Date: 2007-05-31
From: Chestnut Flats

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

I was up this morning around 6:45 and on the trail in about an hour. I had stopped by Hurricane Shelter last night before going down to the Flats. There were a few section hikers there, but they were heading south bound. So I am Web-Walking this morning. It is hard to enjoy my coffee when I have to take the time to wipe the webs off the cup!It has been a nice morning so far, cool and overcast, my favorite weather for hiking. I passed one of the hikers from the shelter last night, he decided to head back towards Troutdale. I stopped and talked for a few minutes and then pushed on. I am taking a short break by Comer Falls. I love coming up to a waterfall, hearing the sound of the water in the distance. Although I wasn't in need of a break I decided to stop and get my "Prozac moment" for the day. I actually had one last night too, I slept near a running stream, lulled into sleep by the sound of the water over the rocks.O.K., time to move on before I get too relaxed!I am walking on a ridge up around 3000', the path goes through rows of Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels in bloom. It is neat to see the flowers with mountain views in the backdrop.I am stopped for lunch here at Trimpi Shelter. This is a newer shelter made of stone. It is set up different then most, having a walkway down the middle with the sleeping platforms on both sides. The bottom sleeps 2 each and then there is a single bunk above. The cool thing is there is a fireplace inside. Although it is only 3 sided like most, I'm sure it still helps to warm the place up a bit on a cold rainy night.I am having rehydrated taco meat, roasted red peppers, and refried beans on tortillas for lunch. I am rationing out my meals this week. I was going to drop off my mail drop at a stop about 5 days away on the way back to the trail. I had an opportunity for a ride from the hostel where I parked, with a hiker heading home to Texas. So I quickly gathered my stuff and we took off leaving my box behind. I have 5 days of food for a 8 day hike to my next drop. I also carry an extra day just in case and the first 2 days after being off the trail I eat less. So I think I can stretch my meals eating smaller portions. Even as I say this my stomach is growling in protest. I can always pickup a few things when the trail goes under interstate 81, where there is a truck stop.I just crested the top of a hill and there was a small Doe standing in the middle of the hill. She moved off the side and watched me walk by. She doesn't look healthy I can see her ribs. There appears to be plenty of food around for her.I am walking through a section of hardwoods that is totally covered with dried leaves. There is not a single green growth on the ground. Usually there are some green plants. But it's beautiful to see the contrast of the brown and tan leaves covering the ground and the bright green leaves on the tree tops.            I am hiking along dreaming of pizza! The Partnership Shelter is located by the Mt. Rogers Park Headquarters. There is a phone outside the visitors center and pizza place that will deliver. I also hear that there is a shower there. I don't want to get my hopes up. My luck the phone will be out of order.I saw another deer walking down the trail, this one looked much healthier. There was also a large bunny hopping down the trail today. It is funny to see animals walking right down the trail. I guess they seek the path of least resistance as well. I am walking across a long bridge over a stream. There are signs on the bridge that tell about "The life of a mountain stream". They describe the difference in a freestone vs. limestone stream, as well as the type of fish and other wildlife in and around the streams.Earlier today, I walked out of the woods into a large grassy field and off to the side, up the hill, sat an old school bus. I had heard about it so I walked over for a closer look. It looks like it was once used as a camp. There was a wood stove, a bed, a table and chair, and a gas oven. It was pretty trashed so I don't think it has been used in many years. I took a few pictures and continued through the field.Most of the hike this afternoon was bouncing around between 3&4000'. Although it was a gentle grade, there was still a lot of rocks in the trail.I arrived at the shelter to find it packed with about 20-25 people. Not all were staying inside, but that is a lot of hikers to share 1 phone and a shower. Not many took a shower, due to the hot water not working. We paired up and ordered pizza, calzones, and other Italian dishes. The food was great and I saved some for breakfast and lunch tomorrow!