Date: 2007-05-27
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, it was back at it today. Karen took me to the trail head, took some pics, and I climbed up the stairs and disappeared into the woods. What did that feel like?It was THE most intense feeling of freedom I've had in my life, exhilerating, and to know that now, now it is between only me and the trail. I hiked with a smile on my face for a long time.I will admit that I suffered from a huge lack of energy, but figured it was because I'd been sitting around all week, and frankly, I didn't get the best nite's sleep last nite because I had pre-hike jitters all over again! (and I wasn't in my hammock) LOL Geez, you'd think after 460 miles, I'd get used to it, but this time, I WAS hiking alone. Also, I have not had an appetite for a week, and I'm not sure why, except that I didn't hike for 9 days. I'm basically forcing myself to eat. Hope that changes soon.It was a beautiful day. The woods as fragrant as ever. I had "planned" (there's that dumb word again) 10.8 miles, but just could not get my legs moving. I had 2 climbs, Cuckoo Knob and Straight Mt. It was SLOW going for sure. So far, the trees have all filled out, so everything is green with minimal views unless you're on a summit. I'm not sure if this is what people mean by "the green tunnel" when they speak of Virginia, but I can see how day after day of this could be psychologically challenging. I hiked alone all day, which meant I went back to my normal habit of talking to myself out loud. LOLHey, no one is here to see me right?It was a little weird not having Persistent waiting for me throughout the day. I kept thinking about how she had been in this very spot, just 7 days before. I so hope her hike is going well. We both decided not to read each other's journals till we were finished, but I may have to breakthat rule if I don't catch up. I was so exhausted, I decided to stop @ Saunders Shelter, @ 9.4 miles instead. I knew I needed a good nite's sleep.I show up, and there are 5 section hikers there. I sit down and one of the men goes, "Hey! You're Certain!" I smiled and said yup. He then said the most hilarious thing I've heard yet, he goes, "Well, we're among celebrity!" LOL Robert has been following my journal, as well as Persistent's, so he probably felt like he knew me. He was with his wife Vicki and another friend of theirs. They are from Wilmington, c and are doing a 7 day secton hike.Again, I gravitate towards section hikers' energy because they aren't so obsessed with miles and rushing. I ate dinner and we all talked about food and wildlife. A really great time. Persistent will appreciate this, but 3 people came over and wanted to know more about my hammock (remember Peristent...I only talk about it when asked first! LOL)I'll admit it was funny seeing all the "extras" section hikers carry, like dishsoap, and perculating coffee maker. I have such a different perspective now of what is necessary. When I was in Charlottesville, I mailed some stuff home. Here's the list:Emergency blanket, tiny speaker for my MP3 player, extra hair ties, sunscreen (rockin an awesome hiker tan already), butt paste (for chaffing, haven't had a problem for a long time) a stuff sack I don't use, and my used maps and guidebook sections. Probably close to 3\4 lb.I did buy a 35L dry sack (my new pack liner) and a 13L dry sack for my sleeping bag. I know it borderlines on overkill, but it only takes once (getting your down bag wet) to make you paranoid. Well, it's 9:00 p.m., 57 degrees, and I am totally exhausted. Hope the appetite and energy kick back in soon.~Certain