Date: 2005-07-10
From: Peter's Mtn. Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Last night Piker & I were both thrilled when we walked up upon the shelter. It was just about time for our headlamps. It was just our crew, so we were able to set up our tents in the shelter which resulted in a great nights sleep for both of us. We slept in & read for a bit in the morning. Had bagels & muffin bars for breakfast & packed up. At the site of the beautiful new shelter, just down the trail, was the tiny old shelter. They have not removed it because it was built by Earl Shaeffer. Before we left for the day we had to check out this legendary spot. After pictures at "Earls" we hit the trail about 10:30. The hiking was great to start with. Nice ridgeline walking & those infamous PA rocks!! As a result of Wingfoots miscalculations/a relocation the spring was further then we had thought. We were psyched when we finally got there because we were low on water & energy. Had a nice lunch break at the spring with Squid & Warlock. After lunch at PA625 we got some awesome trail magic, orange gatorade. Perfect on this warm & sunny day. Also great timing, right before our 1100' climb. During the climb we ran into Drumstick & Peanut and learned that they were to thank for the magic!!   The climb was gradual and rocky. I passed on wearing my headphones so that I could keep my ears open for rattlers. We went thru big boulders and small rocky sections today. This area is suppose to be ridden with snakes. The rest of the hike was relatively flat terrain. We ran out of water 3 miles from the shelter so we pushed hard through aching feet and chaffing. We arrived at the shelter and found a great camp site & one of the best water sources that we have come across in a while. Piker & I set up camp and started a fire. Warlock & Jerky arrived & began settling in. I had just ran back to the fire from our tent when Jerky got up to go and get water. He had to walk by our tent & as he got close we all heard what sounded like maracas, but we were not at a siesta. We all knew what it was...A RATTLESNAKE. We all jumped up and watched as the snake slithered through our gear which we had left laying out by a tree. Of course Piker grabbed the camera & a trekking pole. He immediately tried to get the snake to strike the pole. I stood back quietly wishing that the snake would go away as quickly as he had appeared. No such luck though. It was getting mad. Piker was snapping shots & poking at the snake. It coiled into a small circle & rattled away @ us. Piker began to organize our things & the snake just chilled out where it was. Neither of us wanted it going near our tent so Jerky & Piker grabbed a long stick and a trekking pole each & went to work moving the snake. Jerky did a great job spooking it down the ravine. I just hope it doesn't come back. I am a little on edge after that & when a toad jumped on my foot as I sat by the fire I leapt out of my seat & screamed. As I am writing this entry I can hear something moving outside the tent & I am a bit concerned. I don't like things that creep & crawl during the night. The forest definitely comes alive at night. I'm hopeful for a good nights sleep since we have another big mileage day tomorrow. Another great day on the trail, this is the life!!                                       Ms. Mileage