Dragons Tooth

Tough climb up "Dragons Tooth" yesterday. 1400 foot mt. appeared to be gradual climb on the profile map but it was a different story once I started the climb. Hiking straight up a narrow ridge across huge boulders and thru tight squeezes. Up and down we trudged. We've been hiking with Lost n Found, The Conversation, Chopper, and there two dogs. Eloise, an Australian Shepard and Lucy, a sweet pit bull. The dogs had trouble in some spots and needed a little help. Making our way to the summit there were many views from rocky outcroppings. The culminating 60 foot rock spires on top were amazing. Blue, Saber and I risked our lives climbing to the point of dragons tooth but it was well worth the view. The climb down was no easier, rock scrambling down 2 1/2 miles. We came to a road crossing late in the afternoon and decided to walk a 1/2 mile to a country store for a couple beers to enjoy at camp. As we exited the store our spirits were crushed. Thunder and lighting had moved in. As a steady rain began to fall the helpful store clerk informed us about the bad weather moving in and a cheap hostel just down the road. Joe Mitchell, owner of Four Pines Hostel, pulled up to the store as a heavy rain began to fall. 8 hikers and 2 dogs piled in the back of his truck when hail began to fall. We were pelted with rain and dime sized hail as we curved down the winding back roads of Va. Most of us were laughing uncontrollably despite the pain. Sabertooth got the worst of it. He was leaned against the back tailgate looking forward. Using his hands as a shield he tried in vain to block the hail. We were all smiling and laughing as we piled into the hostel.

No day out here is ever the same. We never thought our day would end at an Alpaca farm drinking fine beer and grilling hotdogs.