Date: 2007-06-30
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap 
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning, around 6:15, in Maupin Shelter. The rain had let up, but it was still dripping off the trees. Two trail maintainers came in around 7:30 to chop down the weeds that are growing over the trail. This section of trail is very well maintained. This shelter and the many designated campsites around it are really nice. As I was packing to leave, a Ridge Runner stopped in (an employee of the ATC that hikes up and down a section of trail to keep an eye on things. they report problems with the trail, shelters, people, wildlife, fires, etc). We talked about the hiker that has been causing problems on the trail and in towns. From the latest reports he is about a week ahead of me, which I was glad to hear.The trail heading out of Maupin is wide and a very easy grade. This area would be a good one to come back to in the future. It is a nice day and great hiking weather, but I can't seem to shake this blah feeling I have. I'm sure it will pass eventually.I just had an awesome experience! I was coming up to the top of a hill, and off to my right two guys were camped out and cooking over a fire. I said hi, as I was hiking by, and one of the guys asked "hey are you hungry?". Thru-hikers never pass up food, especially food we don't even have to carry (in the belly doesn't effect pack weight)!I stopped and started talking with them. They are brothers, John and Ben, from Charlottesville, out camping for the weekend. They were cooking hot dogs, onions, bacon and baked beans on a cast iron skillet over the fire. They also had chili and coffee. They were kind enough to invite me to join them. We ate and talked about hiking, backpacking and different types of gear. They told me about some neat outdoor things to do in their area, in case I make it down that way sometime. They sent me on my way with a banana and a cup of coffee. I really enjoyed my lunch with them. I am back on the trail now and feeling pretty motivated. Trail Magic seems to come at a time when you least expect it, and need it the most. Today was one of those times for me. Thank you John and Ben, you made a huge difference in my hike today. You really are Trail Angels!!I stopped in Reeds Gap, where the trail crosses the road, to take a photo of the sign. I met a couple from New Hampshire. He is section hiking, and she is driving the support vehicle. They gave me some fresh cantaloupe and ice cold water. The guy said he could tell I wasn't a section hiker. I asked if it was my smell or the shaved head that gave it away. He said that I kept my pack on the entire time we talked and a section hiker would have immediately taken it off, groaning and sighing with relief at the chance for a break. I guess I am so use to it being there, it is an extension of my body. For my day starting out so blah, it has turned out to be a wonderful day. Not just because people fed me, but more because I had an opportunity to meet some wonderful people and share some of my journey with them.After leaving the gap, I came through an area with ripe blackberries. I gathered a few in my Nalgene bottle for later, they will taste good in my pudding.I just walked up on a mother bear and two cubs!! A lady day hiking a few miles back told me she had seen a cub just before the Pkwy crossing at Dripping Rock. I didn't think much of it, because I figured it would be gone by the time I got there. I heard a noise about 30 feet to my right about 100 yd's before the road crossing, I glanced over and saw two little cubs. I was nervous at first because where there is a cub, there is a mom and I didn't see her right away. I don't want to between a mother and cub. When she came out from behind a branch and saw me, she made them climb the tree. The both went a little ways up the tree and stopped. She looked up at them as if to say "higher", and they continued up another 10 feet or so.Usually, when you see a bear, you can make noise and they move on. But today mama bear was standing guard at the base of the tree and we were in a standoff. I would have to go a long way back to be able to go around. I snapped a quick couple of pictures, looked straight ahead, tried to look non-threatening, and moved forward. The trail cut to the right bringing me about 5-10 feet closer before going to the left and away from them.Up at the road, I took my pack and my boots off, and sat on a rock for a break. I slipped on my crocks and walked up the road a short distance to look down the hill and try and get some more pictures of the bear. As I stepped one foot toward the rock overhang, something on the ground caught my eye. A COPPERHEAD in striking distance from my ankle!! I absolutely froze. I had no idea what to do, step forward, jump back, stand still. As my options flew through my mind, several motorcycles rumbled by behind me. The snake took off and I jumped backwards. I don't need another photo that badly.Back down at the rock where I left my pack, I ate my snack and hung out to allow my heart rate to return to normal. Two ladies with several young children walked down the trail from the north. They live close by and were heading toward the cliffs. I warned them about the bears, and they decided not to go down there today. I talked with them a while and answered the typical questions. One of the ladies offered to carry my trash out for me. That is a very kind person, to carry someone else's trash. At least it was in a zip lock bag.   I think one of the reasons for my mood today was that I knew I needed to try do the 21 miles to Waynesboro today. Whenever I have a certain amount of miles to do, it affects my mood. I was so caught up in the mileage, I wasn't stopping to smell the roses (or in this case...pick the blackberries). Once I let go of the mileage focus and looked at what was around me, I met some wonderful people and saw some amazing wildlife. This has turned out to be a great day.