Date: 2014-09-13
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: US 220 Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4

I awoke to a new day and as I moved my sore knee I knew the 9.6 mile trek for the day was going to be a challenge. I cooked up some breakfast and stared out of the shelter into a drizzle and foggy day and still dark. The rain was going on all night and I knew I was in for a slippery day. I got my things packed up and made sure I had enough water for the day. When it was daylight I took off for my 9 hour trek to Daleville, VA. I had one trekking pole strapped to my backpack and the other in my left hand and the umbrella in my right hand. I went forth very slow for a half hour to get somewhat loosened up. The rain was just a drizzle and off and on there was a steady rain. I said Lord I do need some extra help today; I can stand the pain but I need strength today and encouragement somehow to get to Daleville and get some rest. My guidebook listed this for today: Lamberts Meadow Campsite, Saw Mill Run, Footbridge-stream then Blue blazed trail west to view. Then Angels Gap - would I see angels - maybe they can help me. Next was Powerline, Hay Rock-view, Powerline-view, Powerline, Powerline, Powerline-railroad tracks-bridge, and at last US 220-Daleville. I had easy walking mixed in with rock climbs, uphill/downhill and roots in the path. The rain and fog made for a somewhat dismal walk and there were no picture opportunities until about 1:00 PM when the sun came out. I was at the second powerline view and the trail went underneath one of those big transmission towers and I was at mile six and I needed a big break. The sun was slowly coming out behind the clouds and I was tired and wet. I set my backpack up as a wind break and propped it up with a trekking pole. I took off my shoes and curled up behind my backpack right on fist sized rocks and tried to sleep. I was laying there when some other hikers came by and as they went by a lady said of me and my position -- "isn't that cute?" Well, I have never considered myself cute in whatever position I am in. But so it goes. I took a 20 minute nap and headed out for more torment. I came to a powerline crossing at mile 8.2 and as I crossed over my guardian bird was chirping. It was the first time on this outing that I heard it. The birds were few and far between on this trip because of the hot weather. When I heard the bird chirping I said welcome back and I thank you for coming! This bird has been my friend since mile 151.7 which is Jacob's Ladder. This bird I have never seen but I hear it when there is trouble ahead or I need encouragement. I was thinking it may have left for good but there he was. I couldn't find him but he was chirping away happy to be back. I had 1.2 miles to the finish of 9.6 miles for the day and rest. My spirit soared and off I went. The bird followed me into the woods and then left. I got to US 220 and looked to my right .2 mile and there was my motel and rest. I got my room and filled the bathtub with hot water and soaked away some tiredness. My body couldn't handle the sudden change and I felt sick to my stomach and then I barfed three times and felt better. I took a nap and when I woke up I called Pizza Hut for a pizza. I had told my wife on Friday night it would take me at least nine hours to walk. I left Lamberts Meadow Shelter at 7:45 AM and got to the motel at 3:45 PM. Way to go Leopard you made it! I should have never tried to do the last 20 miles because it only made my knee worse. As the saying goes, we get old too soon and too late smart. The bird that's my companion has now been along for parts of 569 miles. Wow what a blessing. See related story in journal dated April 15, 2013.Thought for the day:A smile is cheer to you and meThe cost is nothing-it's given freeIt comforts the weary-gladdens the sadConsoles those in trouble-good or badTo rich and poor-beggar or thiefIt's free to all of any beliefA natural gesture of young and oldCheers on the faint-disarms the boldUnlike most blessings for which we prayIt's one thing we keep when we give it away.by Apples of Gold