Date: 2016-06-06
From: camping

To: outside of dalesville, VA
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 56- June 6, 2016Today couldn't have been much more pleasant than it was. With two famous views on the trail, an easy 15 mile day over nice terrain, and no rain, we already were set up for a great day. It started off with us taking our time to get ready to leave camp. We knew we only had 15 miles to go so that we would be set up for a nearo into Dalesville, VA tomorrow. We also knew we weren't supposed to camp outside of designated camp sites in the national park so if we were to stealth camp, it would have to be late in the afternoon/evening. So we were in no rush to get out of camp. There were some rocky points in the morning with regards to communication between dregs and I, but after getting a little caffeine in us, we were all good. Before we set out, an older couple we had met at Over Mountain Shelter passed by and chatted with us for a bit. They are currently staying at the hotel we will be at tomorrow and had informed us of the multiple hiker boxes put out there. They said there were trekking poles and super feet in there, which dregs needs to replace   his while in town. If we don't have to spend the extra money, that would be awesome! We left the camp site at 10am and took our time getting up the first mountain. It was a very easy climb and went by fairly quickly. The first famous view we got to was MacAfee Knob. A small sign that said "overlook" pointed to a path right off the trail. Not expecting it to be the place we were so looking forward to getting to, we decided to check it out. As soon as we took the path, I was stunned by the glorious view. It was a series of large flat rocks that shelved off the side of the mountain and was an unobstructed view of the layers of mountains all the way left to right. In the middle was a shelf that protruded further than the rest and is the site of one of the most photographed places on the AT. This is where people come to sit and hang their feet off a cliff with nothing under them for possibly hundreds of feet. You really do feel like you are just floating in mid air above trees and valleys, looking out at endless mountains. I am terrified of heights. Everyone who is close to me knows this. But I had made up my mind before I even knew that we would be at this spot today, that when I got to the cliff, I would go to the edge and face my fears. I did not want to regret missing that opportunity so I had determined in my mind, weeks ago, I would do it. This made it easy for me, as soon as I realized this was my opportunity, not to think about how scared I was, only to think that someone better get a picture of me on the edge and they better do it quick before I fall and die. Dregs had gone over to the spot before me so I grabbed a few pictures of him fearlessly scooting to the edge. Then, I went over and asked a lady to take our picture together on the ledge. I made it a point not to look out at the vast emptiness in front of me and scootched in close to dregs. Then it was my turn alone. Dregs left my side and I was left to move closer to the edge. I accidentally looked out and got dizzy. I was so high up and there is nothing to catch me and wind just trying to push me off the mountain, I just knew it. I put on a brave face and tried to zone out while I had to sit on the edge of my death. Dregs finished taking the picture and I cautiously moved away from the edge slightly shaking. After that, we explored more of the cliff and talked to a hiker with a dog. With my new found confidence, I told dregs to get a shot of me standing on the edge with my pack. As I strut to the edge again, I unwittingly looked at the danger that I approached. I got to the edge and became dizzy again and had to balance myself with my trekking poles. It figures that right about that time, a large gust of wind attempted to knock me over. I yelled to dregs asking if he was finished getting the picture and then dashed back from the drop off. He was so proud of me for overcoming my crippling fear of heights and made me feel accomplished and proud of myself. I am so glad that I had that experience and did not pass it up from fear. We excitedly trekked up a few more small climbs and were in awe of the beautiful rock formations that surrounded us. They led us up to the second famous location of the day, Tinker Cliffs. It is half a mile of walking on the edge of the cliff where rocked protrude from the mountain like shelfs and drop off. It was absolutely beautiful and fun. We found a rock ledge that stuck out far off the mountain and we ate lunch there. Directly across from us, we could see MacAfee Knob where we were a few hours before. This has been, in my opinion, the prettiest and most enjoyable part of the trail yet. Following tinker cliffs, we wound down the mountain, still enjoying the beautiful weather. It was warm, supposedly the hottest day yet, but with the shade of the trees and cool breeze, it felt perfect. We stopped at a shelter that is closed due to a problem bear so that we could replenish our water supply and then headed to find camp for the night. We arrived at a spot labeled as camping, but didn't see any viable spots. A few other hikers said that they thought there were flat spots at the bottom of the massively long and steep logging road, but that it wasn't worth going all the way down. We decide to continue hiking on and hoping to find a better spot. Not long after, we came across what would be our home for the night, and it wasn't even 6pm yet. It was surprising to have gotten in so early after getting a late start and lounging throughout the day. We set up camp and ate dinner, went up to an overlook to watch the sun go down and met a hiker named spoon there. We came back down and are now preparing for bed. I am excited for tomorrow, getting into town and having a shower. The toughest part of being out here, for me, is the sticky feeling of sweatiness while sleeping and when waking up. A shower will be much appreciated along with a bed and no sticky yucky uncomfortableness. Today was such a good day full of fun and excitement, overcoming fears and being blessed with beautiful weather and views.