Day 54 - Niday to Catawba General Store

Last night was one of the most severe thunderstorms I've ever experienced. The lightning was so bright it hurt my eyes. Dave kept turning on the headlamp to check that the tent seams weren't leaking. I was at an angle, and the combination of all the above factors led to a very restless night. 

Tough getting up in the morning. We didn't get out til 8:30, second to last ones of the group.

Very muggy as we began our first climb up Brushy Mountain. "Your ass is really mine," someone should have written about this baby. Got to the top and checked out the Audie Murphy memorial (most decorated WWII veteran).

Before we got to the first shelter, it started raining. Another tough climb over rocks leading up to Dragon's Tooth. Very long ridge walk to get there. Finally got to Dragon's Tooth around 3:30. The sky started to get dark again, then the thunder and lightning came. Quite a challenging and treacherous descent scrambling over wet rocks. Would have been difficult even without the rain.

Longshanks at Dragon's Tooth

Still had 8.4 miles to get to Catawba. They were long miles. My feet were swimming in my boots, my heat hurt, and my stomach was growling. Was walking very slow. Got close to the road, and there was a register. Murph, Stray Cat, and Ebb were headed for the Catawba General Store. That's where we were going, too.

Got a hitch pretty easily into town. They were already here and had made arrangements to sleep in the shed with the chicken feed. A roof, no wet tent! The store was still open! Turkey and cheese sandwich, pizza with everything, chips, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate milk! A bathroom nearby!

Ebb, Longshanks, Murph, and Stray Cat

We can resupply here and do 20 miles into Troutville tomorrow, where there is a Best Western, a bed, laundry, and free continental breakfast! Very content.