Date: 2009-05-21
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek-614
Miles today: 16.9

Erik had made a plan for the three of us to meet at Jennings Creek between 3-4 that afternoon, hike 3.7 miles to Bryant Ridge Shelter, and eventually get to US 60 (50 miles later) by Monday morning. The section hikers woke up early- chatting loudly inside the shelter. I wanted to say, "Please, no talking outloud at 5:30!" I got up, packed up my hammock, brought my things over to the picnic table, and cooked my oatmeal. I was the third last to leave the shelter, followed only by Stonebrown and Scout. Today, the trail crossed several times over the Blue Ridge Parkway, coming to overlooks that reminded me of my trip to the Shenandoahs. I even got to dump out my trash in a receptacle at one of them! It was a hot and hazy day, and the views were not the most pleasant. One of the overlooks had a sign explaining the origin of the name 'Peaks of Otter'. It gave three possibilities- one of them being that there were otters in a nearby lake!   The trail that day reminded me of what I imagine Southern California to be like- very dry, but flowery. I told Erik they were lucky because the rhododendrons and mountain laurel were now in bloom, but unlucky because it was hot and humid and lots of bugs and snakes were out. I stopped at Bobblets Gap Shelter for an early lunch, where we were strongly encouraged to load up on water, as there were no sources on the trail for the next 9 miles.   I was right on track for arriving at Jennings Creek for the appointed time. However, Erik was way behind schedule. He was trying to cook up some more elaborate burritos for us, shop for more food, and pack up the car with all of the possible re-supplies which I might need- split between their two vehicles.   Ever since Stats mentioned that there were otters at the state park near Buchanan, I had imagined us being able to have a picnic there and hanging out before setting back on the trail. However, as Erik's projected leaving time grew later and later, I grew more despondent about missing the opportunity to see the otters. Finally, the estimated meeting time became too late to even hike to the next shelter. I was just going to have to chill out for awhile.   I stopped in at Cove Mountain Shelter to snack and read the registry while a swarm of carpenter bees swarmed the shelter. They did not bother me, though. A while later, Stats came in, with a goal of hiking a 31 mile day. We hiked the last few miles to Jennings Creek together and it was nice to have some company for a change. He was happy to have someone to pace off for awhile as he was getting tired. I reached the creek about quarter past five and saw a tent set up there. It turned out to belong to Jeanette and Ben. I soaked my feet in the creek, watched a cluster of butterflies on the ground, and saw some tiny tadpoles in the water. Then, I started to make a few notes in my journal. However, I began feeling very tired. I was still sick and really needed more rest. At 6:45, I saw Erik's jeep pull in on the other side of the creek, so I walked up to meet them. They wanted to know if I wanted to stay in a motel or set up camp right there. I really wanted to see the otters that Stats had heard inhabited the lake at Peaks of the Otter Lodge, so after mulling over the possibilities, we ended up driving 30 minutes to the lodge, getting a room, and eating our delicious burritos, wine, and chocolate out by the lake. However, we saw no otters. The lady that worked behind the desk said she had seen only 2 in her 20 years there.