Date: 2014-05-25
From: Peters Mountain Shelter to Route 501

To: Route 501 to Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After another good night's rest in a real bed, I packed up my pack, refilled my food bag, and got a resupply box put together for a future mail drop. I took my sweet time though as I knew that my family would soon have to begin their long trek back to Georgia. We eventually got everything squared away, leaving me feeling confident that I hadn't forgotten anything too terribly important. We then went to the Midway Diner just a stone's throw away from the hotel for an early send-off lunch before making the final drive back to the trail head where we ended yesterday's hike. I put on my pack, grabbed my poles and walked with the family over to the trail. Finally the time came to say goodbye, but this time it wasn't just for two or three weeks as has been the case each time we've parted ways so far. Rather, this was the last time I'll see them until after I return from my thru hike. We hugged and said our I-love-yous before I turned to walk back into the woods. But my last "bye" gave away the tears that quickly followed as I realized just how much their continued support has meant to me. I would and could not have made it this far without them. And while I know they will be there for me from afar in Georgia, I will no longer be able to look forward to a return visit on the trail. I must complete the rest of my hike by myself, and that is both an exciting and daunting thought. I have a truly amazing family and am so grateful for the time and love that they've given me. As I began walking over the Pennsylvania rocks, I had to hurry up and wipe the tears from my eyes as stumbling down the trail is simply not a good idea. Before long, I ran into a day hiker who was utterly terrified to take another step down the trail as he'd just seen a rattler in the middle of the path. I slowly and carefully walked over that part of the trail, keeping my eyes peeled for the snake. I didn't see the little guy and tried to reassure the fellow hiker that he would probably make it to the other side unscathed. Eventually, he tiptoed past the section where he thought the snake was hiding and kept heading south. After more rocks and a couple of gorgeous views, I came upon another hiker stopped dead in his tracks. Two of his buddies had passed by another rattler without any issue. However, by the time the third hiker attempted to pass, the snake rattled his warning and coiled up tightly just a foot or so off of the trail. I asked him if he wanted me to go on ahead, and he promptly responded, "Be my guest!" I stopped to check out the little guy and take his picture before heading on down the trail. The rattler was a decent size but not nearly as large as the one Daddy and Bubba found yesterday. After the snake encounters of the early afternoon, I decided it was best to not listen to music in the event that I needed to hear a rattle warning of my own. But with 15 miles for the day and a late start, I had to keep moving. Without a few tunes to help pass the time, the last six miles seemed to stretch on forever. By the time I reached the turn off for the shelter, my feet were screaming from the abuse of the uneven terrain! Knowing the shelter was a full 0.3 off the trail, I opted to set up my tent at the first tent site I saw. I had to quickly cook my supper and scurry into the tent before I became their meal. And the rocks, heat, and bugs are only gonna become ever-more prevalent! Thankfully, I'm feeling mentally strong and rejuvenated, ready to tackle the remaining nine hundred and some odd miles I have standing between me and my goal.