We walked along the ridge all morning. Had a nice snack break on Tinker Cliffs where we could look back at McAfee's Knob and the valley (photo). More walking as the temperature shot up. It must've gotten up to 90. There were lots of downhill miles, but there were many more uphills, too. More than expected. Sweaty sweaty day. But lots of wildlife. I saw a deer, a dozen chipmunks, three rabbits, a snake, a turtle, lots of butterflies, and the usual birds, bugs, and squirrels.
We had to make it down into Daleville by 4pm to meet Jeanne and Wendy again. Our trail angels were here to make life wonderful again!! We were all very excited, and it was Achilles' birthday.
The afternoon dragged out a lot longer than it felt like it should've. I was hiking with Left Field, and we could hear the highway. Bit we walked through what seemed like 18 different eco-systems before finally popping out along side the biggest and busiest road we've popped out on so far. To our right was Little Foot with a slushy. "Drink this." Ok! Then we went into the gas station store and each bought our own.
Jeanne and Wendy showed up 10 minutes later, then Xan and Neutron appeared out of the woods. The whole gang was here. And Wendy was gracious enough to offer to bring all the hikers back to her home!! It took two trips in the one car, but Xan, Neutron, Achilles, Little Foot, Left Field and I made ourselves at home at Wendy's lovely homestead. Showers and laundry and cold drinks and snacks! AND!! Wendy had been in touch with Achilles' parents via email, so his mom/dad/brothers had surprised us all by showing up for dinner all the way from Greensboro, NC. Achilles was floored and very happy. Everyone was happy.
Then foooood! So much delicious food!! Achilles' parents brought chicken and a huge fruit salad, and Jeanne/Wendy made slow-cooked lamb shoulder, ribs, salad and corn. So good. And so much! Hard to believe there was too much food when there were so many hikers in the house. Oh and dessert included chocolate birthday cake (of course) and FOUR flavors of ice cream. Heaven.
After dinner, Xan showed a bunch of his photos on the tv and we all laughed and chatted. Achilles' family had to take off to get back to NC, so we said our goodbyes. Then we chatted with wine until the ladies went to bed. I caught up with blogging while the boys watched a movie. I shall sleep like a champ in a bed in one of the guest rooms tonight!
(16.1)
-- Posted from the trail...
Location:Wendy's House in Salem, VA
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