Date: 2009-06-24
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: few clouds

Last night, I thought that a bear was in camp and that it was going through my food bag. I did a pretty poor job at hanging up my food bag on the tree and, you never know with these bears. In the morning, I hit the Blue Ridge Parkway for the first time. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles (755 km), mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. Land on either side of the road is maintained by the National Park Service. It is the longest, narrowest National Park in the world and is the most visited unit in the United States National Park System. In many places, the park is bordered by land protected by the United States Forest Service.Early in the morning, I ran into Jersey Girl, who had become very discouraged with the way her hike was going. She is a 60+ retired woman from New Jersey and she has been missing her husband and her son very much recently. She also has been having some problems with shin splints. I did my very best to give her some feedback and for her to recognize a few things about the hike. I explained that there are no ¢rules¢ in hiking and that she is free to make any decision that she wishes. I like to think that I helped her with her decision to keep going or to get off the trail. In the end, it will be the right decision for her at that moment in time. Jersey Girl, I wish you the best!As I reached the other side of the mountain, close to Cove Mountain Shelter, the temperature just completely soared. There were signs that a recent fire had swept through the mountainside, as everything in the area was dry and entirely charred. Due to the direct sunlight on this face of the mountain, it was amazing to see the new vegetation growing. I reached VA 614/Jennings Creek, which is a very famous swimming area on the AT. I saw Fungi and Camel there and we all jumped in the cold and refreshing water. I wore my bright orange crocs into the water and I was surprised at how buoyant they were. They kept me at exactly the right level for me to sit back and float in the water and enjoy the cool water on my hot skin. Some locals were there drinking beer and we chatted for a short bit about life in the country and, where they lived ¢ the town of Buchanan. At Bryant Ridge Shelter, I was able to meet some really cool guys: Colin from Plymouth England, East Coast from Raleigh, NC, Rabbit and Breakfast of Champions from Philadelphia, PA. Floyd Mountain was next and I was not looking forward to climbing 2,300 vertical feet with 5 miles to go. It was certainly a tough climb, but the sunset in the distance cast this beautiful golden glittering light on the tops of trees. It kind of looked like Tinkerbell¢s fairy dust high up in the trees. I arrived at Cornelius Creek Shelter quite late and found out that the shelter was full. So, I decided to not set up my tent, but to camp directly to the side of the shelter. I stuffed my food bags into the bottom of my sleeping bag to prevent any smell from attracting bears. I went down to the small creek, filled up with water, headed back to my sleeping area, ate some food (not dinner) and fell asleep. I was so tired after my longest day yet: 25.6 miles.