Date: 2015-05-30
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Trout Creek campsite
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a goal of about 22 miles today. I set out almost first out of camp-everyone was damp because it rained well into the night. The people in the shelter were absolutely exalted because there were no snorers the night before. That's why I prefer my tent. I snore a little and I feel self conscious about it. Today would be a special day according to the AWOL. Lots of different terrain and things to see. I started out hiking with Slip and together we saw the Keffer Oak, largest Oak tree on the AT, over 300 years old. Unbeknownst to me, D.No and C.Shell had camped under this very tree the night before, along with Ghost Hiker and Just Dave, and were only a couple of miles ahead of me. We went over a few stiles and walked across a boggy pasture. It had some boards to walk on-otherwise we would have sank into calf deep water. Slip pointed out a beaver pond. I had never seen one and would not have known what it was if he had not told me. Those little critters are quite industrious. There was a barn on the right, beaver pond on the left, my clothes were starting to dry and it was turning out to be a fine fine day! Slip hikes fast and soon he was way ahead of me. I have stopped trying to keep up with people. I have to hike my own pace or I will be tired and miserable. I saw a sign and it told me that I was at the Eastern Continental Divide. A couple of young women, Weasly and Ann, came up and took my picture with the sign. We hiked on to Niday Shelter. I hung up my wet tent and cooked some tortellini. I'm loving these extended lunch breaks! The days are getting longer, so taking a nice break in the middle of the day helps rejuvenate tired feet and sometimes sagging spirits. I talked to Slip and Weasley and her cousin, Ann, who happens to attend the same school as my daughter. Hiking out from this shelter was beautiful. I was walking through the woods and a strong scent was in the air. At first I thought it was an air freshener or something. How wack is that? I have been so removed from the natural environment that when I smell the actual flower I think it is an air freshener. Anyway, it was jasmine or lavender, something sweet and strong. It brought back a memory I didn't even know I had of being in a room of an old lady I met 35 years ago who collected Avon bottles. I hiked for hours, and was getting pretty low on water. I was walking along when suddenly, on the top of a hill, I see D.No and C.Shell! They had pitched their tent. We were so happy to see each other! They looked great- like mountain man and woman. We chatted for a few minutes and made a plan to meet maybe the next day, but for sure in Troutville. I hiked down the mountain and came to the monument of Audie Murphy, the most decorated American Soldier of WW2. It was covered with stones placed by hikers, flags, and other memorabilia. I was moved to tears by this tribute. I, like most Americans, love our heros. My Dad is an American hero, but most people don't know about guys like him. Some heros don't wear uniforms.From there it was a short hike down to Trout Creek. I was informed that I just missed CHEESEBURGER trail magic! Dude- don't tell us about it if it's gone! A couple of ridge runners had told the hikers that the shelter a mile ahead (and my goal) had no water and not many tent sites. They said no water for 10 miles. I decided to camp at the stream since it was getting late. Clown Car hiked in and made the same decision based on the same info. I made my tortellini and read in my tent.Oh! Big Agnes is replacing my leaking air mattress! They are mailing the new one to Troutville! I am so happy. I have not been sleeping well and that will make a big difference.