Day 17 Friday May 1. On the trail again

I had a fabulous time with my daughter in law, Carla, who picked me up in Damascus and took me to her friend’s house who lived near the trail. (I wish I could show you the pictures- please see my fb page!) The house was a Sears and Robuck home built by her grandparents. The property was deeded to her family during the homestead act, before this nation was a country- back in the 1600s. Carla’s friend is a very talented quilter. We had a lovely evening with great food and conversation. I slept in a bed that was like sleeping on clouds. It was wonderful.

Friday, May 1, Carla, dropped me off just before noon at Dickey’s Gap, about 6 miles from her friend’s house. On her property one can see the ridge that the AT is on. As I hiked up higher, I could look down in the valley and see the pastures and farmlands.

I was only hiking 4 miles for the day, but I got off trail. I missed the turn and went probably a quarter of a mile down the mountain. I caught my mistake after the path began to narrow. I had to climb back up the mountain. I did see my first pink rhododendron flowers blooming though. Once back on trail, I got to Trimpi shelter about 3:45pm.

This is Virginia! My first shelter experience in this state. It was a nice shelter with several flat places for tents. It had a bear box for our food. There was a bear box, a close spring and a privy! Best camping arrangements yet on this trip.

I talked to several hikers coming in that I had met at lady Di’s – Rabbit, Iris and Rerun. I also met Legend, Twinkletoes, and Duck. The place is full now. 6 in the shelter and probably 12 tents.

I’m in my tent. It’s supposed to get cool tonight but not as cold as they predicted. 44 degrees is cool enough! I went over my plan for tomorrow. I’ve got myself going over 12 miles tomorrow. What was I thinking? I’m going to shoot for Partnership shelter. It’s 10 miles away. We will see how it goes!

Ps. Shaggy is here! My hiker buddy that was at the Abington shelter that had the big storm. He’s staying at the Partnership shelter too. Always nice to know someone. The AT adventure continues!