Date: 2013-04-23
From: Jennings Creek Campsite

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 6:00 am, left Jennings Campsite at 7:15 AM and arrived at Cornelius Creek Shelter at 3:30. There is an interactive trail map where you can view the trail, see the shelters and follow my hike. Go to appalachian trail conservancy and click on interactive map. Click on shelters at bottom of map screen. I Was in the sleeping bag by 6:30pm and made notes in my pocket journal. No other hikers arrived at Cornelius, however I did hear some coyotes about 60 yards away. Made me jump! 3.8 miles into today's hike I arrived at Bryant Ridge Shelter and found that Maggie and TK were not up. They like a later start. While at Bryant S.I prepared oatmeal and coffee for breakfast. We all left Bryant shelter at about 11:15 am but not together. Maggie started first, then me a little later and TK after that. TK passed me about 30 minutes down the trail. Never saw Maggie again.The trail presented two big climbs. Fork Mtn. climb was 1,100 feet and the climb up Floyd Mtn. was 2,250 feet. Some observations about the trail: It is well defined from all the foot traffic. Some parts are rocky and some not. There are only short distances of very level, smooth walking. The trail traverses hill sides, descends into valleys and goes over mountain tops. The trail has multiple switchbacks on both ascents and descents. Water is plentiful and located in the valleys. (more about water in a later entry to this journal). The trail itself ranges in width from 12 inches to two feet. At the trails edges lichen and mosses of varying shades of green grow. Early spring flowers of various shapes and colours also align the trail. The trail has crossed a multiple of streams and creeks. Crossing is either by foot bridge or very careful fording. No slips yet. Occasionally there are wooden steps where needed when going up or down a short, steep distance. Best hiking is on a level, smooth trail. Uphill is more difficult than downhill...duh. My stride uphill is about 16". In very steep terrine I may stop for a minute or two about every 50 to 100 yards. Time to take a drink from the Camelbak and check the trail map. Blisters and black toe are less likely going uphill. Thats when the heel receives the most punishment. Downhill is faster but not without its own special issues. More friction on the foot and toes pressing against the toe box are the trade off of going downhill. My trekking poles are used to help get me up the hills and to slow me down on the descent. The basic colours on the trail are brown, green and blue. There are lots of fallen leaves on the trail and hillsides, the trees are just starting to spring leaves and the mountains in the distance are blue, along with the sky.The trail is my friend. It will stay with me for as long I hike. It sometimes teases me with level smooth ground only to turn uphill with a multitude of rocks to negotiate. The trail is marked with white blazes (2" x 6") about every 200 yards. These blazes are my special friends and whenever overlooked the chance of taking a wrong turn increases. I would rather not say how many times that has occured. Let's just say more than... Anyway, the trail is ever changing and I am sure I have overlooked some aspect. If so, I'll tell you in another entry. Should be plenty of opportunity, I still have over 700 miles to complete my intended hike. Anyway it is now about 8:OO pm. If you have any questions about this journey, please presnt your question by signing in again and with your questions, post your email address so I can respond to you.