Date: 2015-04-11
From: Atkins, VA

To: Lick Creek Campsite
Miles today: 17.8

4/11, 17.8, Lick Creek unmarked campsiteMy good friend dropped me back at the trail this morning after a bittersweet goodbye. I was looking forward to spending more time with him, but I guess it will have to be in a fishing boat...oh darn?!I was back on trail at 8 am with shelter options at 14.7 and 23 miles. The weather was 55 and sunny at 8 so I looked forward to a pleasant hike. The trail wandered through a high meadow and then up into the woods to regain the high ridge. I negotiated several climbs and then came out at another road. Across the road the trail followed 14 miles of easement through private property that meandered alongside streams and fencerows. At one point I took a photo of he herd of cows standing in he trail eating grass. As I approached they did what cows do, watching me carefully approach until I invaded their 30 yards of personal space. At that point they en masse surged downhill about fifty yards, clearing my trail and allowing me to pass. Passing over he fencerows in and out of the fields involves climbing a stile made of 2x6 ladder steps and 4x4 side posts. The highest one today was nearly seven feet high and climbing up one side and down the other can be a chore but I managed as gracefully as my God given skills allowed. I stopped for a nice rest and lunch about 11:30 atop a rise and checked my maps. I was close to the first shelter and figured I would be there early afternoon. Unfortunately, I was really hesitant to make for the second shelter today because there is a three mile climb right before. I did arrive at Knot Maul Branch shelter at 2:30, and had a decision to make which was either stay or go on to a campsite further down the trail. I had hiked past another thru hiker, Bowie, and in conversation he was also debating camping out. The biggest downside today would not be the weather. The forecast is for clear skies tonight so setting a tent would be fine. The drawback is the lack of a latrine. I have gotten somewhat spoiled having facilities for necessary business but in this case, it makes sense to press on.Bowie hiked in while I was trying to decide and we determined to hike on to a stream crossing 3 miles further and set camp. We had a nice conversation as we hiked and quickly climbed then descended to the river. We found nice places for our tents and set camp. Quickly to dinner and hang the food, then settle in to plan tomorrow and write the journals. Tomorrow we start with a big climb, up 1500 ft, then the trail meanders a long ridge line for several miles, then drops down to our destination. It should be a very pleasant hike. Bowie and I ended the evening with a very nice conversation about our families, churches and ministry trips with youth. His church family is in West Virginia and is very similar to mine and I look forward to hiking with him a day or two while our schedules coincide. There are two other hikers camped near us, but they have been less sociable and are not thru hikers. It is ironic that non thru hikers act as if they are afraid to intrude when thru hikers tend to be the easiest bunch with which to make conversation.Good night, and have a pleasant tomorrow.Silverback