Date: 2015-05-10
From: Fox Creek campsite, VA

To: Partnership Shelter, VA
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke to a beautiful morning beneath tall trees and the harmonies of songbirds. Assuming I was a good deal ahead of my group, I planned to take my time and shoot for Partnership Shelter, just over 21 miles away. I packed my gear, crossed a nearby road, and dropped my gear and was quickly in Fox Creek for a morning bath. You quickly learn that it doesn't take much out here to feel clean - running water being plenty. Screw soap and chick-smelling body wash; leave that for the weekend warriors. A quick wash using a bandana does wonders in lifting your spirits, plus you'll be sweating within an hour of hiking so it's rather poinless.Feeling refreshed I hit the trail and was heading up Chestnut Flats, topping put at 4,240ft. I was at the top in no time where I stopped to utilize 4G. After updating my journal and a few pictures from yesterday's great hike, I called my mom to wish her a happy Mother's Day. Always nice to hear her voice and encouragement. I then called another one of my biggest supporters, my sister-in-law and updated her on all things AT-related. It was a pleasure speaking with you, Ashley. Just as I was updating her on the fact that I was ahead of my friends and would most likely be meeting them tomorrow in Marion, VA, Rock Boat's head appeared over the crest of the hill just below me. With him thinking I was behind him and me thinking he was much farther behind me, we were both caught in yet another funny moment of how the AT works. He took the opportunity to call Mrs. Rock Boat and then we were both heading north together.Past Hurricane Mountain Shelter, a hoard of weekend warriors consisting of 5-6 young kids - perhaps future AT thru-hikers - and Comers Creek, we rolled into Dickey Gap just after 11:00am where we met a handful of thru-hikers relaxing in an area of shaded grass being spoiled by the parents of one of the hikers they were with. The hikers parents had driven down from New York City in order to see their son for Mother's Day. Not wanting to intrude, Rock Boat and I hung off to the side. Watching them snicker under the breath as they sipped their ice-chilled Coke's, I felt low as I twiddled with my empty platypus's. Ok, maybe it just felt like that in my mind, but Coke's have a way of making all of my pains and problems disappear as well as haunt me at the same time. They did offer of us some chips, though, which Rock Boat and I enjoyed a couple handfuls of. One of the thru-hikers was a Packers fan so we exchanged a few comments regarding the beast that is Eddie Lacy, the nemesis that is the 49ers, and how traveling to Lambeau is comparable to that of a religious experience.After ~45 minutes of putting off the miles that still needed to be covered, Rock Boat and I were back to it. A couple miles later we stopped by Trimpi Shelter, a very nice shelter with a great water source, the only negative being the climb it takes to return out of the steep valley to the AT. Here we met another new thru-hiker, Oliver. He has chosen to go by his actual name versus an alter ego because it's in fact himself who's attempting to hike from Georgia to Maine. A very respectable approach for sure. He is also one of the ~25 chosen hikers this season blogging for the Appalachian Trials website so feel free to follow him during his journey.From Trimpi Shelter it was 9.8 miles to our destination which Rock Boat and I would gradually conquer over the course of the afternoon. With both of us completing 45 miles in 2 days, and 60 miles in 3 days, our feet continued heading south as the blazes kept ushering us north. On a ridge line we stopped and spoke with 2 former thru-hikers from the '06 campaign who tipped us off regarding trail magic they had passed 2 miles ahead. Despite heavy legs and the sun continuing to beat down on us, we covered the next couple of miles just short of a jog. When we reached the dirt road, however, we realized the trail magic was no longer there - most likely due to the fact that not many hikers had been passing through. It was definitely a crushing blow to our spirits. I heard they had a cooler containing various sodas. Was Coke one of them? A mystery it shall forever remain.Four miles to go. We continued on, flip-flopping with Oliver along the way. It's easy to see after a day like today why Virginia claims a majority of thru-hikers. We climbed up and down many rolling hills stretching the length of long ridge lines, all without views. After 500+ miles of this, I can see it taking a toll on a hiker's moral. If you know any thru-hikers trekking through Virginia, be sure to show them your support. They will need it and use it. Two more miles to go. Rock Boat and I stop to rest on an old log next to a once-used fire pit. With water supply gone, a rest is all we'd get. We watched a colony of ants, some carrying objects much bigger than themselves, as they performed some type of interior remodeling - carrying debris from inside and dropping it off outside. You'll be surprised at the small things you find entertaining when you actually have the time to simply sit and watch life play out in front of you.One mile to go. Rock Boat kicks it up a gear and we crush the last mile moving at the quickest speed our legs would carry us. We rolled into Partnership Shelter at 5:30pm to an area covered in tents. There seemed to be more tents than people; we'd soon learn about half had gone into nearby Marion, VA to get food, alcohol, etc. to bring back to camp and enjoy. The shelter is unique in that it offers running water for a cold shower, and is situated a couple hundred yards behind the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area visitors center. With a short walk you can use an outdoor phone to call, among limitless options, a local Pizza Hut that will deliver. The only catch is that it must be a $50 minimum purchase for them to do so. Rock Boat and I could only round up Oliver who was willing to go in on food so, with only 3 people, we enjoyed a feast of individual large pizza's (deep dish supreme for me), a family sized order of bread sticks, and a 2 liter of soda for each of us. Coke wasn't an option so Pepsi would have to suffice.Our dinner finally arrived and we ate like kings on the steps leading up to the front doors of the visitors center. Pizzas were soon devoured, save a couple pieces each that we're saving for breakfast. With food babies onboard, we returned to the shelter to fins even more hikers appearing to have a solid foundation for a late night judging by some of their goods purchased in town. Wanting a good night's rest after another 20+ mile day, Rock Boat and I opted for another campsite less than a quarter mile up the trail. Even Oliver packed up his tent in order to relocate with us. Sitting on this ridge to ourselves, we can hear an occasional yell escape from the shelter below. We also have 4G access which is lacking down below, so I'll take it. A cool breeze blows overhead, hinting at a cool (comfortable) night ahead. The sky is clear and the stars are bright. Not much to complain about.The morning will bring a slow rise as Rock Boat and I only need to make our way back to the visitors center in order to catch a shuttle into Marion, VA. The plan is to take a zero (what originally would have been a nearo at best had we not covered the distance in the time we did) in order to resupply, do a round of laundry, get a decent bite to eat, and then hit the trail again Tuesday morning.That concludes this entry. Happy Mother's Day again, Mom, as well as to all the mom's out there who might be reading this.Also, Carol from MI, thank you for your kind words and support. I'm pumped to know you have been following along. What's your daughter's trail name? I wonder if I've crossed paths with her yet or not. Thanks for the support. Cheers.Here's to awesome mom's, the young man who stopped to see if Rock Boat and I needed a ride into town - the one time that we didn't - and food babies worth throwing a shower for.