Date: 2010-04-16
From: Groundhog Creek shelter

To: Campsite before Lemon Gap
Miles today: 11.6

4/16Groundhog Creek Shelter to some camp site before lemon gapLet's call it 11.6I feel somewhat better in the morning. I'm weak, slightly nauseated, and sore of stomach, but I can hold down food. But now Glynda is sick.  I can offer sympathy but little else. We shared the shelter last night with Licious who either has severe allergies or a bad head cold. We hope we don't catch that too. Because I am tired today I break out the rest step early. Then I check to make sure Glynda knows about it. It's  a valuable tool. The rest step is when you let the back leg take all the weight for a moment before you bear down on the front leg. It lets your muscles, lungs, and heart all work less while you keep walking slowly. This morning's hike is much more level and pleasant than the profile map led me to believe.  The cartographer for this section is out of his gourd.I'm struggling today like I haven't since the start of the hike. Stupid tummy bug.There is a cloud following me around. I've named him Myron. Myron is a little grumpy but gives good shade.Shortly after Myron's arrival I began walking through forest carpeted in pinks and mayapples. They aren't showy plants but the overall effect was lovely.I could see Max Patch for a while before I got to it. It was exciting to see it through the leafless trees, appearing and disappearing as I followed the curves of the trail.  My ascent was buffeted by high winds. I took off my hat so I wouldn't lose it. The top was as gorgeous as last time. I took a few pictures and then sat down to savor the view for a while. I was a bit sad no other thruhikers were there to chat with.  In fact I've barely seen any today. I seem to be in between waves of hikers.  I had hoped Glynda might get there before I left but no such luck. I hope she's not struggling too badly with the tummy bug. I strolled the quick couple of miles down to Roaring Fork Shelter to make some food - loaded mashed potatoes and turkey pepperoni washed down with grape drink. My appetite is definitely back.  I'd say that I'm back to about 98% health.  The other 2% should be fixed by a couple of good meals. I knew Glynda was headed there tonight and that I'd miss her company, but I headed out to get a few more miles in.  At 4 pm it felt too early to stop, and there were supposed to be several campsites with water a couple of miles away. Unfortunately they never materialized. I think they might be buried under rhododendron crushed by winter's storms. I was starting to think I might have to go a longer distance to the next shelter when I caught sight of something off in the woods. It looks like there was a shack here once, but it's definitely been used many times by hikers as a campsite. So it's slightly spooky but it's home for the night. I have hung my foodbag with care in case the local bear stops by. There have been warnings all over about a bear that was active last year, but no news about visits this year.  I'm camped alone and seem likely to stay that way. Dark will be falling soon, and most will have stopped to make camp by now. If so it will be my first solo camp of the trip. I hope I sleep all right. I am reluctant to dose myself with anything when I'm alone, just in case action is needed.  Nerves may keep me up.Oh, and I saw a ton of trillium today. Burgundy, white, and pale yellow. So pretty!Ps: non-tummy health update:  my feet have pretty much adapted, barring existing arthritis. I am not taping or wrapping any blisters at the moment. I'm keeping an eye on some Achilles-type discomfort in my left heel. Knees are slowly improving. Trapezius strain is also slowly improving. My incredible stench doesn't seem to be causing anything other than minor mental health issues.