May 11

Made it to Doc's knob shelter (621.6) after a thoroughly interesting day. Night was very restful but cold. Fell asleep to a conversation about amateur radio licenses and regulations. Kind of sounds like fun, maybe.

I knew the day was going to be interesting because of the way it started. Pedestrian was still asleep when I woke. Even after I cooked breakfast, he was still in his hammock sawing logs. When he did get up, we agreed to meet up at Woods Hole Hostel. It was about 20 miles, and he said before he wanted to at least see it.

Ok. I was off at a good clip, but a huge tree was down in the path. I asked politely for it to remove itself, but it was not to be. I gave it a little help with my axe. I think in the future if it needs to be cleared and I can help, I will.

After a job well done, sauntered my lumberjack feeling self down to Trent's grocery. It seems I had worked up quote the appetite - two klondike bars, four chicken strips, two chicken salad samiches, and some fries. Delicious and distracting. I still had like fifteen miles to go. I put on my music and started trapesing through the trees.

The views from the trail were good, but they were still hazy either from moisture or pollution. About five miles from the hostel, I started to get frustrated. Frustrated with my music. It felt like I'd heard it all many times before. Frustrated with the trail. The most recent parts of VA are not well maintained at all. I started to slip into the mood I was in coming out of the smokies - pissed off and contemptuous.

Arrived at the hostel while everyone was at the communal meal. This was a pet a goat, ride a horse, and kiss a plant type place. Signs about conservation and holistic healing service prices were everywhere. The place started to upset me. Don't get me wrong the people were super nice, but if you want me to pay 13 dollars for dinner, I better not have to make it or clear the table. Also, if I pay for a shower, I'm going to get clean even if it's over the five minute limit. Lastly, in don't tell the guide book that laundry is available if it's a scrub board and a roller wringer. Put something like manual wash.

Best part was meeting a very nice dog, Hazel, who reminded me of a dog I once knew and loved. She was a sweetie. After Amish ice cream, I was the heck out of there. Night hiked to the shelter and made someone think I was a bear.