Date: 2018-06-18
From: Daleville

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm headed to Virginia to hike the section from Daleville north to Black Rock Gap in Shenandoah where I left off with my daughter Snickers. It's a four and a half hour drive and I'm out before 4am to make the most of the day.No Worries (Kathleen from Wisconsin) is my ride again and I once again leave my car in Waynesboro at Stanimal's. It's over an hour drive to Daleville where I'm unceremoniously dropped off on the shoulder of a busy road where the AT crosses. I almost forgot to pay, and then as I'm putting my money away I can't find my cards and ID! The shuttle pulled away, did I leave them in the car? A few frantic minutes later I find them laying on the ground. Okay, that was a little too close a call. Have to hang on to those tighter.There's a convenience store by the trailhead but I decide against carrying a cold drink. I will later regret this! The trail meanders through the valley to Troutville where one of those ultra-long freight trains is passing over the trail. I read the trailhead signs while I wait. I'm in Botecourt county, which once extended as far as the Mississippi River and covered what are now seven states! That's back when Virginia claimed most of the land west of the Appalachians to the Pacific.The trail winds over a lovely grassy hill with a bucolic view, then begins ascending to the ridge in Jefferson National Forest through wide sweeping switchbacks. The treadway is ideal. Soon I'm 1300 feet higher and traversing the ridgeline.The trail starts to parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway. It goes directly through four overlooks on the road, and several clearings where trees have been felled to give drivers a view. Traffic is light. About half the passing vehicles are motorcycles out for a joy ride.There are no tough climbs today but it is hot and humid. It seems hotter than the 85 my thermometer reads. I am dripping with sweat all day. I keep my shirt off, but that leads to chafing from the backpack. My big mistake is underestimating my water needs. I am not drinking enough, and by the time I realize this all the decent water sources are behind me. Trail magic in the form of ice cold water bottles at one of the overlooks saves my butt temporarily. Later I stop at Bobblet's Gap shelter to refill. It's the only source for miles in either direction. It's off trail down numerous switchbacks. Ugh! I'll have to climb back up. There I meet thruhiker Booger Bear, just back from canoeing on the Shenandoah River. He introduces me to the poor water source. It's nearly dry. A small pool with a concrete dam produces a slow trickle facilitated by several leaves to direct it into a drip. It takes 5-10 minutes to fill each liter.Once filled I have a second late lunch to boost my energy. I'm likely low on salt and electrolytes too, but I have no tablets or powder. I am not used to summer hiking. I remember having the same problem with heat and humidity in New York last year. I've been aiming for a campsite with a water supply and swimming hole (!) at Jennings Creek by VA614. That would position me to reach Glasgow tomorrow. But by evening I am out of energy and the feet and legs are tired. I know it is partly dehydration, but there is zero water on this stretch. I stop at the Cove Mountain shelter for the night. It has no water. Booger Bear catches up and tents. I opt for the shelter to make for a quicker exit in the morning - for water and to make it to Glasgow. But the mosquitoes and ants decide to join me in the shelter. Oh well, tomorrow's a new day!Safe, too warm, and too dry (my mouth, not my clothes!) on the Appalachian Trail.