Date: 2005-07-20
From: VA Rt. 220, Troutville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

First, a "postscript" to yesterday's journal entry. (This only happens after a very long day followed by a rushed entry so I can send it off before I depart civilization for another 4-5 days!) I forgot to mention a couple of cool things, like McAfee's Knob, Tinker Cliffs, and my encounter with a bear!I'll be brief so I can get on to today's entry. McAfee Knob is probably the most photographed spot on the entire trail. It has this great rock that just out into space, and a spot to the left where you can take super pictures that make it look like you are in a really dangerous place. I was hoping there would be other hikers around when I got there so they could take MY picture, but alas, it was not to be. I'll just have to return another day to capture my moment of hiking glory...Tinker Cliffs were next, and they were, if anything, even more impressive. I had a very special experience at one of the overlooks where I stopped for a rest break. As I stood admiring the views, a large bird - a turkey vulture, I think - swooped up from below and landed 10 feet from me. He was joined a few seconds later by a second one. I slowly got out my camera and got some very good shots, moving closer and closer with each one until they took off. It was cool!Later in the afternoon while I was taking a rest break, I heard a rustle in the leaves below the trail, downhill on a steep slope. My first thought was that it was another deer, numerous in these parts. Before I could shift my thoughts to other possibilities, the head and shoulders of a full-grown, adult bear emerged onto the trail not more than fifteen yards in front of me!I uttered an involuntary prayer of salvation (or words to that effect!), which alerted the bear to my presence. He looked at me, obviously as surprised to see me as I was to see him. Then, just as my life was to flash in front of me,he lurched in the opposite direction and skedaddled back down the hill. My experience with the other six bears I've encountered was virtually the same, only not quite so close. Yet, I was thrilled - as much by the chance to see one of these impressive creatures up close in the wilds as by the fact that he behaved "properly". It is sad, in a way, that something so much more powerful, physically, should automatically run when they see a human being, but I'm not sure how many of us would be out here if that weren't the case!Today was another great day on the trail, but once again the heat and humidity kicked my butt!The trail was generally good, but with more elevation gain today than yesterday. I made Wilson Creek shelter for lunch, and Bobblets Gap Shelter for the night. I'm alone here tonight, in my tent, wishing I had some hiker friends to share my experiences with. Oh well. One of these days, I'll start catching up to them again.The shelter here is nothing much, but the privy is like the Taj Mahal by comparison. A real work of art, or as one of the register entries noted, "The best d**m sh****r on the trail!" One of the few I've bothered to take pictures of....Altogether an uneventful day - at least compared with yesterday, but a successful one, and it's still great to be out here. Today's hike is dedicated to my wife and kids, who I miss more than they will ever know. Thanks, guys, for all your support.Stay tuned, Longhaul------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com