Date: 2015-10-23
From: Stealth Camping near Hellgate Ridge

To: Hwy 501, Glasgow, Virginia 
Miles today: 8.0

It was warm enough last night to leave my vestibule open. I love looking at the trees from my tent, and the moonlight afforded some great views in the night.  I went to sleep at 10pm and woke up at 12:34am thinking for sure it was time to wake up. I was shocked to realize I had only been asleep for two and a half hours and now was wide awake. It was a restless night, and I am a sleepy kind of tired today because of it.  After breakfast I hiked towards Salt Log Gap and then beside cliffs near the summit of Big Rock Row followed by the wooded summit of Little Rock Row. As if these awesome views weren't enough the trail then took me by open ledges with even more spectacular views of the James River Valley. I kept stopping every few minutes to take more pictures. I could see Thunder Ridge and Apple Orchard Mountain which I would be hiking after descending down to the James River. The fall foliage is even more beautiful today with more reds to be seen with the different shades of yellow, brown, orange and even green. It was a big descent down to John Hollows Shelter which was the next water source, and I was out of water. Because I felt so tired I took a very long lunch break and made some hot tea and a hot lunch in the hopes it would energize me. I hiked down to the banks of the James River after crossing two small footbridge with the intent of hiking six more miles today. When I got to the end of the gravel road a man greeted me and asked if I would like to go white water rafting in the river for a few hours.  I was a little overwhelmed at first and wasn't sure what to do. EZ E had an inflatable boat in his car and all the necessary gear for himself and two other people. He works for tips. Immediately thinking of safety I asked him some questions.  When he told me Solar Body paddled with him yesterday I felt okay about it.  EZ E said I was the only hiker he saw come out of the woods all day. I hopped in his car and we drove 9 miles to the small town of Glasgow where we would put in the raft. He drove me to a shelter for hikers half a mile away that was built by the Boy Scouts to show me where I could spend the night. It had a lamp, microwave, electrical outlets, bunks, Portalet and hot shower. Perfect! And it's right next to Scotto's Pizza, the only restaurant around. We met April and Stu at the river who were going to paddle as well so we shuttled vehicles so everyone would have a ride back. The six mile river trip was amazing and I am so glad I was open to changing my plans. The first run was a class 3 rapid and was such a blast! We paddled through a magnificent gorge and even saw a train going around the mountain. I could see where I hiked today and where I would be going next. The river was surrounded by the mountains flaunting their rusty fall colors, and we saw Canadian geese flying overhead and playing in the water. April called the leaves rusty and I like it so I'm using it. We got a late start so we finished paddling in the dark. We ended up in the water for over half an hour while it was completely dark and it became quite cold. It definitely added to the thrill of the unexpected adventure today. I didn't get to the shelter until after 8:30pm. I set up my bunk and then walked over to Scotto's for lasagna, salad and garlic bread. Now I'm laying in this bunk and am the only one here. It was a GREAT day and one that I will always remember!