Date: 2015-05-06
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Punch Bowl Shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: broken clouds

I didn't sleep well last night and really didn't feel like moving out early this morning. But, I had plans to resupply in Buena Vista on Thursday, and knew that I had to put in a good day to get within easy walking distance by Thursday.I got on the trail by 7:30 and was greeted with warm and humid walking weather. I had a downhill walk early on and it was a slog. I was tired of oatmeal, so I was eating granola bars and trail mix for breakfast. I made a wrong turn and followed the wrong trail down the mountain for a half mile before I discovered my mistake, and had to retrace my steps back up to where I got off. I was in a sour mood. I stopped for an early lunch before noon and laid down in the grass for a while. Then I went to a spring, removed my shirt and hat, and soaked them in the cool water and put them back on to stay cool. I followed some of my friends down to Matt's Creek Shelter, where we all took a short break. It was almost 2:00 and I still wanted to do over 12 miles with quite a bit of climbing involved. I decided to go the 4 miles to the next shelter, then decide if I had enough energy left to move forward. I really wanted a cheeseburger, fries, and an ice cold Gatorade, but that was not an option.The trail goes over the James River on a long footbridge and hiking tradition has it that you pee into the river from the bridge if the coast is clear. Please don't ask me if I did.I got to John's Hollow Shelter at around 4:00 and I decided to cook my dinner then walk late tonight. I boiled a big pot of chicken flavored dried alfredo, and mixed in a packet of tuna and a pack of crackers. That seemed to hit the spot. I finished it off with a Snickers bar and a mixed up a peach iced tea flavored water. I was ready to take on the next 9 miles with several huge climbs. I met a retired thru hiker from Indiana, who spoke Pennsylvania Dutch and was born Amish, while eating dinner. I had a great convarsation with him, and found out he also has a journal on trailjournals. His trail name is The Leapord. Just as I was getting ready to move on Chuckles and Little Red, whom I hadn't seen since Pearisburg, rolled in. Blue Toes came in shortly afterwards, and it was a real reunion. We had a good time and I could hardly leave the shelter. Finally I had to say my goodbyes and move on because it was getting late. I left in great spirits.As I headed up the 2000' climb it started to rain. It was just what I needed, it cooled me down and the climbing became easier. I caught up to Wolverine, whom I had met briefly a few days ago, and we got started talking. We chatted during the entire climb and the time flew. He wanted to put a few more miles in and then look for a spot to camp along the trail. Once we got to the top, the trail was nice and flat, the cool evening breeze refreshing, and the miles were clicking by as we chatted. When we got to the last final climb, Wolverine decided to just go all the way to the shelter with me. We arrived just before dark and had to use headlamps to set up our tents and make a late dinner. The day ended so much better than it started!