Date: 2016-05-02
From: Rocky Gap VA 601

To: VA 621
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

What a day! I encountered a little bit of everything today, some good/some bad. The day began with fog/mist lingering from evening showers, which obstructed view from Kelly Knob after an early climb. The skies cleared and I encountered several stream crossings in which the only option was to wade across, which meant wet shoes. Current was too rapid to risk stepping on rocks to avoid wet feet. Fortunately, my trail runner shoes dry very quickly. Beautiful pastures were next up, which I thoroughly enjoy walking through (see pictures), they are peaceful and usually have a level even walking surface. The pastures led to the Keifer Oak, an 18 foot around tree that is over 300 years old (see pictures). A climb led to a long rocky ridge line mid afternoon walk with many slanted rocks to traverse. The sun was out and temperatures rising. This is when it got interesting. As I was traversing rocks I heard a sound to my right. I did not recognize it immediately, but quickly realized it was a rattle. I froze and then stepped back and quickly looked around moved and spotted what I believe was a timber rattlesnake to my right just off the trail. He was doing his job by warning me with his rattle. I took a couple of pictures and estimate it was 3-4 feet long and wide. He was not coiled, but continued to rattle and slowly moved away into some bushes. Needless, to say this was my first encounter with a rattlesnake and spooked me. I spent the rest of the hike scanning the trail for more rattlesnakes. This is a great example of why you should not wear headphones while hiking. If I had headphones in I would not have heard the rattle and may have walked into the snake, big lesson learned. Soon after this happened the skies opened up with a large thunderstorm with lighting. I donned my pack cover and rain jacket and increased my pace. As I reached my destination I checked my pockets and pack for my car key, which I could not locate. I dropped my car off in the morning was shuttled forward by Evan Lukow and hiked back to it. Forrest arrived soon after I did and was also wet from the thunderstorm. To make matters worse I did not have cell service and could not contact Evan or Jill. I walked up the road and flagged down a passing car. They lived in the area and let me use their phone which had US Cellular service. I called Evan and he had just discovered that I left my key in his car and was headed out to bring the key to me. Big Thumbs Up to Evan Lukow for key rescue. Back at the Beeson house Jill was preparing dinner for Volunteer Dave and Steve the Hiker who were spending the night with us, along with Evan and his wife, my daughter Aubrey and Forrest. Great way to end the day with wonderful meal with hiking friends. On a down note Volunteer Dave contracted a leg infection and will be leaving the trail and flying home on May 3. Volunteer Dave is a great hiker and thoroughly enjoyed time spent with him. Steve the Hiker is pressing forward with plan to hike until Harper's Ferry WV and exit the trail. After Harper's Ferry I will be the last one hiking from our original group.