What a great evening, such wonderful friends the Welles and Williams. Thanks folks for your kindness and thanks for having me as your guest! We're up early. Karen gives me a goodbye hug and she's off to work. Ron drives me back to the trailhead and I'm again southward bound on another glorious hiking day, filled with energy that comes not from the calories of nourishment but from the power of uplifting joy, from hearts plugged into hearts!

There's some tough climbing today but each climb leads to great overlooks, wild rock formations and grand ridgewalks. Mother Nature is making her fall show in muted shyness this year, a shroud over her normal gay apparel. The woods all about stand in subdued shades of russet and umber with only occasional bright flashes of orange, yellow, and crimson. The hills have turned to rust, but in the bright noonday sun there is a proud, silent-like mood. . .a celebration of greatness that brings to one who can see a feeling of everlasting peace. These ancient temples of time that thrust their glory to the sky are the most precious example of our maker's love and steadfastness. Fall is truly filled with magic. . .a spell cast over all.

I have Rawies Rest and Dragons Tooth to myself. Though I've an ETA at Craig Creek Valley there's time to tarry, time to take in these restful places. . .for these are special places. These are indeed the temples of the most-high. If you have not made your presence in their calming shadow, you should come. And the Audie Leon Murphy Memorial, on the high ground. Such a fitting memorial to the man who fought fearlessly for the high ground, and though wounded, prevailed time after time. . .our most decorated World War II hero. It's just a simple stone placed in the woods at the end of a seldom-sought path. Audie, you're my kind of hero. You stood up and fought for what this great nation was, hopefully still is. . .and forever will be!

I arrive at VA621 in good time and am soon greeted by my dear hiking friend from "Odyssey '98," Tulie Kaschub, and we're off to the bustle and dazzle of Roanoke. Just as we reach the drive, comes Scott and we share the magic of a joyful reunion. T-Bone became well known all up and down the trail in '98 for his talented and polished guitar style, but I never had the fun and enjoyment of hearing him play. So after a great white pizza (yes, white pizza!) at their favorite spot do I have the pleasure of hearing Scott and some members of a group he performs with rehearse later in the evening.

Folks along the sidewalk and along the way complain of the cerebral effect that Friday the 13th combined with a full moon is having on their hemispheres. . .but for me this has been an inspiring, spiritual day!

What is he carrying? Check Nimblewill's gear list.

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