Date: 2011-05-27
From: Day 78 Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Day 79 Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 12.2

We knew it was bound to happen so around midnight a loud thunder storm passes by with heavy rain, it lasted about 2 hrs., then moved on. This morning, even though it rained, the humidity is still very high. We were up @ 7:30 and feeling a little better than yesterday. Just before we were about to leave, a day hiker and 2 section hikers (Pain & Suffering) stopped in, and we had an entertaining conversation. We finally left camp @ 9:45., the temps are 61*, humidity about 87%, sky is gray and it had been foggy most of the morning. For a change we go downhill, 400' over .3 mile, then a 2 or 3 mile Virginia Flat, then up again only this time it's over 1000' in just 1.4 miles to Apple Orchard Mountain, whew I'm soaked once again.  Another mile and 300' downhill we stop at Thunder Hill Shelter for lunch  Moving on it's mostly downhill for the next several miles then it's really downhill, hard rocky, ankle twisting downhill 1200' over barely 2 miles. My feet and legs got a real workout on that section, it really squished my toes.  Then the KITP for today was 600' up then 600' down all in 2 miles to the Marble spring campsite and our home for the night. While hiking the KITP it started to thunder and rain. Even though I was in a hurry, I had to be very careful with each step, there were many roots, rocks and other obstacles hiding among the leaves, and the sky had gotten so dark it was difficult seeing the trail in the dense forest.  I must be very careful indeed, this would not be a good time to slip and fall.  At 4:45 we  arrived at the campsite, there were 2 tents already setup, it was raining lightly but very windy. We chose what looked to be good tent sites and setup camp ASAP and get out of the rain. This is the first time I am completely soaked and getting into my tent and there is no hope of getting anything dried by morning, ugh. By 8:30 it had rained on and off, the wind is now calm. During our hike today there was one terrific mountain view and we saw many great rock formations, notably "The Guillotine". It's a rock, a very large rock, wedged (by Mother Nature) between 2 wall-sized boulders, and the trail goes right under the rock. Also today there were many beautiful and varied wild flowers lining the trail. Like marathon runners, where their course is lined with fans and well wishers cheering them on,  I saw the flowers lining the trail today as my fans and well wishers cheering me on and I felt like a winner. I'm on page 69, next to last entry, (Marble Spring Campsite) in the A. T. Guide by David Miller  (the green book)Temps, it's 63* in my tent right now (9:00) and we are expecting more rain tonight. There is a very light wind and a Wippowill is singing away. Today is Friday of the Memorial Day weekend so also at the campsite are a group of excited boy scouts. Tonight life is wet but beautiful on my piece of Appalachian Trail, but I miss being with my family and especially my mom this weekend. This will be the first time in a very long time that I have not been with my mother on Memorial Day. I Love you Mom. Total AT miles hiked today 12.2Nite all