Date: 2007-05-06
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep well last night. I woke up several times wishing I had set my tent up out in the rain. The closed cell foam pad I have doesn't provide enough padding to be comfortable in the shelter. Then there was a lot of snoring last night also.I was awake for quite a while in the morning. I was the first one to get up. I waited until it was light enough to see the mountains in the distance through one of the windows and the birds had started their morning chirping. It was probably a little after 6. When I opened the door, I saw a beautiful red horizon as the sun was about to come up. I grabbed my camera before going out. Rambo Ron had also seen the beautiful sky and came outside to watch the sunrise with me. This morning we could see about 50 miles. The previous night we could only see about 50 feet because we were in a cloud. After the sun had risen, I went back in the shelter. I had a Little Debbie Cheese Danish (450 calories!) for breakfast and packed up my gear. Several people were on the trail before me. I started hiking around 7:30. Some people were planning to go into Bland, VA (21 miles away) for a night at a hotel and resupply at the grocery store. Others were talking about hiking 24 miles to Helvey's Mill Shelter. I was pretty sure I wouldn't make it to either of these places, but just decided to see how things went today. My left shin was still sore, but it felt more like a dull pain instead of the sharp pains I had been having. I was able to hike at a faster pace and not have to concentrate on each and every step I made. I noticed more of the surroundings today. The past couple days had been spent in the clouds looking at the ground I was about to step on. The trees here now are covered with leaves. This provided some welcomed shade with the sun blazing through a clear blue sky. The trail is less remote now than it was in Georgia and North Carolina. On the early section of trail you would see for miles in all directions with no signs of development. Now when you look at the distant views you usually see farms or small communities. It is all beautiful.I just kept hiking today and reached US 52 near Bland around 6:30. I stopped along a gravel road to decide what to do next. As I reviewed my handbook, George Fisher walked by with his dog. He stopped and talked to me for a few minutes and offered to take me into Bland. His wife, Ginny, had the car and was taking 4 other hikers into town while he walked the dog. I declined the offer. I had decided to skip Bland and go to the next shelter 3 miles away. He gave me some directions on how the trail twisted through the local roads to a bridge that crossed I-77 and I was on my way. A little while later, George and Ginny pulled up in the car and offered me a cold drink. I took an orange soda. All the people on the trail and those who just come out to to see if they can help make this a wonderful journey.Tomorrow I will be hiking a half mile off the trail to Trent's Grocery Store to resupply and hopefully get a cooked meal there. They offer a shower and tent site for $6. I will have to see how I feel tomorrow. It is only 16 miles away and I may want to hike further after getting food. I have caught up to Bicycle Barb and Aussie tonight. Hartly Hound Dog and three other hikers are also here tonight.