Date: 2017-08-20
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

I did not roll out of my tent, no one knocked themselves out from my bear bag, and my knee felt better. A great start to the day. I packed everything but the tent before eating breakfast. The tent was wet from so much dew/condensation, that I wanted to give it as much time as possible to dry out before packing it. No sense in carrying the extra water weight I had a hearty breakfast, in preparation for what I had hoped would be a long hike¢through the Grayson Highlands State Park, past the next shelter, and onto the following shelter, 11.9 miles away. I knew this was possible, given my accomplishment yesterday¢12.3 miles.  It didn¢t take long for me to scarf down a double dose of oatmeal in addition to Carnation Instant breakfast, a donut (more like donut crumbs, since donuts are hard to protect from smashing in the backpack), and the all-important cup of coffee.  I was packed and on the trail by 8:30.A lot of people were out enjoying the sunny day, many continuing their weekend journey, others just getting started. It was great to see so many families and groups, individuals and couples taking advantage of the weather, the weekend, and the parks.  Though fairly level, the rocks and boulders made for another treacherous hike. At one point, the trail went through a short, narrow cave-like tunnel. My backpack barely cleared the rock sides, and there would be no room to step aside if someone else had come from the other direction.   My knee was holding up, but every now and then reminded me that I needed to be cautious, not that I wasn¢t cautious traversing the boulders. Each step had to be pre-planned, calculated¢should I go up, down, around? There was a short reprieve from the rocks where bushes lined the trail. I heard the sound of movement on my side that really scared me¢it was very close, and whatever it was was larger than a bird or rodent.  Then, as I rounded the curve, the source of the sound became apparent¢it was ponies!!! I had not yet officially reached the Grayson Highlands, but the prize of today¢s hike was right in front of me. They were oblivious to my presence as they happily chomped on the grass and whatever other goodies they found in the rare patch of green. Not far beyond that point, the ground leveled out, and I could see the entrance sign to the Grayson Highlands State Park (GHSP), and beyond that¢more ponies. These ponies were right on the trail, with their heads under the shade of the trees. One pony was lying down. I didn¢t think it looked well, but there was no official near by to ask about it. It was on its side with flies going in and out of its mouth. It was breathing, but something just didn¢t look right about it. I mentioned it to other park visitors, but they just thought the pony was resting in the shade. I had to accept that, and move on. I figured park officials probably would notice, given how close to the trail the ponies were. At some point before the next parking area, I realized I had reached the 500 mile mark of my journey. Maybe I can do this, after all! The open field was soon behind me, and once again I found myself in the wooded area, still a part of the GHSP. I could hear ponies neighing, but I could not see them.  I continued to weave through stiles and fences and, before long, I came upon the Wise Shelter.  I had no plan to stay here, but I took advantage of the opportunity to take a break. I read the register and the note that One Up left for me¢she was a day ahead, and only stopped at the Wise Shelter for a break before going on to Old Orchard Shelter, 6.7 miles away. That was my plan as well. I had enough water to get me to the next source, so I didn¢t refill. I just hit the trail. Of course, about .2 miles after leaving, I ¢hit the trail¢ literally. I crossed the footbridge and made it through the next stretch of rocky terrain before my poles slipped on more rocks, and I could not gain my balance before taking a side dive on the trail. The pain in my knee was instant, severe, and debilitating. I could not bear weight on my left leg at all. My only choice at the time was to return to the shelter, but how would I get there? Crawl? Somehow, by the grace of God, I was able to lean on my trekking poles enough to support my weight, and I made it back to the shelter. In agony, I wasted no time in popping the Ibuprofen and elevating my leg. Now, I just wait to see if this was a temporary inconvenience or a journey-stopping event.A couple of hours later, I attempted to walk using my trekking poles. The pain level was much better, and I was able to take a few steps with some difficulty. Since I knew I would not be going anywhere that day, I took my still wet tent out of the sack and spread it out in the sun to dry.  About ten minutes later, it started to rain. Other hikers started to come by the shelter, most of them using it only as a resting point before moving on. One of the visitors gave me some Tylenol after learning about my injury and after I explained I had taken all but two of my Ibuprofen. Darrell and his son Spencer opted to stay the night, although Spencer set up his tent up trail, while Darrell shared the shelter¢in anticipation of more rain. Spencer was my trail angel for the day¢he refilled my water, so I did not have to make the trek to the source with my bad knee. Dinner done and bear bags hung, I spent the next hour or so stretching my legs and hoping all would be well in the morning. The pain had diminished considerably, but I wasn¢t so sure how long that would last.