Date: 2004-05-09
From: Atkins, VA (VA 683, US 11, I-81) Relax Inn

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Bonus day, a Pink Lady's Slipper blooming on the side of today's trail. Krispy has got a group together slackpacking for several days to Pearisburg. They did their best to convince me but I put on my pack and headed out. The day started chilly but the first climb with food back in the pack is a great warm-up. Cross under the interstate and wander up a hill into the woods. Lo and behold, a Pink Lady's Slipper all by itself by the side of the trail. I have no idea if all of Virginia is like this part, but yesterday and today was interesting how we spend time in the woods and then spend time walking across pasture lands. The terrain wasn't difficult but something about today was tiring. When I had to cross the Holston River, I stepped right in the river and chatted with some guys who were fishing. It just felt good to feel the cold water. The days are getting warmer. I think that may be why today felt so tiring. The last hill to this shelter had a steep part full of rocks, but going down, went back into the lush forest. The rhododendrons are putting out their new season's leaves, fuzzy and olive green. I've been walking past some plants that remind me of Nandinas. Today, I realized they have tiny white bell shaped flowers.   And darn my luck, they aren't in the flower book. There seems to be a lot of bell shaped flowers in this part of the country but none matches the leaves. Oh well. Got to the shelter and the two sets of folks who passed me were sitting at the picnic table eating. We chatted and they moved on. Still day light. Franco and Benny showed up and let me know that Sanguine had succumbed to Krispy's slackpack party. They also let me know that another hiker, named Mouse, was behind them. Mouse showed up and plopped herself down and exclaimed she was done for today, 18 miles. I told her where the water was and she went off to get some. Franco and Benny and I talked about our plans. They are going to Trail Days. They had some concern about getting a ride. I shared that I've heard it's easy from almost anywhere. They too, decided to move on. Mouse and I started our dinners when Pablo and Laura showed up. So, tonight, we are four. BeatBox showed up. On his way for another nine miles to the next shelter. He sat and had something to eat and joined the chat around the picnic table. This young man is amazing. He writes poetry in the registers. He walks 20 to 30 miles into the night. He makes me smile when we happen to be in the same place. Last night for the town run, we sat outside the grocery store waiting for TreeFrog and he sang sad country westerns and then flipped over to hip hop as he smoked a cigar.   The register said there was a bear sighting here. We did our food bags into the trees. And now we are listening to thunder over the hills. Discussion is that these are the spring afternoon, evening showers. Mouse said she's been outrunning them for days. I know for myself, it's the reason I want to get an early start. If it's going to rain, I would rather spend less time walking in it. The nights are getting warm and muggy. It appears that spring in this part of Virginia reminds me of Texas. Short and sweet. Then comes the various permutations of summer. We¢ll see if my theory is right as May turns into June. I'm really tired tonight. I want to do 19 miles tomorrow. We'll see how that idea goes.Namaste'