Date: 2007-06-03
From: Blue Ridge Parkway - Dripping Rock

To: Rockfish Gap - Waynesboro
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

501 decided to return to Boston with Carl after breakfast today. He would like to return to the Trail the end of the week. He and Carl dropped offTwo Dogs and I at Dripping Rock. No pun intended, it was sprinkling when they dropped us off, and shortly after it poured the rest of the day. Today was the first day I have hiked all day in the rain and I found it very pleasant. The "dripping rocks" were slippery and we looked like drowned rats. The temp was 65 and I was comfortable hiking in shorts and a sleeveless top. Two Dogs was chilled and wore his rain jacket. We saw another painted box turtle in the trail. I was surprised his head and feet were bright orange. The only shelter was at mile 10, so we didn't have any other opportunity to get out of the rain. It was a big help for 501 and Carl to drop off two garbage bags full of our pack contents at the Quality Inn Motel in Waynesboro on their way back to Boston. After we completed the 14.2 mile slackpack, we went to the information center where they provided us with a list of Trail Angels who would transport us 4.5 miles to pick up Two Dog's maildrop at the Outfitter's and bring us to the motel. We made a successful contact and waited for our ride. In the meantime, Birdawg and 3 of his hiking buddies arrived. I looked in the parking lot and was surprised to see Low Branch with his wife, Jen, in their car. I hadn't seen him since Max Patch!I have been following his progress in the shelter journals. I knew I would never catch up to him, though we had the same start date. He had taken a few days off since his wife was visiting. So, we rode with Low Branch to the motel, and Birdawg and his friends rode with our contact. I called my husband when I knew he would be visiting with my Mother, in her final hours. I asked him to hold the phone up to her ear so I could tell her how much I loved her. My tears and the rain seem to blend together. I went across the street from the motel to a dress shop and made purchases to wear for the calling hours and service, which we anticipate will be this week. I will return to NH on Tuesday with Skiman's family from Fairfax Station, VA. I was happy to fit into size 14, with my 35 weight loss! Low Branch and Jen treated Two Dogs and I to a great dinner at a local restaurant. They will pick us up tomorrow morning and bring us to the trailhead. It will be Two Dogs and my last hike together and we will miss each other. He is going off trail for his 30th Peachtree 10K in Atlanta on July 4th. That will be my chance to "catch up" to him after returning to NH this week. For my hometown friends, Two Dogs is built alot like Jim Rankin and similar age. He has participated in several Ironman races. This is the way of the trail. Different Thru Hikers going on and off for a variety of reasons, and hoping to reconnect eventually, like Low Branch and I did today. 501 is going off again in July for a national Bridge tournament! Terrapin Flyer had to leave the trail for two weeks. She missed her hiking family so much that she has now skipped ahead to rejoin them, where they are on the AT. She Thru Hiked 14 yrs ago, so it is not critical to her to walk every mile of the AT. I still hope to meet up with TKExpress, if Kimmie's sprained ankle has healed. I am looking forward to our first day hiking in the Shenandoah National Park tomorrow. We have to remember to get a permit.