was astonished. I enjoyed that soda so much. He drove us right to town, showed us all the required spots. Including a small motel behind the family restaurant. We both wanted a shower so badly, we decided to get a room if there was one, and to hike our Sunday miles after a good night's sleep. Ken arranged to pick us up tomorrow morning, 8:30, and take us back to the trail. Yahoo!I blazed a path over to Dollar General: food plus a hard sided case for my reading glasses. I am on my third pair, with one lost and one broken.    Then I sat down with Jan to French toast, eggs and bacon prepared and served by grandsons of the owner. She was taking care of her mother who had had what appeared to be a stroke, and sat quietly in the front window of the restaurant.The rooms out back were in what was once a sturdily built brick building. My guess is that resources had been short, most revenue having to keep the restaurant up to code. So, our room was rugged. Hot and cold running water, drains that work, cot plus double bed, but AC that only blows air, TV with 2 stations, no phone, big cigarette burn in the bedspread, and dirty microwave and fridge.    Did I mention the smell? Febreze over hiker stank, a pretty rough combination. But here we are, walking distance to laundry, which I did an hour ago, and poised to start hiking first thing tomorrow. It looks to be building to rain soon, so I may be more appreciative of this spot in that case.      The owners are pleasant, the restaurant was good, and Lord knows, a good percentage of hikers would not bat an eye at these accomodations. Most of them are not female, particularly sensitive, or middle aged, and I think that has something to do with the lens through which I see things.    Another scorcher, it is damp indoors and out. Socks that have been through the wash and dry routine are doing their best to finish off on the windowsill. A few stragglers have been hand washed and are decorating the bathroom shower rod. Tomorrow looks to be a 15 miler if terrain allows, taking us near Pedlar River, our original plan. I'm awfully glad I won't get penalized by indulging in tonight's luxurious town stay, and that all miles will happen on time!Marcia JamrogAuntie Mame