Date: 2009-06-07
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek, VA 614
Miles today: 16.9

Well slept pretty well last night seeing as how we were not up until 8:00am. We finally started out on the trail by about 8:45am (a little later than usual) and stayed just behind Honey Do for most of the morning. The trail today skirted the Blue Ridge Parkway and therefore we found ourselves crossing over it several times. The first time we crossed it opened up onto a beautiful overlook of the mountains. It was the perfect chance for a quick break with Honey Do. The trail was full of rolling hills today- nothing too steep to climb or descend. We made it to the next shelter around noon and met Freebird at the picnic tables. Before long we were surrounded by other hikers on their lunch breaks as well. It's always funny to look around and see what people have come up with for meals. Some people might just pop in a couple Snicker Bars and call it quits while others go for Veggie Dogs wrapped with hummus and a tortilla. Bark had peperonni with cheese on a cracker while I enjoyed my first bite of peanut butter (since Roan Mountain) on a tortilla.It seems like everyone is looking for some good ideas these days. Otter met us at the shelter for lunch and then the 3 of us hiked out and stayed together the rest of the day. We had a great time- they say conversations make the mountains go away, and its true. Bark and Otter were singing and naming off their favorite songs while I listened and laughed (a lot) from behind. With only about 6 miles left on our hike we crossed another section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We took a quick break and soon saw a blue Volvo slowing down in front of us. As the window rolled down we saw a hiker named Crash- he is hiking a section with Stew Ball, Sassy Sunshine and Daddy Long Legs. Turns out he was having some bad back pain and was headed down to Buchanan to get some hot dogs and drinks to do a little trail magic. He offered us a ride into town and we took it! It was getting very warm and we thought a few cold gatorades would be taste good. Round trip was only about 30 minutes and we were quickly back on the trail headed straight up a steep climb. Our original plan to was stay at the next shelter, but as soon as Bark caught wind of the swimming hole at the next camp site, we were back on the trail. It wasn't far and there were quite a few hikers headed to that point as well. Once we got there we found a few good flat spots (away from the masses of poison ivy) and set up for the night. Antrak, Cloudwalker, John, Otter and Freebird were all there. Bark, Otter and myself headed down to the swim hole to cool off and clean off before it got dark. As nice as the water looked and as much fun as Bark and Otter were having jumping in. They would dive off a rock into the water and let the current carry them 30 ft down stream. I just couldn't do it- I got in about waist deep, but it was like sitting in a bucket of ice water. I knew it was too late in the day for my clothes to dry quickly so I decided to be the party pooper and keep the rest of me dry. I should've of done it. Bark and Otter smelled a little better when it was all said and done, I could use that!