Date: 2005-05-07
From: Pearisburg Virginia - Zero Day

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

After my zero day yesterday, I was ready to go this morning at 7:15. My original plans called for a short 12.5 mile day to a camp site up on the ridge. But, I would like to try and get ahead of schedule so my hike ends next Friday evening rather than Saturday, so I can travel back to Birmingham on Saturday. The next shelter past the campsite is Pine Swamp Branch Shelter but it's 19.1 miles from Pearisburg. I just started hiking, leaving the final decision for later. The first 6.6 miles up out of town included a high difficult climb, according to the map, but I was fairly strong and well-rested from my zero day so I had completed the 1600 foot climb and was having lunch by 11:00. It took awhile to actually leave town. First I crossed the New River on the large new bridge and hiked various streets and small wooded areas in between, never really leaving the influence of the town. There were several steep ascents. The forest was beautiful with hardwoods and had a remote feeling, even though for a long time I could still hear the sounds from civilization below. Reaching the shoulder of Peter's Mountain I was enjoying the forest with less elevation gain. It was a relaxing couple of miles. On a break and a couple of miles before the Rice Field Shelter I met Reiner Hofler from Germany, along with his Swiss Mountain Dog, named Ronja. They are here to hike the trail and Reiner is a very strong hiker. He is fun to talk with, carrying an English/German dictionary that he uses regularly to learn some new word. We hiked together for awhile and had lunch together at Rice Field. During lunch I decided to go for it and try for the 19.1 mile day and Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. I passed the original destination, a campsite near an old oak tree up on the ridge by Symms Meadow, in the early afternoon. That area of the ridge is open meadow with forest on either side of the crest and flowing down the sides. It had a unique feel, almost like the ridgetop had been farmed for hay at some point, plus some areas where it had the feel of an orchard. The trees were the size of fruit trees, and they appeared twisted and contorted by the wind and difficult weather on the mountain crest. It was very interesting. Typical of Virginia, I had great views down to a valley on either side. I think the valley to the north was actually in West Virginia, very close, but I was still in Virginia. Eventually the ridge became less than level, and I had some climbs and descents for a good share of the afternoon. I paced myself and did not hurry. Then I began the 1100 foot descent to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter, some of it very steep, even though the trail made judicious use of switchbacks to come down the mountain face. It was a very long day, but I made it to the shelter by 5:45. The shelter is somewhat unique, as the sleeping platforms are upper and lower on either end, with the central part open and a stone fireplace situated against the back wall. It sits in a broad open hollow with the stream about 200 feet out front, and rhododendron thickets all around. I am here with three ladies probably in their 60's: two of which are named Pine Cone and Trail Dreamer (lady doing trail magic at Laurel Creek), Sherpa, Reiner and Ronja (trail name Rhino), and two other gentlemen whose names I have forgotten. It is a good group around the fire, and the chit-chat is interesting. Most are talking about hiking experiences and telling stories. For some reason I do not feel as though I am "clicking" with this group, but I'm sure it's not their fault. Maybe I am just over tired from the strenuous day. I expect it to be cold tonight and it could rain as it has sprinkled on and off this afternoon and some this evening as we cooked. It has been a tough day but I'm glad to be here and ahead of schedule. If I can maintain the planned distances for the rest of the hike I will be able to finish one day early. I am very tired and will settle in for the night. Goodnight Sweetheart.