Date: 2004-07-02
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Caldonia State Park
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Start Deer Lick ShelterDestination Caldonia State ParkI thought last night we were going to get a thunderstorm. I even got up and redid my tent stakes bringing the sides down closer to the ground, in case it rained. All we got though was some lightning and thunder.It was just after 6:00am when Hank left the camp, way too early for me, but then try as I may, I could not go back to sleep. I finally gave in and got up fixing myself a bagel and peanut butter for breakfast. I was packed and on the trail by 8:00.That is early for me. I got an early start to make a long climb up the side of a mountain, only to be led down the other side. Lunchtime found me at Chimney Rocks vista. I made good use of the sun as I spread my socks, boots, bandana and shirt out to dry, while I looked out over the last of the rolling Shenandoah Mountains. It is funny; the landscape looks just the same in most of these states. I found me a shady place in the rocks and stretched out for a break. It wasn't long before Chef joined me. I am still having problems with my feet. I think all this walking has caused a gravitational pull on my body. I had to tighten my waist belt and let my shoes out. I have two new blisters, and finally changed to the last spare socks I have. The ridge runner came by and gave me some mole skin, hoping that would work better than the duct tape. Then I discovered that my water bag had sprung a leak, another dry afternoon hike. There's just nothing like a good old plastic bottle to use for carrying water. I will just have to find another one. Later in the day Calamity caught up with me and thoughts of hamburgers, fries and a pool convinced us to hike the extra 3.5 miles into Caldonia State Park. His parents are bringing him food re-supply here in the morning, along with watermelon and homemade chocolate chip cookies. I was afraid with it being a holiday weekend, there might not be any campsites left by the time we got there, but we did get a site, right at the front of the campsite entrance. Talk about noisy...It was hard to find two level campsites for our tents, but we managed somehow. A rather small and overpriced hamburger and fries sufficed for supper. But, hey, it beats pasta tonight. I took a shower, again with all my clothes on, this time just leaving them on and going out into the pool. What a refreshing swim. Then I just sat on the pool's edge and let my feet dangle. Of course I worked up an appetite for an ice cream bar while I was there. Dangling feet is hard work! The park was showing two cartoons at twilight, and I let Calamity talk me into going down with him to watch Rikki Tikki Tavi and the White Seal. What a great time to show a movie about killer snakes and their archenemy mongooses, with me sleeping in a tent. I got a Smokey the Bear pencil for coming the farthest distance in the crowd. I weighed it in my hand and gave it away after the cartoons were over. I got a kick out of watching these campers come in and set up, their vehicles packed to the hilt with "things" they will need for the weekend. Don't misunderstand me, I own a motor home and when we take it out, I enjoy every minute of it, except for when we are at the gas station of course. But what is funny, is that I am enjoying every minute of this hike, with only 40 pounds of "stuff".   I can be very adaptable. Tonight though I feel like I am tenting in Grand Central Station. And to think I PAID to camp here! Total miles 13.6