Fast forward through a blur of rapid hiking, and then Neutron and I were at the intersection to go down to the Dutch Haus. Ten miles before 11am... boo yah. We called for the shuttle and waited for the rest of the kids. The only bad part about this free lunch at the Dutch Haus is that you have to hike a mile off the trail, and it's down a steep hill. But we did it. Then Earl came to pick us up and took us the next three miles to the BEAUTIFUL Dutch Haus B&B.
We got there and were welcomed to large platefulls of ziti pasta and sauce and bread and lemonade and cake. This is all offered free to hikers! They don't expect you to stay, but I bet many end up staying after they see the place and feast on lunch. Though a good deal, it was still $30, and camping in the woods is free. We will be in Waynesboro soon enough for showers and beds...
We hung out a bit and charged our phones and checked email. We watched the humming birds dive bomb each other on the front porch and tried to pet the cat as she meandered by. Little Foot took a cat nap on the porch. Around 3:30, we got a ride back to the trail head with Lois, our hostess, who was driving Loon to a massage appointment. (Apparently Loon gets a massage every time he stays with Lois and Earl.) After many thanks, we said goodbye and got back to hiking. The hike back up the non-AT hill was brutal. But once I got back on the AT, all was good again, even though it was more climbing.
Two hours later, Little Foot, Xan, Neutron and I were at the Priest shelter settling in with Paintbrush, Grizzly and Andy. They'd made a great fire and were very good company. Timon and Shane showed up later, and we all shared stories and Laughy Taffy jokes until it was bed time. Another chilly night. Should be a big miles day tomorrow.
Happy Birthday, Dad!!!!
(14.6)
-- Posted from the trail...
Location:The Priest shelter
2 comments:
When you mentioned Xan's fear of heights, it is in the genes. I have had that fear all my life and passed it on to Xan's Dad. So, we just don't go "up there".
Keep up the fun and some goodies will be on their way soon.
Marilyn
Greetings from ATL--Just curious if any of you need your warmer clothing sent back to you? How about Deep Woods OFF for the ticks? Carrie, thanks for the reminder about the less fanciful aspects of the trek. It's easy for us armchair walkers to romanticize about the good times you share. Jim and I send you all positive energy, continued excellent health, and all else needed to help your band of compadres walk on.
Annell
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