Date: 2013-07-23
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Hugh and Valerie's House
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

Day One hundred and Thirty Seven - (10.9)Morgan Stewart Shelter to Hugh and Valerie's House After we went to bed last night another hiker arrived with a red golden retriever so of course Melkie had to wake me up and let me know about it. This morning the dog came over to check us out as soon as we were up. He is an older dog and I can't believe he is doing the trail. Melkie was happy to have a friend while we packed up and soon we were hiking. The trail was beautiful! After three miles through the woods we came to a few streams, the water was too full of iron so I didn't drink any and would have to ration my water for the day. We crossed a railroad track and then came to a swampy area and then came out at the largest Oak tree on the Appalachian Trail, it's circumference is over twenty feet and it was huge! Next we hiked around a beautiful lake and Melkie was the only one smart enough to go for a swim. We were all in too much of a hurry because it was a town day! Next we hiked on a windy trail with multiple short ups and downs that totally tired me out but I knew we only had a few more miles left. We hiked up through some fields and I lagged behind and was on my own through the last few fields and another wooded area. I came out at what looked like a big marsh complete with a boardwalk and found everyone waiting for me on benches on the boardwalk. We all walked the last half mile through the marsh together and arrived at the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station together. After a quick picture we headed over to the garden centre next door where they allow hikers to camp on their yard and use the facilities. After talking to the owner and purchasing beverages, I found a spot to set up my hammock and then we headed into town! First stop, food! The laundromat was next door so we stopped and started a load before we ate and then went back later to put it I'm the dryer and use the free Internet to upload our journals. Next we bought groceries and then bought milkshakes before heading back to the garden centre. There was actually a hiking event taking place at the garden centre this afternoon the Wounded Warrior Hike had a presentation there and it was good to see a few of the hikers that I hadn't seen since Virginia. Out of the fourteen Warrior hikers that started only seven are left on the trail. Anyway after the presentation there was a party at a local farm, we wanted to go but weren't sure if we should just show up. Our dilemma was solved when Hugh and Valerie invited us and offered us a ride there and back. The funny thing is Two Socks wasn't happy with the idea of staying at the garden centre and had decided to hike on, now he was missing out on a party, food , beer and a night of fun. I can't wait to see him tomorrow an tell him about our night! Anyway on our way to the party Hugh tells us he thruhiked in 1976 and did it in 111 days! Wow! How cool is that! At the party we met a few locals and talked to the Wounded Warriors, we had a great time. Later after eating our fill Hugh and Valerie invited us to stay the night so we stopped back at the garden centre to pick up our gear and headed to their home. These people were total strangers a few hours ago and now we are staying the night. Right away we were offered drinks and shown where the shower and the towels and bathrobes could be found. When we were all cleaned up Hugh told us about his thruhike, it was so cool to compare our gear and hear about what his hike was like. It was after hiker midnight before we made it to our rooms for the night.Trouble