Sunday, May 31, 2009

Day 91

Weather:
Sunny and cool. no rain.

Today's Hike:
Big Meadows Campground to Birds Nest #3 Hut - 14.0 miles

Today was a day to lodge hop. Muster and I ate breakfast at Big Meadows Lodge then made our way to Skyland Lodge for lunch with the Georgia Girls. After stuffing ourselves once again and relaxing on the front lawn we made out way to Birds Nest Hut where we were greeted by a black bear at the campsite. I'm definitely not sleeping with my food tonight.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Day 90

Weather:
Partly Cloudy and cool, high around 65 degrees. Late evening thunderstorm.

Today's Hike:
Swift Run Gap to Big Meadows Campground - 17.1 miles

We reached the 900 mile mark this morning! Tonight we're tenting with Georgia's Girls at Big Meadows Campground.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Day 89

Weather:
Sunny and warm. Afternoon thunderstorms.

Today's Hike:
Loft Mtn. Campground to Swift Run Gap - 17.4 miles

At 8am we walked out of camp this morning and headed down to the camp store with Georgia's Girls for some real coffee and breakfast. After an hour and a half of chillin' in the morning sun we finally started heading down the trail.

This afternoon we got caught hiking in a thunderstorm for the first time. Despite having my rain jacket on, I was drenched, and my shoes were temporally converted to mini swimming pools for the next 8 miles. By the time I got to camp and took my shoes off my feet were stark white and pruned.

It should be a quiet night. We're tenting alone off the trail near Swift Run Gap. The wind is whipping but hopefully that means the storms we experienced earlier are pushing through.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Day 88

Weather:
Partly Cloudy with Isolated T-Storms.

Today’s Hike:
Camping (869.0) to Loft Mtn. Campground - 10.9 miles

Hiking the AT teaches you many things. For most people, the lessons that you take away are personal, but I believe that there are a few universal lessons that all hikers take away. One of these lessons is appreciation and recognition of the importance of life’s essentials and treats; one of these essentials is beverages. I call this beverage appreciation. Although this term could be applied to any consumable beverage, I have encountered three main beverages in which the term directly applies.

Water - We are 75% water, we can not live without consuming water, and water plays an essential role in cooking meals that keep our bodies nourished. Everyday my hike centers around water. How often do I pass water? How much water do I need to carry (water weighs 2lbs./liter)? Where should I eat lunch (do I need to cook)? Where do I camp tonight (I really don't want to lug 6 lbs. of water 5 miles to a campsite)?

In life’s rat race water is plain, it needs "flavor". There are few people that savor the crisp, cool, refreshness of water. Out here when it hot, muggy and humid and there's a ten mile stretch without water causing you to ration life's purist form of energy you savor every sip and treat it as if it were gold.

Coke - I can hear you now, "ugh! I love (diet) coke! I drink 2 liters a day!" To this I say sure, you think you love it, but I ask you, how mindful are you when you're drinking that coke? Are you watching T. V.? Are you taking a sip while staring at a computer? Are you having a conversation with your friends/family? Can you feel the slight fizzle of carbonation dancing on your tongue and feel your core temperature drop with every sip you take? Does your body fill with glee upon the mere site of a can of coke? Do you experience a moment of pure bliss upon taking that first sweet sip? I thought not. And unlike the outside world that can grab a coke when ever, AT thru-hikers get one about once every 10 days unless some wonderful Trail Angel has left a cooler along the trail jammed full of these 12oz. Cans of manufactured goodness. When I drink a coke I drink it mindfully.

Cold Beer - Ok, I’m not a beer drinker, but there is something about drinking an ice cold beer after a long hard hike. Your hot (no matter what the temperature is outside), your hydrated (from drinking real mountain spring water), but you still aren't fully relaxed. Your legs are cramping and your feet are twitching, then you round the corner and see that magic cooler that not only contains cokes, but the occasional six pack :) Or maybe your walking through SNP and pass a camp store that sells this wonderful, refreshing drink. How can you resist? You grab a can/bottle and pop the top. It says hello to you. You sit back a take a big savoring sip of this ice cold, slightly nutty tasting beverage and experience instant relaxation.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Day 87

Weather:
Cloudy & foggy till late afternoon.
Partly cloudy and windy throughout the evening.

Today's Hike:
Rockfish Gap to Camping (869.0) - 16.5 miles

When we woke up this morning in our cozy hotel room neither one of us were rushing to get back on the trail. I had a headache, and Muster hadn't slept well. She briefly suggested that we could stay another day if I thought I was getting sick. I told her I didn't need any encouragement. Two hours later we were packed and ready. We made a detour to the post office, and then headed for the trail. By 10:30am we had taken our first steps into Shenandoah National Park (SNP). For the next 104 miles we will be parallel to the Skyline Drive. Similar to the Smokies, SNP has a lot of backcountry regulations; however, we are not required to sleep in shelters. Therefore we're happy. The park also has waysides where we can by food like hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cokes, which we're really excited about.

Tonight we're camping with Georgia's Girls about 16.5 miles into the park. The sky looks like rain, We're hoping it passes over :)

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Day 86

Weather:
Rain throughout the day.

Today’s Hike:
Waynesboro, VA – 0.0 miles

When prepping for the AT it is inevitable that you will come across materials and forum conversations stating that Virginia is flat. As a result, you should be able to hike 20 miles/day easy. Approximately 540 miles of the AT traverses through Virginia, of which I have hiked 460 miles. At this point I can confidently state that saying "Virginia is flat" is as accurate as saying Martha Stewart is a model American Woman, George Bush is a great President, or O.J. Simpson is innocent, all of which of which is complete bologna. You don't hike 20 miles/day in Virginia because it's flat. You hike 20 miles/day because your previously typical lazy American self has climbed up and down 800 miles of rough, mountain terrain and is now in shape; allowing you to hike faster and farther then you could when you started. Virginia has had some of the steepest ascents and descents since I've started my Northbound hike. Make no mistake, Virginia is not flat!

Day 85

Weather:
Overcast. Afternoon thunderstorms.

Today's Hike:
Paul C. Wolfe Shelter to Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro, VA) - 5.0 miles

Day 84

Weather:
Overcast and humid. No rain.

Today's Hike:
Reeds Gap to Paul C. Wolfe Shelter - 14.1 miles

Lot's of people at the shelter tonight. Muster and I are tenting near the Georgia Girls and Early Bear. Angry Beaver, Prairiedog are in the shelter along with a few dozen others. Looking forward to Waynesboro tomorrow.

Day 83

Weather:
Sunny and Hot, no rain.

Today's Hike:
Tye River to Reeds Gap - 10.6 miles

When Georgia's Girls stayed at the Dutch Haus B&B in Montebello, one of the owners told them about a new brewery that had just opened up not far from Reeds Gap. The seeds of desire for cold beer and food were planted and soon thereafter there was a fieldtrip in the works. The eight of us (Prarie Dog, Angry Beaver, Georgia's Girls, Early Bear, & ourselves) hiked our butts off that morning and made our way down into the gap and to the brewery. When we arrived we were a bit intimidated by how nice the brewery looked from the outside, and here we were smelly and wearing nine days of unwashed grunge. As Muster walked up to the door the owner of the restaurant, Steve, came running over to meet us excited to see that thru-hikers were discovering his new place. I was stunned and relieved.

We were quickly seated and overwhelmed by the beer and food choices. Our server was amazing at helping us pick a beer that we should like, and she was spot on every time. There is definitely a beer for everyone here. If beer isn't your thing, they have a full liquor bar that serves up cool refreshing margarita's and fabulous sangria's! The food choices were amazing also, and there were plenty of vegetarian options, which has been a rarity on the trail. For lunch I had a veggie burger that was incredible! Steve came by to check on us about halfway through lunch, and stayed to chat with us awhile about our northward journey. After a few beers later we had an offer to camp in the field across from the restaurant and we were chillin' outside listening to the Dubsetters, an awesome reggae band.

Around 4:00pm we walk over to set up camp, then headed back over around 6:00pm for dinner. Dinner started off with a veggie plate and veggie nacho appetizer, courtesy of the management team. For dinner, I had a Portobello Philly; also amazing! For dessert I had warm, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream. The cookies practically melted in my mouth – have I said amazing yet?!!?

Friday, May 22, 2009

Day 82

Weather:
Hot! Hot! Hot!

Today's Hike:
Greasy Spring Rd. to Tye River - 15.5 miles

Muster and I saw our second bear this morning behind Seely-Woodworth Shelter at 9:45am. I actually got to see this one; I looked at it and it stared right back at me before scampering off into the woods. There weren't any mentions of bear issues in the shelters register so I guess it was just a lucky sighting for the both of us!

This afternoon was a killer. There was a 3,000 ft. descent from Priest Mtn. My knees were done! Upon walking off of the mountain I wish to never set foot on again I had a moment of bliss when Muster made me realize we had caught up with Geogia's Girls and Early Bear. Yippee!!!! So, we cut our 18.2 mile day to a 15.5 mile day to camp with them. Totally worth it.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Day 81

Weather:
Sunny, no rain.

Today's Hike:
Brown Mtn. Shelter to Greasy Spring Rd. - 12.0 miles

Although I awoke rested and in good spirits today - mentally ready to hike, Musters feet were only willing to take her so far. The plan had been to hike 17.2 miles to Spy Rock, but after a huge elevation climb (3,000 ft.) and an afternoon of constant ups and downs in the heat our her feet were done at mile 12. Not to mention her unpredictable stomach issues. She has been permanently banned from eating tuna fish and broccoli while on the trail. So, we've set up home early tonight, cooked a hardy meal of Spanish rice and cheese over the fire, and crawled into the tent by 7:45pm. Tonight I have a date with my book and maybe an earlier then usual bedtime.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Day 80

Weather:
Sunny and hot. No rain.

Today's Hike:
Johns Hollow Shelter to Brown Mtn. Creek Shelter - 18.3 miles

Man, this morning was a complete bear! It was all up hill - almost 9 miles!

Right now we're sitting at Punch Bowl Shelter trying to make lunch. Our stove has decided to stop working and Muster is currently trying to cook over a fire.......
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Today felt like one of those days that would never end. It took everything I had to keep my eyes open. That's what I get for drinking a Coke at 5pm last night, but how could I resist? Hopefully tonight I'll sleep well. We're tenting in front of Brown Mtn. Creek shelter, down by the creek alone. Very peaceful and quite.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Day 79

Weather:
Sunny & Cool.

Today's Hike:
Thunder Hill Mtn. to Johns Hollow Shelter - 16.3 miles

We had our first hitch hiking experience into Glasgow, VA today. I was a nervous wreck! The walk toward Glasgow was rather dangerous; there was little space on the road to walk or for cars to pull over. It took about 45 minutes to get picked up. We were both so worried about making it back to the trail before dark that we resupplied at the local Dollar General at record speed, grabbed some greasy grub at the local gas station and managed to hitch a rider out of town. It wasn't until we were back at the trailhead that we both breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Day 78

Weather:
Sunny, no rain

Today’s Hike:
Fork Mtn. to Thunder Hill Mtn. Shelter – 13.0 miles

Today was a little more slow going then usual. The terrain wasn’t unusually rough but I think we were both worn out from yesterday. Muster started complaining of a headache late this afternoon. I suggested that we stop short of our planned destination so she could rest. No sense on getting sick out here. She didn’t really respond, we just pressed forward until we reached Thunder Hill Shelter. Here we were greeted by John, a wonderful local retiree who was out giving trail magic – cooking breakfast for dinner! I ate platefuls of fresh cook pancakes and drank loads of Orange Juice. Delicious! After we were doe stuffing ourselves Muster decided she didn’t want to go any further for the day. We found an awesome campsite behind the shelter and set up for the night. Despite her headache, Muster has built us an awesome fire.

Day 77

Weather:
Rained.

Today’s Hike:
Wilson Creek Shelter to Fork Mtn. – 18.0 miles

What a long day, I’m exhausted! Muster and I are stealth camping alone this evening.

Day 76

Saturday, May 16, 2009
Day 76

Weather:
Humid, partly cloudy. Light evening rain showers.

Today's Hike:
Daleville, VA to Wilson Creek Shelter - 11.2 miles

Tenting tonight at the shelter with Glowworm. We have a nice fire going on and the thunder is rolling in. It's gonna be a wet night.

Day 75

Friday, May 15, 2009

Weather:
Overcast, no rain.

Today’s Hike:
Lambert’s Meadow Shelter to Daleville, VA – 9.1 miles

We reached Daleville by noon, and I had never been so excited to be in a town. I was in desperate need of a shower and a recharge that only a town visit could provide. However, we were dealt a temporary blow when we arrived and found out that it was Virginia Tech’s graduating weekend and there wasn’t a single available hotel room in town. WTF?!!? I was almost in tears and temporarily contemplated getting a ride 60 miles up the trail to a hostel just so I could shower. Muster, Glowworm, and myself made our way over to the local Mexican restaurant for a food recharge and a group evaluation of our options. I was trying to accept that my shower would have to wait when Glowworm pulled out his trail book and began calling off all the hotel names in town. We had called all of them except for the truck stop hotel which hadn’t been listed in our book. We called and they had rooms available. Score! I don’t think I’d ever been so happy (or will ever be so happy) to know that I had a room at a truck stop hotel.

After a hot shower and a phone call home I felt like a new person. Tomorrow will be a new hiking day, and I’m ready for it ☺

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Day 74

Weather:
Overcast. Evening rain.

Today's Hike:
Camping (695.8) to Lamberts Meadow Shelter - 13.2 miles

Today we hiked to McAffes Knob; the poster child of the AT, and the Tinker Cliffs. McAffe's Knob is a massive rock platform that juts out over Catabwa Valley. Muster and I relaxed on the rocks for about an hour then hiked the next 6 miles to the Tinker Cliffs. I mindlessly followed Muster as we neared the cliffs and neglected to pay attention to the blazes. Bad mistake. She left the trail and began trailblazing underneath the cliffs. It took aout 15 minutes of hiking in the wrong direction before I turned and went back. Needless to say I lead the way until we were on top of the cliffs. When we did get to the top, the cliffs were amazing! The hike across them was relatively flat and provided spectacular views of Catabwa Valley and a view back to McAffes Knob.

We are tenting tonight at Lamberts Meadow Shelter with Glowworm and a father/son section hiker team. Tomorrow we're going into Daleville for a resupply and our first shower in 9 days! I can smell crisp hotel sheets! Yippie!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Day 73

Weather:
Sunny & clear skies. Low around 50 degrees. High around 70 degrees.

Today's Hike:
Audie Murphy Monument to Camping (695.8). - 14.2 miles

Today was the start of hiking over one of three great scenic views along this section of trail; Dragons Tooth. Dragons Tooth is a lone rock monolith that stands 35-40 feet at it highest point. The hike to dragons tooth was fairly easy, however; the climb down from dragon's tooth required some rock climbing/mountaineering skills. There were sheer rock walls with rebar handles/stairs for the first mile down. Very cool.

After leaving Dragon's Tooth we headed to Catawba Grocery for a short-term resupply and some pizza. After a filling meal and a full pack we hiked a few miles north and found a camping site along the trail. About an hour later Glowworm joined us and we ended the evening with a cold beer and good conversation. Tomorrow is Mcaffe’s knob, the icon of the AT. I can’t wait!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Day 72

Weather:
Sunny. Low around 5 degrees, high around 70 degrees.

Today's Hike:
Laurel Creek Shelter to Audie Murphy Monument – 18.0 miles

Ah, there's nothing like getting your shoes wet first thing on a chilly morning :) When we forged our first large creek coming out of Pearisburg Saturday, I should havetaken that as a foreshadow of what was to come. Although that particular crossing remains the widest, we have since crossed at least 20 creeks and streams. I’m pretty sure they're all higher then normal due to the nine days of rain. Needless to say I haven’t had a single day of dry feet. Despite this, today was rather fabulous since it was sunny all day long! Not a cloud in the sky :)

Tonight we're tenting alone about a half a mile past Audie Murphy Monument. Someone is camping up next to the monument and my feet are done for the day so I didn’t hike up to see it. Guess I’ll save that for my next thru-hike ☺ I’m currently being held captive in my tent by the noseeums and other aggravating biting bugs outside. Guess that gives me a good excuse for an early lights out.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Day 71

Weather:
Rain in the morning

Today's Hike:
Bailey's Gap Shelter to Laurel Creek Shelter - 14.6 miles

I understand that weather forecasters gave a hard job; they are literally trying to predict the future. However, if you have no psychic abilities then predicting what's going to happen 24 hours from now and televising it to a large population of people should be illegal. It's like false advertising. What the weather person should do is stand next to a live radar picture with their mouth shut and just let the audience stare at it. We have just as much chance of understanding what the day will be like as they do. Needless to say our "clear skies for the next four days" forecast is wrong as of day 2 starting at 6am when I awoke to the pitter patter of tiny rain drops on the fly of the tent. This also means that I began my morning by bolting out of the tent like a racehorse to gather the clothes that had been hanging to dry. Although I have reached a point of being OK with whatever the weather does. What gets aggravating is hearing all the predictions (which of course tend to be better then reality) and never having any of them turn out right. I’d rather not be told anything and just deals with whatever comes. Its better to not have expectations.

After a drizzly, wet, and cold day the sun finally poked it's head out around 4pm. We stopped at War Spur Shelter to dry out the tent for about an hour the hiked 5.8 miles to Laurel Creek Shelter where we are tenting for the night. Following suit with the start of the day, a thunderstorm rolled in just as Muster finished cooking us a wonderful dinner of grilled bean burritos. Man, those weather reports are spot on aren't they!?!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Day 70

Weather:
Sunny. Low around 45, and high around 60 degrees.

Today's Hike:
Rice Field Shelter to Bailey's Gap Shelter-16.4 miles

It was chilly last night, the coldest night in several weeks. I believe it's somehow tied to Muster's karma. Every time she has sent a piece of winter gear home it's snowed. In Gatlinburg, TN she sent her down jacket home and then it snowed the next day. Then she sent half of her winter clothes home in Hot Springs, NC and it snowed. Yesterday in Pearisburg, VA Muster sent her winter sleeping bag home, and is now using her summer bag. Although it didn't snow (yet) it was really cold last night and this morning in comparison to the 60 degree muggy nights we've been having. I even wore my long johns until noon today.

Despite the cooler temperatures, today was absolutely beautiful - no rain! The forecast is predicting good weather for the next three days which is exciting. Hopefully we can get through to Dalesville, VA on Saturday without getting to wet (or cold)!

Tonight we're tenting at Bailey's Gap Shelter (which by the way I'd no where near a gap) with O.G., Hellbender, Leon and Halifax. We've been hiking with them for the past two days and I’m really enjoying new company, but at the same time I’m desperately missing all the girls (Packadiva's & Georgia's Girls).

I got a message from Tagless saying his surgery was a success. They both (Tagless & Tag Along) plan to be back on the trail on Monday, May 12th. I’m happy to hear the great news. Although we'll probably never cross paths out here again I’m wishing them both a safe, fun and successful journey to Katadhin and I’m missing them heaps!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Day 69

Weather:
Sunny, windy, & cool. Some light rain.

Today's Hike:
Angel's Rest to Rice Creek Shelter - 9.8 miles

Last night's evening thunderstorm continued till morning. Muster and I both woke up early and managed to get packed up in between rain spells. By 7:30am we were headed into Pearisburg for breakfast. We arrived at Hardee's by 9:30am where I promptly guzzled down some “real” fresh brewed coffee. After eating and talking with some of the locals who were enquiring about our journey, we made our way down to the Post Office where we picked up our mail drops and an unexpected belated Easter present from a friend :) It took us 2 hours to go through everything, get organized, and prepare a grocery list. Around noon we headed down to the Chinese buffet (which really wasn't that great), and then went next store to buy a few needed perishables. By 3:00pm we were headed back for the trail.

The climb out of Pearisburg was ridiculously steep (a definite rival to the climb out of NOC) and seemed to last forever! About four miles into our return to the trail we forged our first creek. Normally, the pass would probably have been a simple cross over the rocks, but the previous nine days of rain had turned the creek into a small raging river. We both took our shoes/socks off and successfully made it across without incident. Little did we know we would be crossing water five more times over the next few miles. Still, we managed to make it to camp with dry feet and get the tent set up before a light evening rain.

At the shelter we met a new group of guys: O. G., Hellbender, Leon & his dog.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Day 68

Weather:
Scary thunderstorms.

Today's Hike:
Wapiti Shelter to Angel's Rest - 13.6 miles

I am becoming a firm believer that blisters are a result of a bad shoe/sock combination. Since the beginning of the hike, I have worn smartwool socks and Keen hiking shoes and have zero feet problems. Today I wore some synthetic, bamboo, antifungal things and by mile 11 the bottoms of all my toes were rubbed raw. Ugh!

Muster and I are camping alone about .5 miles short on Angels rest. There's a scary thunderstorm outside.......I think I might die. God help me......at least don't throw a lightening bolt on me. I write this as I lay here counting the seconds between the bright red flashes of lightening and thunder crashes. Two seconds has been the shortest span. So far, I’m dry and I will continue to hope that it stays that way.

Tomorrow morning we are making a run into Pearisburg, VA to resupply. Looking forward to a real cup of coffee.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Day 67

Weather:
Rain on/off all day. Low around 55/60 degrees. High around 79 degrees.

Today's Hike:
Jenny's knob Shelter to Wapiti Shelter - 15.0 miles

Today was much easier then yesterday, at least for the first 10 or 11 miles, after which my feet hurt and I got crabby. The last 4 miles were a struggle, but I made it and got the tent up in between rain showers. Muster made us a wonderful dinner of grilled burritos and I finished mine off with a mint 3 musketeers bar which is becoming a new favorite. Now I have a date with a book (The Day After Tomorrow by Alan Folson).

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Day 66

Weather:
Rain. High around 70 degrees.

Today's Hike:
I-77 (Bland) to Jenny's Knob Shelter-12.1 miles

After a good breakfast it was time to load up the van and head back to the trail. After a detour at the post office, we were at the trailhead where we left off by noon. As soon as we hopped out of the van the rain started. Oh well; such is trail life. At least it wasn't thundering and lightening. We said our final good-byes to Timmy and headed down the road.

After a mile we started climbing and I could totally feel the effects of taking four days off the trail. Although my body had recouped, finding my rhythm again was difficult. I was struggling to get back into it. All I could think about was being dry, well fed, and in good company back at Mary's. Still, I knew I had to push forward, and that the more I hiked, the easier it would become.

What helped make the hike refreshing was the sight of all the green on trees and on the ground. What a difference four days makes! On Friday when Muster and I hiked out there were a few leaves coming in on some of the trees, and green patches of ground cover were sparse and sporadic. Today it appeared as if all of the trees had at least some foliage (enough to help block the rain), and the ground cover was a sea of green. It was official, our hike through a sleeping forest was over and our hike through the "green tunnel" was beginning.

I struggled into camp around 7pm and set up my tent in between rain showers. After eating a big bowl of warm pasta it was time to crawl out of the rain, into my tent, into my warm sleeping bag. Tomorrow will be easier after a good night sleep.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Day 62 - Day 65

Weather:
Rain, everyday

I have just spent 4 wonderful, relaxing days with Muster's family in West Virginia doing almost absolutely nothing but eating wonderful home cooked meals, fresh fruit, and fresh veggies, and spent time with Timmy, Bev, Mary, Doug, and Sheena.

On Monday we did take a field trip outside of the house when Timmy took us to the Coal Mining Exhibition in Beckley. It's one of the only places that you can take an interpreted ride under ground in an old coal mine; very interesting. The exhibition also houses old homes and a school house so we could see how coal miners and their families use to live.

We spent most of Tuesday getting ready to get back on the trail: getting food organized, getting a schedule together for the next two weeks, showering....over and over :), and mentally preparing to be hiking in rain for the next several days. It's been raining here and on the trail since Friday, and the forecast is predicting rain for another five days... Ugh! At least we missed four days of it.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Comment Option Fixed

Hi all ~

I've had a few of you let me know that the comment option for the blog wasn't working. It should be fixed now so comment away!

We are still hangin' in Beckley, WV with Cindi's family, but should be back on the trail Wednesday.

Pictures have been added to the Virginia (Southwest) album, check then out when you get a chance!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Day 61

Weather:
Warm and drizzly, high around 75 degrees.

Today's Hike:
Jenkins Shelter to I-77 - 11.9 miles

I woke up this morning at 7am and made a beeline for the privy before anyone else woke up. As I stood up the privy seat flew off and made a loud crash onto the forest floor. So much for being quite. All I could think about was that I actually had to touch that seat to put it back on; crap. On the upside I had a 360 degree view of a field of deer. Who gets that in the morning?

It's another milestone today. Today is the start of the third month on the trail. It's so hard to believe that I've been out here for 60 whole days! Springer feels like forever ago!!!! More so, the thought that I still have a least 3 full months to go is exciting and a little home sickening. I’m loving the adventure and making new friends, but I miss my pets (Jasmine and Grey-Grey) and I miss my friends back home dearly. I think of everyone often.

It's a town day for us. Muster's family lives in Beckley, WV which is 45 minutes from Bland. So, her uncle Timmy met us at the road crossing to pick us up. As usual, Muster reached the road crossing before me, and right as she stepped out into view, Timmy pulled up in his van. Talk about perfect timing! Instead of waiting for me, Timmy took Muster and Billy Hoot into town to grab some soda's and some chips. When they got back, they dropped the goodies off and were off again to pick up some pizza's for everyone making Timmy an official Trail Angel :) By 1pm we were drinking cokes, eating chips, fresh salad and pizza from Pizza Plus. It was delicious! As we sat around talking and waiting for Lil' Dipper and the Packadivas to come down, Timmy told us about the family home he wanted to build for all his brothers and sisters to retire at. As a result, Nutmeg tagged him as Homestead. So within 2 hours of being on the trail Timmy had become a Trail Angel and had received a trail name. We think is next step should be to strap on a pack and get on the trail!

So I’m off to spend a few days with Muster's family. I am currently not sure how long we'll be there. Muster's saying three days......I'll have to post an update when we come up with a plan.