Date: 2004-05-22
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 705.22.047pmTwo more zeroes behind me. But, today I was able to walk pain-free for the first time since Monday. All the rain and wet coming out of Bland -- my shorts (and everything else) got soaked. Because they were so much heavier w/ the added water, they started falling off my hips. Course I don¢t carry a belt -- never had a need for one before. But, the crotch on the shorts fell to about mid-thigh. And rubbed. And rubbed. And rubbed. Rubbed me raw. So the next day was misery. Every step hurt. Wednesday I put on my other pair, since they were dry and much lighter material. They got bloody. So, by the time I got into Pearisburg, I was miserable and in agony. And wet, again, b/c of course it rained. I got a motel room at the Holiday Motor Lodge and examined the damage in a mirror. Pretty gruesome. But, two days of minimal movement and maximum air exposure (wandering around my room in my underwear), plus liberal applications of vaseline worked miracles. The raw spots have been reduced from dollar bill-sized to quarter-sized. It was rather disgusting this morning, peeling the dead skin away -- reminded me of papier mache paste. Yuck. Also tried out the pantyhose thing. Worked like a charm, after a layer of vaseline was applied. So, I finally escaped Pearisburg around noon, and walked normally, too.Last night, we must have been quite a sight, seven hikers strolling (hobbling) down Main Street to Darlene¢s restaurant. We each had our own gimpy stride -- Lonesome Dove¢s shin splints, Cuppa Joe¢s achilles, Cat Dog¢s sore legs, my chafing, Quest¢s ankle, Chicago Rob¢s town gait. I guess SaltLick was normal. But, we made a motley crew. After dinner, we hung out on the balcony, ate Boston Cr me Pie in celebration of Matte¢s b-day, and watched the lightning show. (There¢s thunder in the distance right now) It was amazing. Reddish-orange flares lighting up the sky, the darkness broken by stabs of lightning bolts attacking the ridges. The best part was -- knowing that¢s where we¢d be hiking the next several days. But, apparently it didn¢t rain, according to the accounts in the shelter register. Really short hiking day today, only 8 and change, but the climb was a killer (as usual, when departing a town). The real reason I stopped where I did, though, was the company. Met some terrific folks today -- finally encountered Close Call and Carter, after reading their register entries and hearing of them. Great couple, from Nova Scotia, Canadian flag patch on her pack. Also met Bunny and her husband (can¢t recall his name -- Holger). Matte and Havin¢ Fun, w/ canine Casey still truckin¢. They¢re a few miles back. It was just too appealing, getting to camp shortly after 5, sitting around chatting, leisurely setting up my tent. Plus, the added bonus of this being the last water for 10 miles. Oops, I lied, here comes Casey now. Little tent city here tonight. Fortunately there¢s room enough for all. No idea what tomorrow will bring. Just have to see how it goes. Movin¢ really slowly today, takin¢ it easy with lots of breaks. Hope the terrain isn¢t as tough tomorrow. The ups really take it out of you, especially in the muggy heat. Poison ivy fields today. Sure I rubbed against it numerous times. Have red splotches on my lower legs, but suspect it¢s due to heat rash more than anything. Kinda want to do big miles to catch Krispy, Sanguine, Lord Duke, Bear Tracks, Sox, and company. But a great crowd only a day or two behind as well. Not to mention my present company. So, rather than worry about who I¢ll encounter, I¢ll just enjoy the moment. Lots of cool sites up ahead, according to trail talk.