Date: 2014-04-29
From: Rice Field shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 41.6

I must admit, it's nice to be in town today while the storm rages on the trail. Let's see. Where were we.Oh yes, Rice Field shelter. Actually, I did 6.8 miles that day and was almost the last to leave the next morning. Thin Mint and I left together just before 9. I said I would make myself do 15 mile days this week. Actually, I did 16.4 on this nice, but windy day to end up at Bailey Gap shelter. Half of the previous night's crew was there by dark. I realize most of you know this, but for those that don't, when we get to our daily destination we make our bed in the shelter or our tent. Then we hike to the water source and return and cook dinner. Bed time is rarely past 9. Anyway, on my way to Bailey Gap I ran into some weekend hikers that were at the shelter the previous night. They decided to do trail magic for us. They hiked in lots of ice cold Gatorade and Twix bars. It was the first time they did it and I bet it won't be the last. We were grateful. Later, I went to the Captain's. He is a trail angel that gives cold drinks to hikers and allows camping in his yard. IF, you can make your way across the river on his cable trolley. Unfortunately, he was not around so I got a soda and soaked my feet in the river before heading to my final destination at Bailey Gap. I knew a big storm was coming so I decided to get a few more miles on the 27th. I got off to a great start on that cool morning and decided to go for my third 20 mile day. I set my sights on Sarver Hollow shelter. The day turned out to be a tough one for me because I had to climb and drop from 4,000 to 2,000 and back twice that day and it was quite rocky. I won't bitch about the rocks, I know more are coming. The day was hot and there was no shade to be found. The leaves are just beginning to bud here. About 5 miles from my destination, I crossed a small river. I just couldn't resist. I had my second creek bath. Actually, it was a full on swim. I stayed in until I cooled to hiking temp. Just 50 yards up trail, I saw Rescue 1 waiting on his wife who was day hiking. For the second time that day he offered cold water and snickers. I was willing to take the trail magic twice in one day from the same angel. 1/4 Mile later I passed the Keifer Oak (look it up). I took a few pictures and just stared at it for a while. 20 minutes later I was sweating again and was dreaming of the next river. I made the shelter by 6 even though it was. 0.4 miles off trail. It was my favorite shelter so far. The favorite before was Mountain Falls in TN. You may be asking, why is Grasshopper always going to shelters when he has a tent. Well, there is no water source for 4 miles in one direction and 5 the other. There is almost always good water at shelters. STAY AT THIS SHELTER! (21 miles) On the 28th, Tuesday I think, I was going to try for my longest day (most miles). I was planning on making my way to 4 Pines Hostel. That would require me hike 23+ miles and as usual, I was the last to leave camp. I really do enjoy my mornings drinking coffee and watching everyone pack up and leave. Even though the miles were big for me, the day was easier than expected. It was cool, cloudy and wet. There were less rocks until I got to the Dragons Tooth (look it up). My guide book showed four cameras in 2 miles (Good Views). Unfortunately, again, visibility was less than 100 ft. Boooo. I did enjoy the steep descent for the first half mile. And then the long gentle switch backs all the way to the road. The last mile of this day was in a downpour. I arrived at 4 Pines a little before 7. Late for me. I am usually done by 5 or 6. I was greeted by familiar faces as well as new ones. Now they are part of my hiker family too. We had a good time last night and a huge breakfast this morning. Thank you Princess! I took the Shuttle to Daleville VA where I , along with 40 other hikers will wait until this monster storm passes. I went to the outdoor store to buy some new shoes, Kroger to get junk food to eat while I type this and Goodwill for a $.95 umbrella. I am 5 days ahead of my schedule and I really want nice weather for this next section. I had decided a week ago to take a zero (rest day) here and considering the storm, and the fact that I did 3 days miles in two days' I will double zero here. maybe I can gain a couple of the pounds I lost this month back. I will tell you how it went next week.