Date: 2016-07-10
From: VA 611

To: Laurel Creek, VA 615
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

When I woke up my right knee was still sore, but better. Like yesterday, I wanted to wait until after breakfast before deciding what to do. I lost a beautiful rain free day of hiking yesterday. I did not want to lose another day if I could help it.The elevation profile in the AT guide did not look too bad - only minor elevation changes. But because of the location of the road crossings, I would have to commit to at least 8 miles, with an option to hike another 8.7 miles. Cell phone coverage was almost nonexistent, so it was unlikely I could call Rod to let him know if I changed my mind and was turning around. Of course, the dreaded diabetes also had to be considered. Pain and stress can increase BG in some people. I would have to make sure I kept a close watch of my BG. If it started to spike, my doctor told me to drink extra water. So I would have to carry more water than usual in case I needed to bring my BG downAfter much thought, and considering all of the risks, I decided to hike at least the 8 miles.Of course, we had a long drive back to the trailhead. The only landmark noted in the AT guide along this 8 mile stretch was the Helveys Mill Shelter. The only water source was at the shelter, both of which are .3 miles off the AT. I was not expecting great views, but I knew I would find interesting things along the trail. I always do. I can honestly say I have never been bored on the AT.At first I was not so sure I made the right decision. The trail was easy, but my knee was definitely still sore. I took it slow. Eventually,after about 2 miles and with the help of Tylenol, the pain got a little better.There is a saying that the AT will provide whatever you need. Today the AT provided me with "Mushroom Al." I found him standing in the middle of the trail taking a little break. Originally from Germany, Al is retired and lives in Virginia. He was out for a day hike on the AT. He had hiked north from the road crossing and was turning around to return to his car. So we were both now hiking in the same direction.With "Mushroom Al" leading, we maintained a steady conversation, which took my mind off my sore knee. I let him set the pace, pick the topics of discussion, and do most of the talking. We talked about all sorts of things, including Germany, hiking, religion, and politics. He told me that he so admired Ronald Reagan that he stood in line for 7 hours to pay his repects and pass by his casket when Reagan died. (Few people born in the U.S. can make that claim.) He also told me he did not care much for Winston Churchill or FDR - I had to admire his honesty.Eventually "Mushroom Al" began pointing out and talking about wild mushrooms, which was obviously a topic near and dear to his heart. (Al did not have a trail name. I named him "Mushroom Al".) When I asked him which mushrooms were edible, with a sly grin, "Mushroom Al" quickly shot back "you can eat ALL mushrooms at least once!" Silly me, he was absolutely right.I helped "Mushroom Al" collect a few mushrooms for his dinner. I even gave him a plastic bag from my pack so he could carry them easier. He cut a few wedges from one of the mushroom caps and, after eatting one himself, offered me a wedge. I politely declined. I realize it could have been a once in a lifetime experience - or not, but I am not a fan of mushrooms.After hiking alone in the late fall and in February, and rarely seeing anyone (such as "Wildcat"), I had forgotten how nice it can be to have someone new and interesting to talk with as I hike. It certainly makes the miles seem to pass faster.Eventually we met Rod. I needed to take a break and to check my BG, so "Mushroom Al" hiked on alone. I hope he enjoyed the company while we hiked together as much as I did.Rod and I skipped the Helveys Mill Shelter. The trail gradually dropped about 500 feet and, before we knew it, we were at the road crossing where Maggie was waiting.I took a brief break to decide whether to go on. The weather was beautiful, my knee only hurt a little, my BG levels were very good, and I still had plenty of daylight. I decided to keep going. I had a 1.5 road walk coming up. I decided to knock it out and then decide whether I wanted to go on to the next road crossing. Rod and Maggie drove off ahead of me to lead the way. (Even Maggie has done portions of the AT.)Hiking on pavement, in hiking boots, mostly up hill, and with a bum knee, was not fun, but it was manageable and there was very little traffic. Fortunately there have been very few road walks on the AT. On the positive side, there were beautiful wildflowers along the road and some very nice views. So it was not so bad.After another brief break I decided to keep going. It was a good decision. The trail was easy with very little gradual changes in elevation. I saw a doe and spotted fawn. I also found some wild blueberries, and the view after the powerline was very nice.Rod met me at about the midpoint. We both enjoyed the hike to the road crossing. It was so nice to have dry weather for a change. Despite a late start and a sore knee, I finished all 16.7 miles with plenty of daylight to spare. The AT is calling. Overall today was a very good day on the trail. I hope tomorrow is too.