5/18/06 Thursday: Campbell Shelter to Comfort Inn, Troutville, Va

Woke at my usual time, 0630 and out again by 0715. Didnt get too cold in the shelter, probably in the high 40s last night and low 50s upon waking this morning. I get some extra water for the day and head out for Tinker Cliffs with the hopes of some nice vistas...I was not disappointed.... I spent about 30 min taking pics of the vistas before moving on the the Lambert Meadow Shelter at 1000 for my first break. With no one there and no notes from anyone I know in the Journal there I quickly move on with Troutville and a hot shower and Jackie on my mind...not necessarily in that order...;) I had lots of nice views with plenty of ups and downs in elevation, but nothing too severe and by 1315 I found myself having completed the 15miles and on the road heading the .8miles to the Comfort Inn from the AT.

PICTURES:
1. A welcome site at 0630...The sun shining through the trees...Sign of a nice day ahead...
2. On my way to the cliffs from the shelter I came across one of many memorials along the trails edge... The natural beauty found here along the AT touches many of us deeply...and forever changes our perspective on life...
3. Approaching the cliffs the large boulders become more jumble and as you can see piled to form covered walkways...
4. View from Tinker cliffs of the valley below....
5. A look back at the multiple promeninces along what is known as Tinker Cliffs...
6. Descending from Tiner Cliffs you begin to appriciate the magnatude of this pile of rocks you were standing on...
7. A view of Troutville and an adjoining lake...