Date: 2019-03-12
From: Thunder Ridge lookout

To: Route 501 James River footbridge
Miles today: 13.1

My flight landed early yesterday in Roanoke, shocking but true. I'm glad too because the gentleman who sat next to me on the first leg of my flight had gas, I think we all have experienced that a time or two unfortunately. By the time we landed in Roanoke I was really ready to be here. I texted Gary to let him know that I had my bag and I was curbside 10 minutes before our scheduled pick up and he called me right away to let me know that he was stuck in traffic and would be about 20 minutes late. No big deal I seized the opportunity to gaze at the blue skies and the amazing view that Roanoke airport has from a little bench curbside. The fresh air was absolutely awesome and 20 minutes passed too quickly. Gary was a great shuttle driver and remembered to bring the can of fuel that I had requested, and even had my change ready in anticipation that I'd be giving him $20 bills. He dropped me off promptly at the hostel and chitchated with Donna for a few minutes before departing. Donna introduced herself to me and came into the hostel with me and we spent a few minutes conversing as I was the only one here last night. She lost her husband a year ago in Sept. He was a shuttle driver and they both worked at the hostel. We arranged for my shuttle to the trail and it was decided, with Adam's suggestion that I would hike northbound from Thunder Ridge to route 501 at the James River footbridge. being my first day back on trail after 3 months this would give me more downhill than climbing, and with the 13 plus mile day in front of me I was very happy that Adam thought to suggest that to me. after Donna left I settled for a $5 frozen pizza from the freezer which was absolutely crispy and delicious, and then walked down to the Dollar general and grabbed myself something for dinner and some frozen breakfast items as well as some colby jack cheese and Fritos. Back at the hostel, I settled in and relaxed, did some meditation and crawled into my bunk to take a nap around 5:30 after answering a message from my cousin who's going to be meeting me in the Smokeys. His engineer brain works so sophisticatedly that he has designed a couple of spreadsheets to follow along my hike and monitor my timing so he'll know when it's the right time for him to head out to meet me. He's also connected to my spot so he can track my progress daily. I got up around 7:20pm, spoke with Brian and threw my dinner in the oven settling in on the sofa to watch television, and with the place all to myself I got to watch what I wanted. Though I was disappointed in this week's episode of The bachelor, it seemed to be dragging out. I got myself ready for bed while the last few minutes of the show was on and I crawled into my bunk just after 10, laying there wide awake with my eyes closed willing myself to go to sleep. When all of a sudden there it was, loud as can be and my eyes flew open with a start.... the darn train! Are you kidding me? I'd forgotten somehow that every trail town from NY south seems to have a hostel right near the tracks. It did make me chuckle once the adrenaline stopped rushing and I closed my eyes again and willed harder to get sleep. I only had about 4 hours of sleep the night before. I really wanted this slumber!I awoke around 4:10 and refused to get up, going back to sleep until just before 6. I turned off my alarm and practiced yoga to the calm, soothing voice of Rebecca at Prana Strong Yoga. Blissful! I readied for my day, had my breakfast and was good to go when Lee arrived at 7:30 to shuttle me to Thunder Ridge for my hike. He was chatty and interesting and he was also a cautious driver getting me safely to the lookout where the trail intersects. He walked out to the lookout with me, being such a clear and beautiful morning, where I snapped a selfie and headed out nobo towards the James River footbridge. Boy it felt great to be back on the trail! Bright blue sky, a few birds, the inevitable spider webs and brisk weather. I wore a hat, gloves and coat for a while. The ground was frozen solid and I saw a few spots with hoarfrost but no snow or ice. So glad I'm not carrying my microspikes. Thanks to the women in the Appalachian Trail women's group on Facebook who helped me with that dilemma! About an hour down the trail I shed my outer layer. I was climbing a bit and became toasty warm but I did dress and undress that outer layer a few more times until finally I turned a corner and was in the sunshine, protected from the breeze with soft ground beneath my feet. I saw no one, not a soul all day. One squirrel and a few birds were my only brief companions. I was completely fine with that, enjoying nature and the solitude. The closest I came to civilization in my 13 mile trek was an empty pickup truck at Petites Gap and the tap water in my backpack. I snacked but didn't stop to eat lunch until I crossed Matt's Creek and walked right into the shelter. I took a sunny seat at the picnic table and got right down to the business of Advil. Then I enjoyed some of the cheese and Fritos I bought at the dollar store and washed it down with some cherry blast Gatorade. Delicious! I was 2.2 miles to my shuttle location at route 501/James River footbridge and it was 1:15. I took a 40 minute lunch break then enjoyed the rest of the hike on fairly level trail and happier feet. The bridge was amazing. I admired the work of beavers just before walking across it and taking in the view. Before I reached the other side I could see the familiar site of the parking area where Frog had picked us up in October when I first stayed at Stanimals. I reached the parking lot at 2:40 and Donna was there waiting. She was picking up 2 other hikers also and they arrived around 3. Zorro and Feral, nobo class of 2019 who started in January from Springer and met on trail. Nice gentleman. At the hostel I took a hot shower and took the opportunity to wash my clothes. I know I've only been wearing them 2 days but it'll be Saturday before I do laundry again and I like being clean. While the guys devoured frozen pizza and waited for another hiker friend to arrive I walked down to Scottos restaurant and ate a chicken parmesan dinner with salad and garlic bread. Then I waddled back to the hostel meeting the guys along the way and being introduced to Villian with a V. Makes me wonder what he's been called. I'm glad Puddles is pretty benign. I've only been mistaken for cuddles. Donna came in while I was writing this. I really like this woman. We talked for a few minutes about fate. I shared with her my experience with chaplain Mary the day after WE's mother passed away. When one of the guys came back we ended our chat and got back to business confirming my shuttle for tomorrow morning and cashing me out. I'm hoping that the guys won't mind if I watch the finale of the Bachelor tonight. I'm going to kindly request it. I've waited all season for this night!