Date: 2008-06-08
From: Dutch Haus, Montebello

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Breakfast was a fruit muffin, bacon, egg-chili pie, cantaloup, grapes, o.j., and coffee (yum.) Earl shuttled us back to the Fish Hatchery Road. It was a steep uphill 1.5 miles to the trailhead. Didn't start on the AT until 8:30. It was already hot. The trail went up to Priest Mountain. The first stop was Spy Rock, a very large rock outcropping. Unfortunately, the view was limited because of all the haze. Almost to the top of Priest Mountain, trail angels had set up cold drinks, coffee, and pancakes with fresh fruit. Now you are probably wondering how could I eat after having such a big breakfast at the Dutch Haus? No problem. I still was able to eat two pancakes, a soda and coffee. Thank you guys. They had kids who were hiking the trail. They took our photos and we all signed the guest book. Earthbound and Hot Tang were there. Earthbound had just found a tick buried on her hand. Even with a magnifying glass, I could not tell that it was a tick. We have no chance against these little insects. I got out the 100% deet and sprayed all my exposed skin. The Priest Shelter register brought out hiker humor. Everyone was treating it like a confessional. One hiker wrote: I confess to carrying a two man tent, food for two, and extra clothes, so that my girlfriend can carry her mascara, nail file, polish, and make up. The best part, but most challenging was going down the back side of The Priest. It was a rocky four and half mile trail very hard on the knees. When I got to Cripple Creek, off came the boots, soaked my feet while eating a snack. I was soon joined by Long We True, Willow, Tuit, and Buzz Lightyear. We all thought it was the best part of the day. The next stop was the Tye River. Didn't stop at just getting my feet wet. Hot Tang asked me to fill her water bottle. Took a step on some slippery rock and in I went. It felt so good and lots of laughs all around. The climb afterwards up to Harper Creek Shelter of five miles was the most difficult because of the heat. You could have blue blazed around The Three Ridges (tomorrow's climb) and seen a water fall. I'm still trying to white blaze or stay on the AT as much as possible. When I got to Harper Shelter, a hiker named Fife was there. He said he had fallen coming down The Three Ridges and heard a pop in his ankle. He said he'd been able to get Lois and Earl at the Dutch Haus. Earl came up to see how he was and go retrieve the backpack he had left up on the mountain. He said they were coming with a rescue team. I asked if he needed anything? He just needed water. I gladly got him three liters of purified water. There really was nowhere to tent by the shelter. I went down the hill to where flat areas were. It was comforting when Long We True and Willow showed up and also set up their tents.  Later we hear Fife play his fife. He knew a lot of tunes, some I recognized as Celtic tunes. It was a little erie, but what a beautiful sound coming through the trees. I told Fife I was leaving early, but that I would call on my cell to see if the rescue party was on the way. Lights out. Fly right,Ravon