Date: 2009-05-09
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion, VA Virginia House Motor Inn
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

We had the most amazing storm last night. I awakened to a lightening display like I can not remember seeing before. Flash after flash, after flash continuously for a long time. I could not hear the thunder though, although the storm was right overhead, because the hail and heavy, hard rain bouncing off the aluminum shelter roof made so much noise that you could not even hear it. Come to find out there were also tornados in the area and when I arrived in Marion there was evidence of strong wind around the town. Many trees were down across the trail and along the trail. I could tell it was recent because there was not a trail worn around the obstructions. I enjoyed seeing and hearing the storm and kept thinking that the front of the shelter was the screen of a big screen television. It was dark inside the shelter and a very stormy movie was playing on the screen. The opening framed the storm nicely. Not all of us enjoyed it though, as some were quite bothered by the intensity of the storm. I have always liked hearing rain on the roof.I was moving very slowly this morning and just couldn't quite get my act together. Loaded items out of order in the pack, stuff like that. Maybe I was trying to delay putting on the wet shoes and socks. On they went though and the left foot tried to warn the right foot what was coming in the hopes that one of them could escape. I got both feet corraled and eventually got on my way at 8:10, two hours after getting up and getting started. I loaded a lot of moleskin onto my toes in the hopes of delaying the pain. I was really hobbeling over the rocky areas. All in all the terrain was forgiving and the days hike was completed in a pain manageable fashion.I did the 10 miles and was at the Partnership Shelter at 12:20. This shelter actually has a hot shower and a telephone which many use to call for pizza delivery. The road is only a couple hundred yards from the shelter and a lot of pizzas are delivered daily during hiking season. I skipped the shelter and went right to the road and got a ride immediately. I wanted to get out of my shoes and was hoping there was a chriropractor in Marion that could help me with the headaches I have had since the car accident. I thought it was Friday and that I might be able to get a late visit to the doctor. Surprise, it is Saturday and all were closed (all as in both). My ride dropped me off at the Virginia House Motor Inn on the north side of town with many hiker necessary services in short walking distance.I checked in and went to look after my feet which I was almost afraid to look at. Got the socks off and I was surprised at how well the moleskin had held. Not perfect, but better than the past two days. A little dryer on the trail and tried to hit the water spots with my left foot to preserve the bandages on the right foot. Most of the skin not actually nailed down to the skin next to it came off with the moleskin so there was still plenty of doctoring to do.Went for food and lo and behold there was an ABC Store right next door. A liquor store that actually had hard stuff, you know, just in case company showed up and wanted a drink.I had trouble staying awake this afternoon, and no, I had not opened the bottle of whiskey yet. I just seem to let down hard when I get to town. I don't like to sleep during the day because I then sometimes have trouble sleeping at night.I called Grey Squirrel to let her know where I was and went to bed early. Yes I did open the bottle once back at the room for the night.See you on the trail.Nice Lenses