Rocky Row Run Stealth Site(784.8) to Brown Mountain Creek Shelter(804.6) 19.8 Miles
I can't believe how fast today went by. I was out of camp a little before seven. I wanted to get an early start to try and beat the heat and humidity. The day started off with an awful climb. All the elevation I lost yesterday on the way to the river, was gained back with a little bit extra thrown on top. By 7:30, I was drenched in sweat. It has been a long time since I've had so much elevation gain and loss. I feel like I'm back in Georgia again. On the bright side I had some excellent views of the James River and surrounding mountains.
A few miles later I had to go up and over Bluff Mountain. My legs were pretty sore and tired after the last few days of long miles and drastic elevation change. I had to dig deep to make it to the top. As I neared the summit I came to the Ottie Cline Powell monument.
As I was catching my breath and filtering some water I heard someone behind me shout, "I think that's Yoda!" I turned around to see Cyborg and Stealth Bomber coming out of the woods. I haven't seen them since Damascus. They have been a day or two ahead of me for weeks. It was great to have finally caught up to them. We hiked together for most of the day, but they have gotten so much faster. I really struggled to keep up. The next two miles flew by. We finally stopped at a shelter to eat lunch and get more water. We swapped stories and trail rumors during lunch. It was nice to just catch up. After we finished eating we were getting ready to leave the shelter bee heard some loud voices nearby, but didn't think much of it. Just before we got back on the trail we saw, Putt Putt, Tumble, and another hiker just standing around something on the ground. The other hiker very proudly announced that he just killed a rattlesnake.
I have no love for rattlesnakes, but I wasn't too happy to hear this guy tell his story. The snake didn't strike at him, or even rattle. They could have walked around it safely. We are in their habitat, I feel we should show the creatures out here some respect. If the snake was in my house or garage, then yes I would probably kill it, but we are in their home. Not to mention that he put himself in more danger trying to kill it.
After that incident we began to put some miles behind us. After a little while I just couldn't keep up with Cyborg and Stealth Bomber. We made plans to meet at the 800 mile mark, which was rapidly approaching. I slowed down to a more comfortable pace and enjoyed the easier terrain. It started to rain a little bit, but nothing severe, just enough to cool me down and make the rocks slippery. Just before the 800 mile mark I came across a river with a cool suspension bridge over it. I'm always amazed by the footbridges and suspension bridges. Volunteers put a lot of money and work into building these for hikers to safely get across water. Thanks to all of the volunteer trail maintainers.
From the bridge I only had .4 miles to go. I was anxious to see what the 800 would look like. I think I forgot to mention that I had to make the 700 mile mark. It was in a high volume area, so I'm sure it gets destroyed often. It seems like the mile markers are usually sticks or stones. I tried using pine cones for 700, but quickly gave up. I could only find three pine cones.
The next four miles to the shelter were pretty easy. I put on my audiobook and just zoned out. My feet really start to ache after 16 miles. I'm pretty sure it's time for some new Superfeet insoles for my shoes, but I'd really like to wait until I get to Harpers Ferry. It is the symbolic halfway point of the trail and I'm only 230 miles away.
I'll being going into town first thing tomorrow for a short resupply. Since I have increased my daily mileage, it seems like I can never eat enough food. I'm pretty much always hungry now. I ate everything in my food bag during dinner tonight. I have never gone to town with nothing left. Hopefully I'll get a ride into town easily and can enjoy a nice big breakfast.
"I am convinced that material things can contribute a lot to making one's life pleasant, but, basically, if you do not have very good friends and relatives who matter to you, life will be really empty and sad and material things cease to be important." -David Rockefeller
You didn't say where you camped and who was around you as usual.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of altitude to gain after seeing James River in view. And, a beautiful view! The things you are seeing, your experiences and sharing with your readers, we thank you.
Have a good resupply and enjoy a big breakfast in town. We will have food for you when we meet up Wed. A bucket, water, trash bags for the car (for you to sit on) and car deodorizer!!
As your Uncle Tom says, happy trails.
Family, friends, your beliefs, are the reasons for a well lived life.LY
Your comment about bringing trash bags and car deodorizer cracked me up. Lol!
DeleteI forgot to say, job well done "800" miles. What can be accomplished by putting one foot in front of the other.☔️☀️😥🐍🐾⛺️It's a walk in the woods!!
ReplyDeleteYoda, hey.....it's great to be a Florida Gator! I know you were the soccer player and not sure you know but Gator girls made it to the Women's College softball World Series and will take on Michigan in a best out of 3 series. Nice!
ReplyDeleteI think you are an inspiration and really wish I could be as brave and as determined as you. Live it, love it, experience it. Don't ever give up. I agree with you about the snake situation. We need to be compassionate as they have their place here on this earth and as we walk in the woods especially, we are in their home.
One last comment here, I want to share with you a link for a small newspaper article about McGuyver, one of your fellow thru hikers. I met you both back in April along with 26 other thru hikers that day and you all are some of the best people I have ever met. Check it out.
http://www.mitchellnews.com/pages/full_story_free/push?article-Hiker+saves+wounded+dog%20&id=26630887&instance=top_stories
Thanks for catching me up on the Gator's softball team. I saw they won the championship. It's great to be a Florida Gator. Also thanks for sharing the story on Mcguyver. I haven't seen him since Erwin. It's good to know that he is still doing well
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ReplyDeleteGreat job! good work hiking this far! By the way, looks like you have lost a lot of weight! can you tell a difference?
ReplyDeleteMy weight is pretty close to the same as when I started, but I've lost at least 4 inches from my waist. My pants don't fit anymore
DeleteCongrats on 800 miles, Keep up the good work. Love your pics and the bridge those trail workers built. They surely are amazing people.
ReplyDeleteNice work- keep putting one foot in front of the other.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts on Rattle Snake....I totally agree that you are in his home and I hope Other Hiker can over come his fears and learn to be a better guest of the trail.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making it to 800! I can't believe you are already so close to half way. Have fun with your folks tomorrow.
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