Date: 2003-06-27
From: Troutville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Date: 6.27.03Starting Location: TroutvilleDestination: Wilson Creek ShelterMileage: 9.7I Rock!!! Well...how is that for a start! I just had the best day and I feel so good! We got up and had a little breakfast before hitting the trail. We had almost a mile walk to the trail (making it a 10+ mile day!!) at which point Bumpkin and I split up. Charlie was still at the motel making phone calls, so I was on my own for a while. The morning was beautiful. It was cloudy, which, given the temperature, was a blessing, and a nice breeze was blowing. We started the day with a little climbing through forest, a little traipsing through pastures, and a little stile climbing. One stile, in particular, was very wobbly, and only had two out of four of its legs touching the ground at any given time! I won't tell you how long I froze at the top but suffice it to say, the view way lovely! :)   After working our way through a magical little gap full of wild flowers, the trail started to climb...a lot. But I felt great! I would go and go and go, stopping only to slow down my heart from time to time. I was full of energy! After a while, Charlie caught up with me and we climbed the rest of the way together. At one point he said, "Anna, you sure are moving well today! I have been following you for 4 days and you haven't moved this well!". Did I mention that I felt great?! (Later discussion considers whether the meat loaf or the electrolyte drink I had today has anything to do with it. Hmmmm....)   We met Bumpkin for lunch at the Fullhardt Knob Shelter and we were only 45 minutes behind her. This has got to be a record for me! As we sat down to eat, Charlie pulls a surprise out of his food bag...Chocolate Pudding!!! What a treat! He had been hinting that he had two surprises for us, and here was one of them. He is the best!   After lunch, I was raring to go so we took off. The afternoons hike was awesome. Big rolling hills, long ups and downs that took us into the heart of the forest. Waist high ferns accompianed us for part of the afternoon, and blueberry bushes were a constant companion! Every so often, we would stop and eat the berries right from the bush. We always made sure to leave some for the next hiker, but within the week, the whole trail will be bursting with them! My stamina and strength stayed with me all afternoon, even for the last .7 mile to the shelter, which happened to all be up hill! For the first time in ages, and for only the second time in my hike, I feel like I have miles left in me! What a feeling!   We got to the shelter and Bumpkin and Pirate were there. Charlie went to get water, cause he is wonderful, :), and we all settled down to dinnner. Del had given us some food that a hiker had left in his truck, which included a freeze dried Bluebery Cheesecake. Well, Bumpkin had picked a bag of fresh berries to add to the mix, and she got to work creating a backcountry masterpiece.      It turns out that this very spot is the 1/3 mark for the trail, so we had some celebrating to do! Freeze dried Blueberry Cheesecake, it is!! You might think that this doesn't sound appeaing at all, but let me tell you, it was fabulous! Charlie gave Pirate the chocolate pudding he had been saving, and then broke out his last surprise....hot chocolate!   This brother of mine has amazed me with his thoughtfullness and consideration on the trail. He has spent all week thinking of others and doing little special things for us. I hope he has gotten as much enjoyment out of being here as ! we have out of him being with us! We have loved having him here, not just because he is so helpful, but because he is a positive force and has made us smile constantly. Charlie, we will miss you!      As the evening winds down, we all retire to our tents. At one point, gun shots ring out nearby, at which point I yell at the top of my lungs, "Run, Bambi! Run for your life!!!". Giggles ring out from the tents and we conclude our evening with our new tradition..."Goodnight John Boy...Goodnight Sue Ellen....Goodnight Grandpa..."   Night is falling, the North Star is shining, and the moon is rising. What a great day........Love, Anna aka Mud Butt------------------------------Local access to PocketMail mobilee-mail now available in Europe, NorthAmerica & Australia http://www.pocketmail.com