Date: 2006-05-23
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter, VA

To: Jenkins Shelter, VA
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Day: 67Date: 5/23/06Start: Knot Maul Branch Shelter, VAWeather: Clear blue skiesFinish: Jenkins Shelter, VAMiles: 19Cumulative A.T. Miles: 567.7Clay: Today I woke up in the "sergeant" mode. We had a 19-mile day ahead of us and I was ready to knock it out, full steam ahead. I did not realize I was in this mode of thought until I started hiking behind Branch. I was riding her heels and I was impatient. Within the first hour I recognized my attitudinal error and I corrected my paradigm. Branch has always pushed us through big mileage without injury. Today I chose relationship over RPMs (i.e. speed). I was proud of myself for recognizing my error in attitude early in the day and correcting my focus.We started out the day by gaining about 600 feet in a mile and then dropping down about the same altitude. We had the pleasure of hiking with Cabin Man and Wood Chicken this morning. They are a fast-hiking, very nice newlywed couple. Cabin Man had some great dreadlocks. I wonder what I'd look like with dreads? Amidst our conversation, they were kind enough to ask me about my M.A. thesis on God's relationship to time. Not wanting to bore them, I gave them the condensed, easy version. The conversation was light and fun. As we encroached on the first big hill of the day, I realized that we could not keep up with them. They have hiked over 500 miles in a month! They are a wonderful couple and I wish we could keep up with them.A while later we began climbing 2,000' over 4 miles. The climb really was not too bad. The long ridge to the top was grassy and beautiful. As we looked behind us, we could see ridge after ridge of long and level looking Virginia mountains.At the 4400' top was a shelter. The 360-degree views were phenomenal. Even the views from the privy were great. Atop this mountain were Bear Bear (shaved "A.T." logo in his hair), Handlebar (named after his moustauche), Michelle, Beth, Beernuts, and another young woman. We filled our bellies with lunch and our eyes with God's glorious scenery for a half hour or so.Our lunch became a little less satisfying when Bear Bear said that one of the "First in Flight" crew vomited both at the privy and in the shelter due to drug usage. This group of three guys smoke marijuana literally every night. Bear Bear said they are either wanting to take or do take other drugs too. I worry about these guys. I hope to run into them again.After lunch we got water at the gap. I am so glad that we bought a water filter. The iron rich water in Virginia, even in the springs, does not look as satisfying as the water did in the previous states. The iron-colored water does not seem to bother some people.By far, the toughest part of the day was the flattest part of the day on the profile. The ridgewalk between the shelter and the first campsite was rock-laden and brutal on my feet. Today was day number two on the trail for my new shoes. My feet were screaming as the rocks tenderized them like meat. Despite my removing the shoes on the hour, loosening the laces, wearing sandals for a while, and wearing new socks, I experienced my first day of pain on the trail today.By the end of the day, I could feel every bone in my feet and toes. I truly wondered if I had broken both of my feet. I was also chaffed a little and shivering somewhat. I may have been running a fever. I could not socialize tonight. I was out of my mind. When I got to camp, we set up the tent and I went to bed without eating. I knew that my hike might be in trouble the next day. I am thankful that Branch took care of me on this rocky 19-mile day.Branch: Today was the first day that I've ever seen Clay in any real pain from hiking. As we hiked the last few miles, I could hear him wince with each step. I truly became worried when we got to camp and he did not even feel well enough to eat the mashed potatoes that I cooked. I am exhausted, so I cannot imagine what he must be feeling. I pray that God will allow him to rest tonight and that his feet will heal quickly.