Date: 2003-05-06
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Virginia 603, Fox Creek
Miles today: 12.7

The shelter inhabitants began stirring as usual at 7am. There were so many people in the shelter that I waited until a few moved on before I got up. The rain had slowed but the wind was seriously blowing across the mountain.I packed up my gear and headed downstairs to make hot tea to carry with me, both to drink and to keep my hands warm.At 9am I headed out into the elements. The Boonies would leave later and I expected to see them at Wise Shelter when I stopped for lunch. If not there, then I'd probably see them at the Old Orchard Shelter where I intended to spend the night.Crossing the Grayson Highlands was a real experience! I fell for the first time since our first snow on a slippery rock, but didn't get hurt. I was blown completely off the trail at least a dozen times. The muscles on the outside of my hips are very sore tonight from trying to keep me on the trail. I would take one step forward, be blown 3 steps to the left, go back the 3 steps to the trail and go another step forward. Repeat again and again.I stopped for lunch at Wise Shelter. I was joined by Dragonfly and Healer. A half hour later I began to get chilled, so I had to move on. It was only 6 more miles to Old Orchard and I was anxious to get there before tonight's rain started.The forest was beautiful today. I was joined on the trail by 2 cows and 3 calves, some wild ponies and several hikers. All in all it was an enjoyable day.I reached Old Orchard Shelter early, about 2:45. The Highwayman and Dirty Red were already there. Also there was a day hiker by the name of Scott.We talked about wanting to go in to Troutdale for a meal and some supplies. My blister was growing with every step in spite of the second skin, moleskin, and ankle wrap. I was in need of second skin and adhesive tape to get me the 2 days to Atkins where I could get what I needed for the next leg of my trip.Scott offered to take one of us to town on his way out. He was parked a mile and a half from the shelter. I accepted his offer, gathered my gear and was off.We were at the car in minutes, talked to a couple from the NC coast for a few minutes and then headed the 3 miles into "town". First stop--the Trading Post, a restaurant/convenience store where I had planned to get tape and mole foam. Scott asked me to e-mail him when I got to Maine so he would know that he played a part in a thru-hiker's success, so I gave him my website address and invited him to follow along. Thanks Scott for the ride, my feet really appreciated it!The Trading Post didn't have what I needed for my 1st aid kit, so I had a cheese steak and fries instead. I can't remember the last time I had a cheese steak. It was wonderful!Tom, a section hiker from Illinois was there so I sat with him while I ate and we traded trail stories. He headed back to the trail, I headed to the Fox Hill Inn several miles down the road, and run by past AT hikers Mark and Janet. It's a wonderful place on the top of a hill with great views of the mountains and thru-hiker rates. Breakfast is included and there are 2 cats to pet. Sticks is here too and shared his butter pecan ice cream with me. So, I've made my phone calls, washed my stinky hiker laundry, brushed and flossed and I'm ready to hit the sheets. Tomorrow morning I'll tape my slightly swollen right ankle and doctor my left heel blister and head back out into the trenches. I'm so lucky to be here.