Date: 2005-05-12
From: VA Route 641

To: VA Route 635
Miles today: 17.6

DAY 62My roommate for last night, Tomcat, is going to resume his AT hike today where we left off yesterday at VA Route 641. As for me, I arranged for shuttle to the Trail at its northern most intersection with VA Route 635, about two and a half miles past Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. I will be slack packing southbound and I planned to spend a second night at the Plaza Motel. Tomcat would be hiking north, so I expected I¢d see him one more time today. Tomcat seems to be enjoying being of legal drinking age too much. Last night he bought a six pack of Guinness. He can¢t carry it all, so he gave me two cans before he left the motel. Before I left with my shuttle, Rocky waved goodbye to me from her second floor balcony and threw me an orange for good luck. We tentatively plan on meeting in four days hence at Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. I don¢t know that this is going to happen as too many things have to fall into place.When we got to the Trail crossing of VA Route 635 where I planned to start my southbound slack pack, I saw a sign that said the footbridge at Dismal Branch, one mile south, was washed out. I hadn¢t planned on fording any streams today, so I had my shuttler drop me off at the other Trail crossing of VA Route 635. This spot is very close to Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. It would shorten my day¢s hike by 2.1 miles. But first I had a long steady climb up Peters Mountain. Because I was hiking southbound, I knew I would run into northbound hikers that I know. I first crossed paths with Krazy Katie and Radio. Next I ran into Mr. Clean. He gave me information of the water sources ahead. I knew I would have to replenish my water supply today, as it was a warm day. It would also be a long day.I enjoyed the walk across the open ridge line of Peters Mountain before I arrived at Rice Field Shelter. Somewhere during the early afternoon, I saw Tomcat coming toward me. We talked awhile before he continued on. I have gotten to think of him as my Trail son. I told him I wanted to leave him with two thoughts, as I knew I wouldn¢t see him again. First, please keep in touch, and second, easy on the drinking. I gave him a hug and he was on his way.As I descended Peters Mountain, I saw Skylark struggling up the Trail. I had spent considerable time with her and Nu-B before I reached Damascus. Nu-B was no longer hiking with her. I am curious as to why, buy I didn¢t have the nerve to ask.I reached the end of my hike at VA Route 641 (Clendenin Road) late this afternoon. Except it was not going to be the end of my day¢s walking. I still had to get back to the Plaza Motel. I tried hitchhiking in rush hour traffic along busy US Route 460. Without Rocky, I was totally unsuccessful in getting a ride. So I had to walk the additional three or four miles back to the Plaza Motel. I have walked about 21 miles today and my body feels it tonight. I had dinner by myself at a Hardee¢s Restaurant across the road from the Plaza Motel. I feel kind of lonely tonight, as I am alone for the first time in two weeks. Back at the Motel I tried one of the cans of Guinness that Tomcat left me. I found I don¢t like Guinness.I have arranged for a shuttle to Roanoke, Virginia, tomorrow, through the ever helpful folks at the Rendezvous Motel.