Date: 2008-04-21
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Well, it rained all night and was still doing so when we woke up at 6:45a. So, we woke up and began the normal routine of packing up, eating breakfast, and using the privy. By 7:50a, we were packed and heading down to the James River. When we got there, we crossed the longest on the AT. Much thanks to THE HAPPY FEET for their efforts in acquiring this bridge for the hikers!! Before crossing under the Lower Rocky Run Bridge, we saw a "figure" standing underneath. When we did cross under it, we realized that it was a flip-flopper who was waiting for the rest of her crew. They are the 100 ACRE WOODS crew. They are so named because their trail names are: TIGGER, ROO, POOH, etc. As we bid her farewell, the rest of her crew was dropped off and we began the long process of hitching into Glasgow! As usual, I took the first shift but was very unsuccesful for 15-20 minutes. Since Toddy Bear and Yeti were giggling at my failed efforts, I thought I would pass the reigns to Toddy Bear. Well, as luck would have it, the 3rd vehicle he saw pulled in to give us a ride. Our "drivers" were 2 guys that had a pickup truck. So, Toddy Bear and Yeti sat inside while I sat in the bed with our gear. When they dropped us off at the Post Office, Toddy Bear and Yeti told me about a funny incident which occurred in the cab. The two guys began sniffing the air, looked at T. Bear and Yeti, opened their windows and said, "Man, you boys stink!" That's the beauty of the hiker funk, eh?!?I then went in to retrieve my packages. To my surprise, all 3 were there. The best things I received were: My water filter, Candies from home, gifts from Briana and my food!!! After calling home, I walked over to the Dollar General Store to supplement my maildrop...Pa and Barbara are doing a good job with the maildrops, but they still need a little bit of help! In an effort to reduce some weight, I didn't buy as many snacks as I usually do...I hope I don't regret this decision!!! Well, since we had made our grocery lists last night, we had enough time to eat at the local restaurant. The food was pretty good. It was an AYCE Country Buffet. There weren't many items from which to choose, but the food they had was quality! As we were leaving town, Mother Nature thought it would be a good idea to rain, again, as we were trying to hitch back to the trail! Eventually, a very nice guy, with a pickup truck, pulled over and offered us a ride. The only stipulation is that he's got room for one in the cab and the others would have to sit on top of the truck box, which was on top of the bed's hardtop cover. Since I sat in the back on the way in, Toddy Bear and Yeti sat on the box. Thank the Lord that there was a slow truck infront of us or this fella would have driven much faster. So, to pass the time, he and I talked about his bear hunting trips, life in the country and then he dropped us off! The climb up to Johns Hollow Shelter wasn't that bad. While Toddy Bear used the privy, Yeti and I read the Appalachian Times and think that Dr. Small Pot/ Indian Summer is getting the VA Blues. We think this because his entry said, " I've got beer, cheese, and crackers, but no one with whom to share them!" After reading this, we all thought and concluded that he's right. With the exception of the AU Boys and Travis, we haven't seen another NOBO since we left Damascus! Also, we concluded that if we were to get separated, we would probably be "flying solo" for a very long time! Alright, we began our climb up Little Rocky Row and it was tough...steep, long, and not switchbacked much. Oh! we also had on rain gear because it was raining when we started but stopped soon after, which makes any climb awful! Then, we started the steep climb up Rocky Row...still in rain gear! When we got to Saltlog Gap, we decided it was time to shed the rain gear and chance getting wet as we climbed Bluff Mnt. Well, this climb was long, but not as bad as the first two. Near the summit, we saw the memorial to little Ottie, a four year old child who, in 1890, was sent by his school to collect wood and accidentally wondered up here and died. I thought the climbs were a bit tough, I couldn't begin to imagine what a 4 year old child must have thought. After taking some photos, we hustled on to the shelter because it had begun to rain again and I thought it smarter to forego wearing the skittle. When we arrived, I noticed another hiker in the shelter. His name is THE FOOT MACHINE and he is currently on his SOBO section of his flip-flop. I was really happy that I was able to use my water filter today, but not as happy as when I ate the Blue Raspberry RingPop Briana had sent me! Even though I ate dinner, I am still hungry. Well, we've got a 25 mile day planned for tomorrow and I'm still hungry. If I go to bed now, I might be able to control my hunger a little better. Oh! If I ever need to cut weight, I'm never gonna do it in my food bag. I would rather do without small luxuries, such as Crocs, than cut out my snacks!!!