Date: 2019-03-21
From: Peter's mountain trailhead Big Stoney Creek Rd

To: Rocky Gap route 601
Miles today: 15.2

The alarm sounded before 6 and we got up. When I came out of the bathroom River had found something of concern and thus after examination we determined that would be our only night here. I've never seen River pack up so quickly. It was astonishing! Within minutes everything was in the car and before 6:30 we were at McDonald's. I suggested that we check into Angel's Rest Hostel and I'd heard nothing but positive reviews about the place. I know River prefers the privacy of a hotel room but Angel's Rest has private rooms also. She texted them and by 6:45 we were confirmed in private rooms in the brick ranch. We ate our breakfast and I packed out a McMuffin for a snack later. River dropped me at 8:45 and I began hiking north from Peter's Mountain trailhead on Big Stoney Creek Rd towards route 601 where I'd pick up the car and meet her where I started. I enjoyed my first few miles despite the fact that it was about 7 miles of elevation. The first part along the creek in the rhododendron forest was very pleasant and later the mossy rock forest I enjoyed as well. When I got to Wind Rock I was surprised to see River already, I thought it would be another hour. Her hike she said was really fast and nice despite a slow burning climb. I'd been thinking about the Smokey's and wondering if I'd be ready for them. I don't know why I'm doubting myself, I've hiked so far and over more difficult terrain and in extreme weather conditions. Today once again I'd gotten to hike the direction that produced the most climbing and it was my choice to hike nobo. Ugh! My feet were burning and my blisters were so extremely painful with every step that I really had to consider the physical and mental effect. I called Brian and talked to him as I left tears on the trail. I was feeling defeated but he gave me the support and love and encouragement as he always does and it brought me back around. In the last half mile I wanted to take my boots off and walk in my socks. The climb was steep and my heels pressed into my boots with every single move. I decided then that I couldn't hike tomorrow. I have to take care of me. I have 4 weeks to go after River finishes hiking with me on Monday and I've hiked 10 days without a day off. I changed into my Crocs at the car and headed out to get River. I thought she would be waiting a long time for me but when I arrived at Peter's mountain trailhead she'd only been waiting half an hour and the rain was very light. We both stayed dry today! We went back to the McArthur to pay for last night and express our experience to Alan who was kind and alarmed and genuinely concerned. River's reservation had arrived for the 4 nights but Alan agreed to the one night only. There was a dinner benefit going on and the food smelled great. I asked what it was for and he explained for his ex-wife who was being treated for non Hodgkin's lymphoma. River gave a donation and we left to find a laundromat. We wanted to wash everything before checking into the Angel's Rest. By the time laundry was done I was starving and we opted for Hardee's again which was less than a mile from the hostel. I let River know I was not hiking tomorrow but I'd slack pack her. When we arrived at Angel's rest we we're so kindly greeted and shown to our private rooms and then walked to the office to check in and pay. The 2 dogs there kept licking at my open blisters making me feel uncomfortable. Poor babies know I'm in sorry shape right now. I showered and talked with Brian before getting into bed at 10. I'll be up at 6 again but with the day off I'll be able to nap and take care of my feet. After I pick River up I'll make us dinner since we have access to the full kitchen. This hostel is amazing!