Wednesday 6th August - Saturday 9th August At "Rusty's" Hard Time Hollow

'Rustys' or the 'Hard Time Hollow' as it has become known was to provide many stories, laughs and experiences. Situated on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rusty has opened up his 16 acre homestead to hikers for donations which go towards the running of the now infamous spot on the trail. On entering Rusty's we learn that Pirate is there, another trail legend with copious amounts of viking tattoos and a smoking pipe which we had not seen since our time in Damascus.

Below is the sweat lodge and a hot tub in the grounds which were again exactly what the aching limbs were calling for, although Charlie and Duffy's battle against the steam would not have been deemed medically safe.

Over 13,000 hikers have been at Rusty's and you can tell from the thousands of polaroids plastered over the surfaces, showing each hiker and trail name and then of the mayhem that occurred. Rusty cooks up some great trail meals ranging from blueberry pancakes in the morning to sloppy joes, made from venison meat, with the said deer being shot on his back lawn. The portions were a challenge, even for some of Englands finest.

Rusty amuses from the start with the walk down the drive, a huge number of signs occupy the trees on the left and right and you dont really know what you have got yourself into.

Unlimited soft drinks are offered at the Hollow but there is a rule, every empty can must be placed on a post where you attempt to hit it past a marker on the drive with a baseball bat to win a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Needless to say that Westy and Duffy embraced the challenge with a vigorous fury, each declaring their own technique and stance were far superior. About 80 cans later both were left dejected and beaten, saddened at the latest reminder of their lack of talent and ability.

Above the real Hot Shot himself Rusty, he didnt give an inch as he provided a masterclass.

Another talking point was to be woken up by Rusty via the medium of a blaring police siren in the very early hours. Westy, who had not been informed of this long running prank woke with a look of horror and confusion much to the amusement of all. The whole experience at Rustys seemed effortless and it is easy to see why once you have spent time with rusty who has a personality like no other. He regards hikers as his family and opens his doors like very few, this all culminates in a very enjoyable break from the trail. Most definitely one of the highlights so far!

The Smiles were out in force when Rusty enquired if we would like to shoot, as he cackled about the gun laws in Britain. So with Pirate operating the trap, clay pigeon shooting commenced with a box of shells running out as quickly as we could fire them. Then Rusty reached into his pocket and produced a magnum 357 to which we shot at old aresol cans, it was a first for all.

Competition during the shooting was stiff and the heckling was fierce, Charlie's earlier claims of being the 'Hot Shot Of Hertfordshire' seemed to have very little substance. Rusty and Pirate both laughed continuously at our rubbishness and exclaimed that we must all enjoy being vegetarians !