Date: 2006-04-24
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: MacKenzie Residence
Miles today: 20.9

As I was perusing the shelter register last night, I noticed a series of entries concerning a bridge out up ahead. According to those before me, there was a well marked roadwalk around it, so I didn't think much of it when I set out this morning. The day began with a sequence of flat walks beside the creek followed by curiously steep ups and downs. I was really cruising though and soon found myself staring at the now non-existent bridge mentioned above. Evidently, I had missed the alledgedly well-marked road walk. It ended up beginning .2 from the shelter. I wasn't about to retrace my steps, so I figured I'd just ford it.I took off my shoes and socks and put on my crocs. The water was freezing, but fortunately there was a downed tree spanning the creek a few yards upstream. I leashed Freckles and headed into the water. He would have none of it. Short of physically dragging him through the current, which seemed unsafe to me, there was no getting him to cross. As I was assessing the options, Swift Creek and Small Wonder arrived. They had seen the sign, but said it sounded like this was still the official AT, and had opted to ford. While they were preparing themselves, I leashed the dog to a tree and made my first trip across with my pack. Thanks to that tree, I stayed fairly dry. Then I dropped my pack and retraced my steps. Small Wonder took her first tenuous steps into the water at this point, only to return quickly to shore, marveling at the frigidity. I picked Freckles up onto my shoulders and headed again into the stream. He handled it well, cosidering I had never carried him like that before, and with some struggle we made it safely ashore. Soon, all members of the team were on the north side, joined even by a few hikers who had road walked. Across the road, we found a cooler full of trail magic. It was just the thing tgo pass the time while we dried off.At this point, we began the climb to Wind Rock. It turned out to not be too bad, although more rocks slowed our pace. We took some time once we got there. It was a tremendous view and the wind for which it is named was a welcome addition to the warm mid-day sun. We snapped some photos and snacked on some food, then headed out. The next few miles were a peaceful ridgewalk and we made great time to the next shelter for lunch. The highlight of that shelter for me was an entry in the register from Treefingers. Evidently, Compass has pushed him too far. I won't go into details, but I found it extremely amusing. At this point, i needed to pick up the pace to make my 5:30pm rendezvous. I headed up the trail to White Rock, and i do mean up. Thankfully, I had looked at the Wingfoot guide, because the AT databook completelt conceals the climb. It exceeds 1800 feet in a mile and a half. And without switchbacks. It was rough, but we made it. I was determined to maintain 3mph, which we did, much to Freckles' chagrin. Before long I was relaxing at the shelter right before VA42, shooting the breeze with Red B and Restless. Not wanting to delay, I left after only a short break. The last few miles were easy, mostly downhill with a lot of farm walking. Freckles managed to pass through all obstacles with some help from me. I didn't have to carry him any more, despite the trail crossing several fences. At the road, we ran into Tank. He was clearly forlorn, and unsuccessfully hitching. His last few register entries had said he was feeling serious foot pain and was contemplating quitting. I advised him to be sure, ahving quit once myself. I also offered to ask Allen to take him down to US460. That would get him halfway to Pearisburg. Allen was accomodating, and we were soon on our way. After dropping off Tank, we headed for home. I hiker hobbled around Kroger for some supplies, and then went to Allen's for a shower, laundry, and delicious dinner.Prison Break was good as always. I was able to pretty much fill in the blanks for what I'd missed. Aside from journaling, I pretty much plan to watch TV and hit the sack. And phone my lovely Sarah of course. Two and a half more days to Troutville. I hear after we cross I-81 again, it's smooth sailing. But I've heard stuff like that before.