Date: 2015-05-22
From: 675.3 campsite, VA

To: Trout Creek/VA 620
Miles today: 18.8

On the trail by 7:30am, Moosehead, Safari, and I headed off knowing we had 18.8 miles to our rendezvous point at Trout Creek. A mile into our hike we came upon the largest oak tree on the southern AT, Keffer Oak, measuring in at over 18' around and over 300 years old. Though tiny in comparison to Redwoods and the like, the tree was still massive, my neck straining in order to see the mass of branches above. Moosehead and I took a few pictures and commented on the fact that it was special to see something older than the year our country was formed - an object older than most trees, but younger than the mountains we found ourselves trekking along.Two climbs awaited us today, the first being Sinking Creek Mountain rising ~1,000ft in ~3 miles with the majority taking place in a little over the first mile of climbing. With sweat pouring and legs straining in the cool morning area, we soon found ourselves reloading on water at Sarver Hollow Shelter, just beyond the summit of Bruisers Knob. The the next ~3 miles would be spent skirting along the ridgeline, passing a handful of scenic overlooks as we hopped and zigzagged our way across large, slanted rock outcroppings. With ankles becoming sore from the sharp angles of each step, it was nice to finally reach a sign marking the invisible line running the width of the eastern US, the Eastern Continental Divide. As a geography nerd, I found it cool knowing I was crisscrossing a boundary where all water fortunate enough to reach a stream, then a creek, then a river would ultimately end up in either the Gulf of Mexico to the west or the Atlantic Ocean to the east.Climbing down Sinking Creek Mountain, it would take just under ~2 hours to cover the gradual decline over ~5 miles. After passing Niday Shelter, roughly two-thirds of the way down, we found an extra downhill gear usually lost when descenting and flew over the final 2 miles until we reached Craig Creek. With several bridges crossing the creek, we stopped below the largest one to enjoy a half-hour lunch in order to reward ourselves for being ahead of schedule. Moosehead took the opportunity to fish and caught a small fish within his first few throws. Eventually I took over and would catch a small one on my first throw. Safari would then have a go and spend the next ~15 minutes butchering the art of fishing. My case for him not being a true Southerner continues to grow.With stomachs loaded with crappy calories, the race up Brush Mountain was on as we intended to ride the wave of energy our bodies craved. Brush Mountain, rising ~1,500ft in 3 miles, would prove to be one of the fastest ascents of the trail so far thanks to Snickers and a solid lineup of music pushing me on and up. I reached a random wooden bench sitting at the southern crest of the summit in just over an hour. Just under a mile later, a sidetrail led to the Audie Murphy Monument, commemorating the most decorated American soldier of WWII who passed in a plane crash near the location. A solar powered light was installed to ensure that the American flag would fly around the clock.With 2 hours before pur rendezvous, the remaining ~4 miles downhill would be spent cruising at a leisurely pace, enjoying conversation ans listening to music. We reached Trout Creek at 4:30pm, a half hour ahead of schedule, and we used the time relaxing along the creek watching Moosehead fish. Just after 5:00pm, Moosehead's friend from college, Andy, arrived to take us into nearby Blacksburg, VA for a Friday evening and Saturday enjoying what the town had to offer. Blacksburg is a quaint town, offering most conveniences, a 5-block downtown stretch of bars and eateries for the college scene, and of course the large presence of Virginia Tech University.We arrived at the town home of Andy and his girlfriend, Angie, who graciously volunteered to take in 3 very smelly hikers for the weekend. After introductions and pleasantries, we quickly threw our clothes in the laundry and took much too long showers. Feeling human again, our next plan was anobvious one: eat. We walked the few blocks into the downtown area lined with bars, restaurants, and shops catering to college kids. With the school year recently ending, the streets were relatively empty and and far less intimidating than had we walked off the trail into a student population of ~30,000. We decided on dinner at Cabo Fish Taco, a Mexican/seafood eatery. Other than the solid lineup of food options, what attracted us most was the Workman's Margaritas, large bowls of delicious, salty goodness. It only took a couple before the thought of the day's earlier climbs were but a distant memory.After the solid and friendly service of our waitress, Ariel, she would join us for a night out after the conclusion of her shift. On to another bar that I don't remember the name of, we split a couple pitchers of beer as the night gradually rolled along. We then ventured to our finalvbar of the night, The Rivermill, where we enjoyed more beer, good convo, and failed attempts with locals. Moosehead and I did, however, enjoy a shining moment in the form of beating Andy and Angie in a heated game of darts. With last call coming at 2:00am, we walked the few blocks back to the town home and the comfortable couches that would make us feel like kings for the weekend. Well done, Blacksburg night life.Tomorrow will be a zero enjoying brunch at Boudreaux's, home-brewed beer, hamburgers and hotdogs, and relaxing in the sunny weather called for in the forecast.Only one "here's to" is needed in this edition: to all former and current members of our military. Thank you for your service and enjoy the weekend ahead in your honor.