Date: 2010-04-28
From: Bailey Gap

To: Sarver Cabin-Sinking Creek- Entry Two
Miles today: 21.0

04/28/2010        Entry #2 of the grand ole day!!Fraser FirAppalachian TrailSection HikerGeorgia to MaineYear Six of north bound hike: day number sixI tell you what; those views from Kelly Knob were absolutely amazing! I wish that I had time to hang out all day. I guess that is what I get for sleeping in!After taking some shots from Kelly Knob and looking out into the horizon, trying to figure out where Pearisburg may just be behind me and where Roanoke might be to the east, I descend to Laurel Creek Shelter for dinner!I filter more water and set my three course dinner up on a slab of rock. I have not seen many folks today, so I figure that it would be o.k. to cook and eat on the rock.Sure enough, here comes a group of around fifteen students and leaders from a college in upstate New York. One of the friendliest bunches of folks you ever would meet. (Especially considering I was taking up the entire trail)I have pretty much decided that I am done with the dehydrated ¢just add water $6.50 to $8.00 meals. No names of companies or flavors mentioned. I have nothing to complain about. I eat well every night.The meals are not for me anymore. I had a couple of really bad experiences last February when I was eating them, when it was really cold and I just cannot get excited about them again.Beef jerky and snicker bars have really come into play for lunch. Propel and Gatorade mix have been the life saver for certain!!After eating, which seemed like ¢force feeding¢ because I am not hungry, but I have to eat, I get back onto the trail. The students and the leaders really lifted my spirits today. I have been alone with God and nature all day. It was certainly nice to meet some kind folk.The highlight of the day was about to commence: walking through Sinking Creek Valley. There is no doubt that I just love hiking. There is no doubt that every part of the Appalachian Trail has been scenic and breath taking. There is no doubt that I love hiking through farm land; being around barns, animals, livestock and open views.I had such an opportunity in Sinking Creek Valley this evening.No doubt, the most beautiful part of this hike so far, it must have been eighty degrees as I walked across the beautiful Central Virginia landscape.Barns and farm houses galore. Cows, goats and even a couple of donkeys.Wow, my boys would absolutely love this.I am a former oil canvas painter. It is a hobby that I plan to pick back up once my journals are caught up and maybe when my kids are older.Let me tell you, some of the pictures that I took this evening, will be Christmas presents on canvas (pictures of this area) in years to come!!I really took in the scenery and took my time hopping the stiles. The climb down to Hwy 42. And back up into the mountains was priceless this evening. Except for the farmers that were working, no other person or hiker was in sight. As I start to climb Sinking Creek Mountain, I continue to fire off pictures in every possible direction.Again, the power line areas ( I hate to say it) come into play, giving me over 180 degree views of the area to capture a moment in time.It is getting dark. I don the head lamp. I see lights of what may be Roanoke off to my right or east.In addition, I am out of water. I could not fetch water down at Hwy 42. That would have been insane because I lack a filter system and there are livestock everywhere.The only indication of water is at Sarver Hollow, just south of the Sarver Cabin shelter.Thank goodness, it is starting to cool off. I will conclude this day with my journey to down to Sarver Cabin. It will be near 10:30 p.m. when I finally lay my head down.Either way- another great day!!David