Date: 2003-06-15
From: Tye River

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

It was with a very sad heart that I hiked away from the trailhead this afternoon, leaving Tracy, David and Max who were going to drive back to DC. I struggled up the first portion of the mountain through tears and short staggered breaths. I finally gained my composure and the hike became easier, my heart lighter. I don't know why it was so tough for me to see them go. I've had several excellent weeks on the trail, where I couldn't have imagined being anywhere else. But something about it struck my soul. Maybe, even, it may have been walking out in to the rain. i was so disappointed to hit the trail while it precipitated. But once I started hiking and I was saturated I realized that rain only sucks in the context of being dry. I've been out here in the rainiest May that Virginia has ever seen and it hasn't bothered me that much. Even just realizing that put me right again. I had planned to hike about 9 miles to the Maupin Field Shelter but when I got to Harper's Creek I just didn't feel like pushing on. I've decided to attempt a 22 miler tomorrow. That shouldn't be a problem, right? Actually, my strategy will be 12 miles before noon and 12 after 2. That gives me two hours for lunch and a nap mid-day. I hope the weather clears for the big day, but if it doesn't, I'll know I can push through. I'm just about to prepare yellow rice and salmon for dinner. I've talked to Trace (formerly Stryder) in to helping me because I know the portion will be too large for me alone. Speaking of sharing, Tracy gave me a whole bunch of brownies to pack in this afternoon - homeade with chocolate chips. Jimmy and Andrea and Trace were more than happy to help me eat them and they send mad props to Tracy for sending the magic their way. Tracy's arrival yesterday was just icing on the cake to a perfect day. I woke up early because I'm a hiker and that's just what we do. But because I knew breakfast wasn't being served for another two hours. I laid in that soft cushy bed at the Dutch Haus and stared off at the mountains until I drifted off to sleep again. After a hearty breakfast I gathered my items for a slackpack to the Tye River, where I would meet my sister at 3:30. Lois drove us to the trailhead and I hiked with Pakabear most of the day - sharing stories about being from the south, friendships and the outdoors. He was a pleasure to talk with for the 10 mile hike. We stopped for lunch at the overlook on the Priest. not only was it a perfectly clear afternoon but I'd packed in some magnificent lunchtime cuisine - yogurt, granola and poptarts. After the descent from the Priest, we crossed the footbridge of the Tye to where Brew's friends had brought beer and kabobs for a trail magic fiesta. Because Tracy hadn't yet arrived, I got to hang out for a while. I especially enjoyed sitting in a chair with a back. Though, after I moved from the chair to a rock, I pulled out my yellow TVA garbage bag and I think I left it behind.)When Tracy arrived, we drove to Crabtree Falls for a hike up. It was great. My nephew Max was leading the way up the trail and lovin every minute of being outdoors. How cool. I hope he continues to like camping and hiking as he grows older. After we reached the top of the falls and came back to the care, we drove to Montebello to pick up my pack. Then on to dinner at Edelweiss restaurant and another restful night in a bed.