Date: 2018-06-14
From: VA 624, Newport Road

To: Daleville, Virginia
Miles today: 25.7

Today was an awesome day start to finish. Much transpired today and I hope my entry properly articulates the day's events to you. Please take the time to read Rick's guest book entry from June 14.In order to meet my goal of reaching Daleville by the end of the day I'd need loads of energy and some luck. Energy from food and from my surroundings. To get things started a good breakfast was a must. For that I had a cheese danish, snickers bar, glazed donut and two cups of coffee. This would put most of you into a sugar coma. But for a hiker this would provide energy similar to a bottle rocket, fast but short lived. I moved quick the first six miles reaching the parking lot to McAfee's Knob very quickly. Along the way I met a hiker going southbound and he was wearing an Army t-shirt. We spoke for only a few minutes. His name was Tortoise and he cheerfully reminded me that today was the Army's 243rd birthday. Happy Birthday Army!I crossed the parking lot and clearly seen the posted sign on the trailhead indicating all dogs need to be on a leash. Normally not worth mentioning but you will soon see otherwise. In my rush to move like the wind I missed a turn on the trail. Not only until I hiked a half mile did I realize my mistake. I'd been following a fire service road. I doubled back as fast as I could. Now on the right trail, I met a young man interested in following me to McAfee's Knob. Over the next hour I learned much about him. His name is Lidin and he's originally from Texas but now lives in Virginia Beach. We talked about many things. He loves to follow soccer and travels every chance he can. For being only 24 he's got a solid head on his shoulders. I was impressed with his values and approach to life. He and his father are planning to attend a soccer game in Georgia in July. May your outting me memorable.While Lidin and I were climbing we came across Swedee Pie. But something wasn't right. He was heading toward us and had tears in his eyes. I thought to myself, wow...must be some magical views ahead. I had misread the tears. They were of sadness, or more appropriately, anger. Swedee Pie was bitten behind the knee by an unleashed dog while trying to refill his water from a stream. Instantly I was angered. As hikers we know the risks we must take to complete our journey. Being bit by a dog due to the owner's negligence should not be one of them. I tried to console Swedee Pie as he headed back to the parking lot in hopes of getting a ride to a doctor. I wish I could say it calmed him down, but I can't. Let's hope for the best and wish him a return to the trail. And shame on the hiker who allowed this to happen by not following park policy. Karma will find you.Upon reaching McAfee's Knob it lived up to the hype (see photos section). The views were magical and to experience them at the edge of the knob enhanced the experience. While Lidin and I awaited our turn to take photos, I spoke briefly with a father and daughter taking in the experience. They offered me chips and pretzels, I politely declined and told them I had a pocket full of snacks I was about to eat. It wasn't until the following morning I read that this gentleman signed my journal. Yes Rick, I remember you two clear as day and I did make Daleville and read your entry from the comfort of my hotel room. I wish you and your daughter the best and may you two have some wonderful adventures together. Thanks for being part of mine.Thirty minutes had passed and it was time to get moving so I bid farewell to Lidin. Best wishes my friend. I still had plenty of miles to go. Within an hour I caught up to Sky Diver. Ironically, the hiker I had the conversation with about the dangers of unleashed dogs. He already knew what happened. Although not witnessing the bite, he was at the shelter where it occurred. We hiked together for an hour or so and arrived at Tinker Cliffs in tandem. We took a short break to enjoy the views. I told him my plans and offered the second bed in my hotel room should he make it to town. Then I moved out in front of him and pushed as best I could.At about 5:00 I was low on water and there wasn't another source until just before Daleville. I decided I'd drink one-fourth of my remaining water every 30 minutes. I took my last drink about 6:40 and hit town at 7:01. Lucky for me the hotel was 50 yards away. I secured a room, showered and headed to Kroger for food. Sky Diver did make it to town just after 8:00 and took advantage of my offer.In closing, please remember that we have the ability to affect all those we interact with. Let's work together, make those positive, and create a better world for us all. Thanks to all those that sparked my energy allowing me to reach Daleville today. You are forever a part of this adventure. For book followers, mile 729.2 page 70.