Date: 2008-04-11
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: broken clouds

Wow! I woke up around 2:30a to the horrible sounds of Biff's snoring--there was absolutely no cohesion and it sounded as if he had sleep apnea. After digging for my ear plugs, I tried to go back to sleep, but was unable to until 4a! This is the first time that I've had to use ear plugs since leaving Springer Mnt. Well, at 6:30a, Toddy Bear, Yeti and I began to frantically pack up because we had another big day planned and wanted to get a heads start on the day. We knew Trent's Grocery was only 6.5 miles north, so I decided to eat a Nido/Carnations Instant Breakfast mix because I knew my body would metabolize it within the hour. By 7:25a, we were on the trail and determined to buy some deli food. It wasn't very long into our journey until we crossed VA 608 and began our climb up Brushy Mnt. #5. This was the first Brushy Mnt. in which the climb wasn't too bad. Eventually, we reached this beautiful stretch of trail with green reass and medium sized bushes, which shielded us from the sun. Then, Toddy Bear and I began crossing the Kimberling Bridge. As we were walking, Toddy Bear started rocking the bridge. Now, for a person who's afraid of heights, this shaking feeling isn't comfortable. After finally making it across, and watching T. Bear laugh at my attempt at crossing the shaky bridge, we headed to Trent's grocery and Toddy Bear and I ordered Turkey Subs...Yeti got a bologna one because they were out of turkey. These subs were amazing. A sub, Powerade, and swiss roll only cost $5.45 and was pretty filling. After we finished eating, Toddy Bear went to a payphone and called Solomon about his shoes. While he was on the phone, some local walked by, looked at me and Yeti and said, "At the rate these gas prices are rising, everybody will soon be walking like you guys." Seeing a good opportunity for a laugh, I responded with, "Well sir, that's why we started!"By 10:35a, we got back on the trail. The climb out, like all climbs, was a bit steep and rough, but it eventually flattened out until Wapiti Shelter. There were a lit of beautiful Stream/Creek crossings along the way and made for a nice walk. Once we reached the shelter, T. Bear and I "tag-teamed" the Privy. While T.Bear was using it, I stripped down to my compression shorts to let my clothes dry. Eventually, we began to move again, and the climb out was not only steep [at first], but the sun was pretty ferocious with its 85*F rays. About 1 mile short of Doc's Knob Shelter, it began to drizzle and Toddy Bear and I began to run towards the shelter. I kept running until I reached the shelter, but Toddy Bear stopped because he fell. When I got there, I was greeted by Ember and Scrabble--2 18year old Asheville, NC boys who are flip-flopping from Waynesboro-->GA and then Waynesboro-->ME. Then, Biscuit, a section hiker, rolled in and pitched his tent near the shelter. The best part of the night was when Yeti rolled up to the shelter topless and only in his shorts!!! I know it was hot today, but seeing hikers hike topless always makes me laugh. Since we'll be in town tomorrow, we greedily ate as much food as possible. While eating, The Flying House of Steve and his 10 year old daughter, Nectar Meadow Woods, came in. Like Scrabble and Ember, Nectar Woods and TFH of Steve are Flip-Flopping, but they're doing it from Harper's Ferry-->GA and then Harper's Ferry-->ME. It's pretty cool because lately, it seems as if we've encountered a Flip-Flopper Wave!!! Also, I think it's pretty cool that Steve decided to take his 10 year old daughter on this trip!! Oh! It's official, Stovie has overtaken the AU boys. We know this because the boys pulled in to Pearisburg today and Stovie did an in and out yesterday. We'll eventually catch them and then "stealth" by them...Ha Ha!!! Oh Well! I guess I'll go to sleep now. The sun drained me today and I've got enough salt on my shirt to make 2 Lipton Sides...I can't wait to bathe and do laundry...Alright, good Night!!!