Date: 2012-04-21
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 32.5
Weather: light rain

Finally, I have caught up on my journal... Now I can talk about today! What a long and tiring day, but very interesting. It started at 0500 when we woke up in the shelter to get ready for a early start day due to the miles and ruff terrain. I was the first out on the trail around 0600 with the beam of my headlamp leading my way. As I came up to the A.T. from the hostel I could see what looked like someone watching me... sure enough, it was. There were three hunters in ghillie suits sitting near the trail with there shotguns, trying to call in some turkey.   I was caught off gaurd but they were very nice. I moved on, however, my pace came to a halt when I hit a few miles from the Dragon's Tooth. The path turned to sharp rocks that were scattered all over the ground. My walking turned into rock hopping, carefully taking each step. One wrong step and it could easily end my trip. Slowly I moved forward past the Dragon's Tooth. Where did the trail go??? (Looks down and see's white blazed on the rocks)?!?!? I did not know I would be using my rock climbing skills here... down I went. Earlier in the day Swivel and Spiral had agreed to split a room tonight in town, so I took am minute on the rock edge to call and reserve a room. While I was doing that I called home real quick to say hello. I made it past the terrifying terrain and wondered what was in store for me next. When I made it down to the road I went to the gas station and got some breakfast as I believe I had earned it. I met up with Swivel and Spiral here and they were eating some snacks when I got moving again, we would run into eachother a few times today. The hike from here was not eventful for a bit, but then I crossed some farmland and a road. I continued on and got to a field that I could look back and see the road and field which I had just come from. I could see Spiral in the field, he looked to be moving pretty quick. I heard a distant yell, but could not make it out. I said hello back and then moved on thinking nothing of it. However, moments later as I was now up on a ridge I heard multiple sirens, I feared the worst.. something had happened to Spiral or Swivel. I was to far away by now to be of any use, and it would take me 15-30 minutes to get back to them. I hoped that my fears were not coming true and moved on. As the day slowly moved on I made it to Mcafee's knob, what a great place.. if it was not raining. I cannot complain though since it did not start to rain until nearly 1600. I got to see a little view and get a few pictures before it was socked in from the clouds. I moved much quicker after this point knowing that I still had 16 miles to go. I was very pleased though as two day hikers I meant gave me an amazing scone that boosted my energy, very nice of them. I made it to the next look out which had a great view, and then to the shelter. I knew I had to keep moving quickly if I was to make it to town before dark. By the time I got down to the next shelter it was down right pouring, the skies had turned black and the thunder echoed through the mountains. As the rain challenged the limits of my rain gear I came to the next shelter, it was full of a outdoors club from Penn State. Here is my shout out to you all!! WHATS UP PENN STATE!!!! I was happily greeted by them and room was made so I could get out of the rain. They immediately offered my many pounds of gummy candy that was incredibly yummy! Thank you so much guys, it truly hit the spot! Especially the chocolate covered Expresso beans. I knew I had ten more miles so I had to get back into the rain and move on. I started to simply run, I sinched the wet straps down on my pack and moved quickly. I managed to cover 5 miles in one hour. Then came the evil rocky ridge again though, back to a halt! The rain was on and off and I worked my way through. Thankfully I was able to make it down to town just before dark. I checked into my hotel and called Swivel and Spiral to see what was going on and where they were at, they called shortly after saying they were about 4 miles up still. I did not ask about the sirens as it was obvious it was not them. At about 2200 they came in, beaten and tired. I was also beat but had time to shower and get some energy back. They told me it was a crazy day. That is when they filled me in with what happened. Just after I crossed the road, there was a bad crash. A lady with her kids in the car rolled her car four times off the road. Swivel and Spiral ran to the aid of the victims. I saw Spiral in the field as he was running to the neighbors house to get help. Thankfully nobody was hurt and Swivel (a new EMT, got some practice). Thank you to these two hikers who stopped to help, so many people out there would keep on hiking. This had held them up for nearly a hour which is why they were so far behind. At least everyone was OK. We ordered some pizza's and got some ice cream, now it is time to relax. I have to go a bit slower to keep from getting to Harpers to quickly as my family is coming on the 4th. So I will zero tomorrow and heal up from today. I have a few blisters from wet feet so that will be nice. I need to resupply also so I have lots to do. Time for bed for now. PS. New Record!!