Date: 2008-09-28
From: Doc Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

Gary and Jeff came in after we went to bed. I feel so sad for them at it is their first backpack ever and it has been a rainy one.I woke up at 6:00 today. And guess what, it is completely dark at 6:00. Mama Llama, Erin and I got ready in the dark trying to be quite so Gary and Jeff could sleep. Shelters are shared space and some always go to bed early and get up early and some go to bed late and get up late. Generally, hikers accomodate each others different patterns and schedules.Mama Llama and Erin got off first. I will not see them again as their trip is done. I will miss them. They helped make this first part of the hike enjoyable inspite of the rain.I left at 7:20, a much better start. I soon decided that though it was drippy and foggy I was just too hot to hike in a raincoat so I stripped down to sports bra. Much better.I almost got lost once. The trail has a sameness about it much of the time. I stopped for a break and had to really think hard after the break to remember which way I came from as the rhododendron tunnel to the left looked exactly like the rhododendron tunnel to the right. I finally decided that the log was on my right as I came up the trail. That did seem to be the right decision as soon I was on top of the ridge. Note to self: when stopping in similar terrain, make a note of which way you entered spot and which way you want to go. There are quite a number of hikers with the trail name, Wrongway. I can see why.I caught a glimpse of two views by a powerline today on each side of the ridge. Then the clouds moved in and that was the last of the views. There was no view from Angel's Rest although the rock outcrop looked interesting.The hikers I met on the trail today going SOBO were Toad (young thru-hiker), Hard Rock, retired gentleman section hiking a long section and Scruffy, middle-aged gentleman on a short section hike who wished he was retired so he could go longer. It is always enjoyable to see who is on the trail.It rained a little bit coming down from Angel's Rest. Of course, that was just when I hit the steep and rocky part. I was very, very careful!A bit farther down I took some pictures of some interesting brown mushrooms with white borders. There is always something interesting on the trail.I got to the Rendevous Motel at 1:30. (actually it is in Bluff City, not Pearisburg.) Not too bad for an old gimpy lady. Getting an early start helped.I am now clean and everything is dried out. I have repacked from my food drop box and I even cleaned the water filter.Gary and Jeff arrived and we chatted and another section hiker (with a car) gave me a ride to the Dairy Queen where I bought dinner complete with chocolate milkshake. Yum!Tomorrow I will try to get up and away early. The sun finally came out this afternoon and the weather should be good for several days. I am looking forward to good hiking and good view. The first stretch out of here will be hard as I will be carrying 6 days food and 3 liters of water going up a 1500 foot climb. I have done worse and survived and I imagine I will survive this too. And the view should be beautiful!