Out of Marion/Back to Trail

Got a break out of motel in Marion when Chris and Dave McKay out of Oh spotted me in lobby getting ready to call a cab to get us to art 16 to hitch back to Dickey’s gap. Chris asked if I was an AT hiker and after a short conversation she indicated she and her husband were headed to Grayson Highlands for a day hike. I asked for a ride up 16 which was on their way and they were gracious enough to make room for us. They delivered us back to the trail head we left at 8:55 and we started our 14 mi day to Partnership shelter. By 1:00 my knee was killing me and I was hobbling over the rocky trail. I made it to Partnership @ 3:45 and knew I couldn’t continue without a compression sleeve for my knee along with naproxen. When I arrived there was a 2014 thru- hiker who had stopped just to see if anyone needed anything and said he would gladly take me to Marion to get something for my knee. I gladly accepted the offer and we went to Wal-mart and got a compression sleeve for my knee. We also stopped and got a cheese steak sub to take back. I tried to pay for gas and his sub but he refused saying it was his way of paying back the kindness extended to him during his thru hike. He bought a case of Gatorade to leave for others. Thanx Trail angel Johnathan. You truly saved me. The trail does provide just when you need it most.

Big Country is at shelter and prepared a big fire. A big 350 lb. guy who has previously done the AT And is trying to lose weight by doing the AT again. He’s lost his tent poles and waiting til he can get them replaced before moving on. He asked we support him thru “hike for mental health” google it and if you can support him by picking Big Country from those hikers.

We did 7 mi. Next day to Chatfield and watched 7 others hikers in our bubble go by to Atkins. Rain & thunderstorms predicted, we stayed at Chatfield overnight and beat the rain into Atkins where we got a room for the night. Beat the rain and now headed to get a hiker burger at the Barn.

Will head out in morning and plan on 10-15 miles to either tent camp or make Knot-Maul shelter. That’s all for now. Next up-date should be around Bland but definitely Pearisburg (my hometown) where I will zero.

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Comments 5

  • Mike Kelly : Mar 31st

    Keep on trucking! Your giving me hope.

    Reply
  • Libby McCandless : Apr 1st

    So glad Jonathan was there when you needed him! You’re amazing Charlie! Keep up the great work!

    Love ya,
    Libby

    Reply
  • Cathy : Apr 2nd

    Thanks for the update…living vicariously over here!!

    Reply
  • Wes : Apr 3rd

    Will u get off in Bland? Should I try to hook you up with Cousin John Newberry? His office is beside a Subway.

    Reply
  • Ellen Ross : Apr 6th

    Thanks for the blog. Hope your knee feels better soon. Missed you in choir tonight!

    Reply

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