Date: 2016-02-14
From: VA 42, Footbridge Sinking Creek

To: VA 601, Rocky Gap
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: few clouds

Baby it is STILL cold outside. The "dangerously cold" temperatures continued overnight and into the morning. It was so cold that local churches canceled service and Sunday school - so you know it was cold!We decided to head out close to noon, when the wind was supposed to die down and the air temperatures were supposed to reach double digits. But with limited remaining daylight and road access, I was limited to just 5.4 miles. A snow storm was coming through by late afternoon, which was another reason I did not want to be on the trail after dark.The fenced pasture where I saw the curious jackass two days ago was empty. I hope he/she was tucked safely inside a warm barn somewhere. The AT passed through a neighboring pasture, crossed a small creek, and then continued across another pasture. I stopped briefly to take pictures of the ice in the creek.At the edge of the second pasture there were cows in a neighboring fenced pasture. Some of the cows had adorable calves. One had twins. They all seemed to be extremely comfortable despite the cold. (I was seriously wishing I was a cow! Then I remembered that cows are not permitted on the AT.) A few cows stood near the fence and starred at me intently. I suspect they were wondering why I was all bundled up in my layers, including new mittens that I bought yesterday and was anxious to try.Once the AT ducked back into the woods, at least initially, wildlife seemed to be out and about enjoying the sun and warmer temperatures. I saw 6 deer traveling together. I heard and saw a hawk. I also heard a turkey and spooked a grouse.The trail was relatively easy and the climb was gradual. As I gained elevation the trail went from bare to snow covered.   I thought I was making pretty good time until I got close to the Laurel Creek shelter. At over 2800 feet the snow was deeper and a little slushy from the sun, which slowed me up a bit. At times it seemed that for every 2 steps forward, I slid about 1 step back. The sliding around was not doing my left knee any favors.I was extremely careful crossing the creek - both times the AT crossed it. There was ice and snow on the rocks. I knew the water had to be very cold. I did not want to slip on a rock and soak a foot or worse. Hypothermia would come on very quickly.p>In the snow were a pair of fairly fresh southbound boot tracks - one about the size of my boots, and the other about the size of my husband's boots. I wondered whether the tracks were a husband/wife, father/son, or 2 guys - one tall and the other shorter. Since we were all traveling in the same direction, it was possible, but not likely, that I might catch up to them somewhere.I stopped briefly at the Laurel Creek shelter. Mine were the only tracks to the shelter and, according to the shelter journal, no one has been there since January. I had a quick snack, collected trash, and moved on. Before leaving I noticed a weird catapiler looking track in the snow about 30 feet in front of the shelter. It looked like one round foot was placed directly in front of the other. I need to look this one up.Shortly after leaving the shelter I noticed that clouds were moving in, the temperature was dropping, and snow began to fall. I skipped the side trail to the view at Kelly Knob. The snowflakes were getting bigger. I wanted to get to the car and back to town before the snow got too deep.The descent to Rocky Gap was on a somewhat steep dirt road. I had to walk very carefully to keep from sliding. I was VERY glad to see my husband and Maggie waiting for me on the gravel road at the gap.My husband said that two men section hiking VA were about 2 hours ahead of me. They apparently had been out overnight during the brutally cold weather and were trying to get to their car (about 7 trail miles away) and off the AT. He asked if they needed anything. All they asked for was water, which he gladly gave them.We stopped by the hotel briefly so I could take a hot shower and change clothes. Then we went to the Olive Garden for dinner to celebrate Valentines Day. (My husband also gave me a lovely card and a cute bear with a heart shaped box of chocolates.)With my hiker hunger in full gear, I took full advantage of the unlimited soup and breadsticks, and thoroughly enjoyed ALL of my shrimp pasta. Once again I was very lucky that a holiday coincided with my hiking the AT.The AT is calling. Unfortunately I suspect that hiking, for at least a day or two, will be temporarily suspended due to heavy snowfall.