Date: 2018-11-07
From: Kimberling Creek

To: Near Bland, VA
Miles today: 20.0

The inside of my rain fly was dripping when I woke. I think it was the dew. When I got out of my tent I shined the headlamp towards the trail to see if anyone came in and camped overnight. Two pairs of eyes reflected the light. Right away I knew they were deer so I did my cougar hiss and they ran. On the trail right at 6 a.m. The trail climbed through some pines then followed old roads. When daylight arrived I could see the excellent construction I was following. The whole day was on well constructed trails and on old roads. It was the best hiking day. The weather was beautiful and the sun sent its warmth. At 9:18 I stopped at Jenny Knob Shelter. I used my bear rope to make a clothesline then hung my tent, rain fly, and ground cloth up to dry. I made hot chocolate that Heartrock had sent me. I packed up and was back on the trail at 9:58. All day the sound of my feet crunching the leaves was basically the only sound. Around 11:30 I crossed VA 611. At that point I now have less than 600 miles to go. A while later I saw two guys going Nobo. They would be the only hikers I'd see all day. The trail was remarkable. Even on the ridges it was good hiking. Sometimes the trail followed old roads for miles right up on the ridge. The trail dropped to Kimberling Creek, the same creek I crossed on the suspension bridge yesterday, but at this point it was just a small stream. I got two liters of water then continued. The trail followed Kimberling Road crossing over I-77. It then followed US 52 before quickly turning onto Wyrick Road. As I ascended the one lane dirt road a black SUV came down. Beside it was a running barking dog that stopped and began barking at me. As the SUV passed I saw a wave but they were holding a baby up against the driver's window which was weird. Perhaps it was so the baby could watch the running dog. The dog kept barking at me as I protected myself with my trekking poles. Then I had enough. I did my cougar hiss as I charged the dog and it took off running. As I began going up the hill the SUV stopped at the bottom of the road. Then a big fat black lab came running down the road with its tongue flapping all over as if he heard the dinner bell. He looked happy but barked at me as he passed. He went on to the SUV. I think they let the dogs out on the forestry road to give them a run. I continued and found where the trail turned off the road. It was 4:52 p.m. I intended to camp immediately but a problem erupted. The trail was on the side of a mountain. I figured it would soon level out but it didn't. It merged with an old road and was barely descending. As darkness threatened the old road began to climb. I could camp on the road but I feared if I heard a hiker or a critter coming up the trail in the dark crunching the leaves I'd pee myself in my sleeping bag. There were no flat areas. I kept going only stopping to put my headlamp on. Just before 6 p.m. I saw a wide curve and a vista. It was wide enough I felt safe off the trail. Since it was dark I only could see a few lights and the mountain ridges. I bet it's beautiful in the daylight. A beautiful sunny easy day of hiking. Right now sprinkles are hitting the tent. Not supposed to rain tonight but tomorrow night and Friday rain will arrive. Saturday a high of 39 and low of 19. Not sure what plans will take shape. Eight years ago today I finished the Continental Divide Trail in New Mexico and then went into Mexico for a short visit. Seven years ago today I began hiking the Eastern Continental Trail starting on the Dry Tortugas and then taking a boat to Key West.