Date: 2016-04-14
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: US 60 - Three Springs Hostel Bunk & Breakfast 
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

I don't know what happened today. I hit a wall at 11:00, right after completing climbs of approximately 1900' and 800'. The trail provided many switchbacks and didn't contain rocks or boulders. My pack was as light as it has ever been because I'd eaten almost all my food as we headed in to resupply at the end of the day. I had actually found myself thinking how good I felt after the 1900' climb. And I was fine after the 800' climb too for the perspective of getting through it. The hikers I sheltered with last night were each indicating how tough the climbs were so that made me feel good too. I'd just rested for a few minutes and had a quick bit of food. And then all of a sudden I was exhausted. The trail was downhill and I just couldn't get going. Then came a small climb that was more difficult than it should've been. During my rest break, I'd made a reservation at Three Springs Hostel Bunk & Breakfast. They provide a free shuttle from the trail until 6:00. All of a sudden I realized that the pace I was now moving would barely get me there. Nothing to do but push through it.A hiker was coming towards me. For the first time ever, I realized I was thinking about how I didn't want to spend time talking with a hiker. And then my day turned around. His trail name is Bald Whistler. Before he got to me he was greeting me with "Hey Rabbit!" Rambo and the others were all ahead of me so he must've spoken with them. Bald Whistler is doing a flip-flop thru-hike that began in Harpers Ferry. First, he told me how wonderful Three Springs Hostel Bunk & Breakfast was. Then we talked trail. His enthusiasm was contagious and I could feel my energy being restored. He told me Saturday was coming behind him. Saturday got his trail name because he is retired and every day is Saturday. We parted after talking for a good 15 minutes. Then Saturday approached and he was positive too. We didn't talk for too long but it wasn't a blow-off period of time either. Okay, head was back in the game. But, my body wasn't moving fast enough. I calculated the hiking pace needed to hit my 6:00 shuttle deadline and was worried about hitting the deadline. The trail couldn't have been better as it consisted of pine needles or dirt. My hiking pace going downhill was all me and my awareness that my knees really were squawking as I planted to prevent going uncontrollably downhill. At least my pants were staying up. Forgot to tell you about that. I use a Z-pack 4-in-one pouch that hangs on my chest. I like it a lot to carry my electronics, money, and other small heavy items. It looks dorky but several hikers have asked about it and said they wanted one. Sometimes when hiking, the pouch lifts off my chest and returns to my chest with a bit of a punch to it. I don't like the punch but I've gotten used to it. Today's punch was extra annoying. No sooner than just after getting into, for me today, a nice rhythmic pace. The punch hit my pant's belt buckle and soon my pants were beginning to fall below my waist. And then they'd fall even lower and despite my trying to hike on, I knew I'd have to stop hiking to reattach my belt. And a few minutes later, the punch unsnapped my pants again. This annoying sequence repeated seemingly over and over again. No matter how I tried, I couldn't get my pants to stay up. Finally, I tried pulling my shorts up so high that my backpack waste belt held my pants up. Yes, I was almost giving myself a wedgie but I had to try something. It worked. But now my internal calculator was hitting an alarm button. I had hours to hike yet but the miles per hour required a faster pace than I was doing today. My most recent split time was a faster pace. Good. I'm coming around and will make it. I crossed a gravel road and was headed towards a suspension bridge. Rambo was behind a wall of brush and said my name. I came around to meet the Fairy Snack Mother, a name her daughter Kate had given her. Trail Angels are always positive and Fairy Snack Mother oozed positive feelings. She is providing trail support to her husband and daughter - Jay and Kate. They are flip-flopping their thru-hike. I could've stayed and talked with her all day. Eventually, I said good-bye and explained that I had this shuttle deadline. Internal calculator alarm was going off. I was off pace again; with less hiking hours available to spread the pace needed to make the deadline. And then I realized I'd be stopping to talk to Jay and Kate, who I figured would be wonderful people like the Fairy Snack Mother. Up around a bend and there was the reservoir. Beautiful. Idyllic. The sparkling water reminded me of "On Golden Pond." Between the shade and the cool breeze coming off the reservoir's water, my sweat was quickly going away. The reservoir walk was long. I savored it but know I would've enjoyed it even more if this shuttle deadline didn't exist. Yup, Jay and Kate were just as nice as I thought. Couldn't cut their talk time short. Rambo came behind me after a while. We all talked trail and then I explained my shuttle deadline and moved on while Rambo stayed to continue talking. That shuttle deadline was real. I was moving as fast as I could. I knew hiking next to the stream with its periodic cascading water would've been delightful if not for this deadline. No time available for that. Have I taken a picture of that flower? Really, now? Picture was gladly taken - this is my hike and I'll spend my time as I want. Okay, decisions have consequences. Hike faster. No, really hike faster. Finally. As I pass the last shelter of the day, I realize that a normal hiking pace will make the shuttle time. The final distance of almost 2 miles is a climb. It won't be easy but there is no choice. First, I hear a car then I see one going by in the distance. I took a picture of a typical AT road crossing. I took it because I've never been as happy to see those signs. I made it with 20 minutes to spare. Oma, the hostel's owner, is there to pick me up. I message Rambo the shuttle price info he asked me to get him.Three Springs Hostel Bunk & Breakfast is even nicer than Fresh Ground and Bald Whistler had told me it would be. It is an oasis. Oma and her daughter, Marcia, are very welcoming. Today's strain evaporates as I shower, do laundry, resupply, and enjoy the food available there.Positive sharing on the trail. The trail provides. The trail isn't easy. Many say hiking the AT is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Today I confronted both. I barely got by - but I made it - today. Thanks to Bald Whistler, Saturday, and that great supportive family. Thanks to Oma and Marcia for this hiker oasis.