May 20 mile 463

A very cold night for May. It was about 40 degrees this morning when we got up a little after 6AM. Made a cereal breakfast with dehydrated milk we bought in Hampton. I am liking this better than the grits or oatmeal. But I know we will continue to have a combination of these. Last night our fuel canister for our cooking pot ran out. An energy crisis, so it was good to have the cereal this morning. Cisco still had some alcohol fuel, so we still had our coffee. Have to have our morning cup- and we carry creamer too, powder kind of course.
Packed up and were hiking by 7:30, knowing we had about 15-16 miles to go to get to Damascus. The hike itself was not particularly noteworthy, other than we hiked for a great distance. This is twice what we were doing in the beginning. The terrain was easy compared with what we had been dealing with all along. Little ups and little downs. We have been ridge hiking for nearly 40 miles, and while it is relatively easy, there has been no view and you are in the long green tunnel. All the trees block views of the valleys below. The big news of the day was my continuing right knee ache problem. It hurt all day,and this is now three days of right knee pain. Made a decision to see a doctor or clinic when we get to Damascus. Also my left foot blisters were coming back. Don't understand that at all, but there they were at the end of the day, making it hard to walk, even without my boots. At about 2:45 PM we finally made it to Virginia! Wahoo-wah! I went to the University of Virginia and that's our school cheer. After being in NC and TN forever it was wonderful to be in a new state. But there is no welcoming sign. The only way you know is the sign that announces the Rogers National Forest. And then the hike into Virginia is very pleasant and level. A far cry from the welcome NC gave us with Bly Gap. We decided to stay in a nice B&B, rather than a hostel as we need the rest. Got a great place at the Apple Tree Inn, right on the main street, which is also the trail. They made a doctor's appointment for me, and are loaning their car to me for tomorrow to drive to the medical center -about 20+ miles away, very nice. Hope strongly that this
knee pain is temporary and part the same issue I have with my left knee- do not want this to be a hike ending injury! Had a great dinner and now it is very late for hikers-10:30 and time for bed.