Date: 2003-05-08
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA624 
Miles today: 6.0

It rained last night, which kept me awake until about 11pm, wondering if everything in my tent would stay dry. It did, and I eventually gave up on thinking if I kept checking on things they'd stay dry, and just left the duty to the trusty tent. This morning, the rain was gone, and amazingly, there were NO snails crawling on my tent! (Do snails CRAWL?) It was nice to pack up in fairly dry weather, even though my tent was wet. Sleeping in tents, Hotdog and I were ready to go at 8am, and we reached the AT from the shelter shortly after 8.We knew a little about what lie ahead, as far as the trail went, but not having a map for the section made it more of a guessing game...not that the maps are always right, and sometimes not even close to true trail elevation! We also knew we had 6 miles to go to reach a grocery store and restaurant. That was a very strong thought on my mind today. Mostly, I was thinking of a cold soda! Then I wondered how I was going to walk the next 10 miles for the day after pigging out. Oh well..worry about that later.The trail was up and down, sometimes rather steep. Once again, my lower right leg bothered me, worse on downhills, not as bad on uphills. I'm becoming more convinced it's a muscle pull or strain, which is nagging for sure, but not too severe. Hotdog and I played leapfrog with Loadrunner and Apricot for most of the first six miles today. I'd seen them many times before, but never knew their names, so made sure I found out today. They hike faster than I do, but when the took breaks I could catch up. Then take a break too. They are brother and sister, and always seem very nice. Today was the first day I've talked to them more than just saying Hello, and enjoyed it. Hopefully I'll see more of them along the way.The big attraction for this morning was Dragon's Tooth. I had no clue what it is, and by the time we got there, I honestly didn't much care. I'd had some fantastic views of the valley and neighboring mountains from the ridges, and when I reached the blue-blazed trail to Dragon's Tooth and saw it went downhill, I decided not to go. I was getting worn out already from the ups and downs, and climbing over and around rocks, and didn't want to expend the energy, or the time.The trail going down after Dragon's Tooth was quite challenging! I came to what appeared to be sheer drops off rock cliffs, finally noticing a white blaze on one of the rocks, and had to scramble, fall in control, slide on my butt, and take giant steps of faith to get down some of them. There were horizontal rocks with ledges just wide enough for my feet that I had to manage. In some places, there were metal handles imbedded in the rocks to help out as handles and footholds. It was fun, but tiring.Finally, the trail turned back into more of a walk than a scramble or slide, and I was, once again, thinking about cold drinks! For the first time today, I noticed the rhododendrons blooming. They are going to be beautiful! And it's a sure sign of spring. I'd been noticing how the mountains are becoming greener from the base, creeping to the top.My thoughts of spring were interrupted when Hotdog said "Whoa!" I looked ahead and saw a cooler and stool along the trail. I looked around for the owner, thinking he/she was doing some trail maintenance. When we got closer we saw what it really meant--Trail Magic!! The cooler was full of soda, Gatorade, YooHoo, water! A tupperware container contained sandwiches, homemade peanut butter bars, Honey Buns, and other snacks. And there was a register to sign too! Thank you SO much, Southpaw!! I was about out of water, and Aricot had just run out. I was hot, tired and sore, and you gave me a place to rest!I really liked the note that said "You are here" with an arrow pointing to a drawing of a cooler next to a tree! I'm not sure if it was meant to or not, but it made me think that I should concentrate on where I am more, not so much where I've been or where I'm going. Maybe that is just my mind, trying to be philosophical. Whatever the reason, the rest stop was definitely appreciated!That lifted my spirits and made the hike to the store seem like a piece of cake. Or maybe it was that the distance was only 1/2 mile. Either way, I was glad to reach Catawba Grocery. The guide said "B/L/D" which I took to mean Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, but it must've meant Buddy/Larry/Dave because I saw no grill, or cooking area. I only saw three guys standing behind or near the counter. I was disappointed, but happy to have a cold soda! Mmm mmm good!I needed to make a call to a friend in Roanoke, who was expecting to pick me up in Daleville tomorrow afternoon, after 26 more miles (Ugh!). Bev's husband, Vinny answered, and knew who I was. I told him where I was, and he was familiar with the store. He asked if I wanted him to pick me up today. Aaahhh! Now THAT is a great idea! I was hurting, and didn't like the way I'd been pushing to make Daleville, and the Post Office by Friday. I just wasn't the way I want to hike the AT.   conferred with Hotdog, called Vinny back, and he said he'd be by to pick us up in about a half hour. I felt relieved, and could feel the tension leaving me. I'd prefer to have the opportunity to sit at a wonderful view for an hour if I choose, or stop at noon if I felt tired, but since leaving Pearisburg, I thought I needed to push. That was not a good feeling. I hope I don't get that stupid idea again!Vinny picked us up, dropped Hotdog off at a hotel, and took me to his house. He said Bev would be mad that he brought me over since she wasn't expecting me until tomorrow, and hadn't had time to clean, nevermind sleep! (She works nights.) Despite my inconvenient early arrival, they have been nothing by fantastic hosts! I showered, did laundry, had dinner, checked email, and am nestled in a big comfy bed. I don't expect this kind of treatment, but when it's offered, I'd be crazy to turn it down. Thank you so much, Bev and Vinny! They've offered space to Hotdog tomorrow night, and another night if we choose to take Saturday off as well. What great people!They say they are more than happy to do this for someone on such a grand adventure, but I wouldn't be out here without support from people like them. It is awesome to have all of the support, not only from family, but from friends like these, and from strangers, like Southpaw, who go out of their way and spend their time bringing a little joy to what is sometimes a tough day. Today, I needed it. And I got it.