Date: 2014-06-04
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I restarted hiking from Hog Camp Gap, where Oma dropped me off after another night at Three Springs Hostel. A breakfast of an omelet with chopped veggies, including onions and green peppers, with a fruit bowl topped with wild blueberries would supply me with lots of energy and vitamins.As I passed "my spot" at the swing tree, I noticed someone still asleep in their tent. But that was all right. I had my memory now, so it was time for someone else to make a good memories in this place.For several minutes the trail climbed through a narrow meadow which provided good views of the mountains to the east of trail. I could also see a distant town through one gap but it was too far to distinguish any details. Also I caught the scent of wild roses and looked around to find some blooms.I was also reminded by the views and the sun rising over the eastern hills to stop for morning prayers. I had a phone signal and had received a text from my daughter that she and my grandson were ill today.After hiking an hour I came to Salt Log Gap USFS Road 63 and discovered two coolers sitting on the edge of the woods. I have come across this trail magic often and stop for a peek inside only to discover empty cans or bottles. I was pleasantly surprised this time to find sodas and juices chilling in ice and another chest with goodies. I sat down for a root beer and moon pie. I saved a moon pie and buddy bar for the next break at Seeley-Woodworth Shelter. This shelter still had wooden shingles instead of a new steel roof.With the passing of Porters Field and Fish Hatchery road, I was back in an area I had never passed through. It felt strange because for the last couple of days I was remembering hiking with Marcia and Paris. For that section I was remembering Paris, 13 years old at the time, with her unlimited energy as she bounded back and forth on the trail waiting for us to catch up. I channeled some of that energy today as I imaged her on the trail ahead.But with the beginning of the climb to Spy Rock, I had to summon my own energy, because it was a long steep climb and the day was warming up.I didn't stop to climb up on Spy Rock but headed on up the mountain called the Priest. Before leaving my job, I had talked to Stephanie, an associate at work who had hiked this section. So with her in mind, I reached the top of the Priest Mountain.During the climb the sky had become overcast and the air much hazier. However, just as I got to the best overlook to the west, the sun came out and I had a good view of mountains and wilderness. Later on the east side I could see farms and small towns. A secondary reward for getting up higher is the beauty and aroma of the rhododendron still blooming at the higher altitudes.I stopped for water from Cripple Creek which was flowing from the Priest. I wondered if that qualified it as "holy water?"I started my climb of the Priest from over 3000 feet, so getting up to 4063 ft was not too bad. However, the descent took me down to the Tye River below 1000 feet. I kept thinking what a tough climb that would have been going south.I was surprised to find trail magic across the bridge being provided by 2013 thru hiker Mallet. I had fried chicken, a hostess cake and drink. I took an extra Cola to drink at the shelter.The shelter was only 2.7 miles but I had failed to notice there was a hill to climb before the shelter. I had been more focused on the Three Ridges MountIan ahead that goes almost back up to 4000 feet. The trail magic turned out to be a Godsend in two ways. First, it gave me the energy to get up the mountain to the shelter. Secondly a thunderstorm started that would have made cooking on fire less practical. (I ran out of cooking gas so I have to use a wood fire if I cook until I reach Waynesboro.)The only other hiker at this shelter was Wolf from Indiana. I set my tent up without the fly inside the shelter so I could sleep unmolested by the mosquitos. If more people had been there, there would not have been space. All in all it was a good day of covering 22 miles without being overly tired. I was able to do it with shorter breaks and trail magic in less than 12 hours.