Date: 2015-04-10
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

4/10, atkins, VA, 4.5Our Shelter mates awoke early and headed out for a big breakfast at the Barn, 4.5 miles away. Our original plan was to hike almost 7 miles today, with the stop at The Barn for lunch but with Tired having such an unexpectedly difficult time yesterday, I waited to hear what he thought. We had several options but he was pretty sure his legs were not up to the task. We packed up and headed for the Barn to evaluate there. Right away Tired said his legs were sore, and he didn't feel like they were strong enough to control his walking. The trail to the Barn was pretty gradual, more like what he expected the whole way, but I was honest with him and told him the gradual trail we were walking was unusual on the AT. If we continued we would hike over more climbs tomorrow that yesterday. Tired decided that his experiment with the AT needed to be over before he hurt himself. I am disappointed to not share more time with him as he is a great friend, but I am glad he is not too proud to admit when a task is a little more than he expected. It is a sign of maturity to know one's limits physically, emotionally and mentally in life. I have great respect for him giving it a good try as not very many would have the courage to jump in. We finished our hike to the Barn at 11:00, ordered lunch which looked a lot like a big breakfast, and called our shuttle driver to take us to the car. By the time we returned to Atkins, it was 4 pm so we decided to get a room so I could preplan my next section and pack food accordingly. I had already figured I would be able to get to a hostel up the trail in 4 to 6 days so I sent a resupply there with our shuttle driver. Back at the hotel I repackaged 6 days of food, double checked all my supplies and prepared to head out tomorrow.My friends, Beef and her Mom, are planning to join me in a few weeks and when they heard about Tired's experience, they asked if they were in trouble. I assured them they would be fine if they keep walking, and try to do some hill climbing as well. This is just not everybody's activity.I have been contacted by several folks interested in hearing about my hike along the way and many of them are in places I will visit the next three to four weeks. I think these stops along the way will stave off what has been called "The Virginia Blues", which result from hiking in Virginia for 500 miles. Personally I think the way spring is getting ready to explode will make Virginia a memorable experience. The rains over the last few days have begun to carpet a few areas with wildflowers, and the songbirds are adding their melodies more frequently to the symphony of Spring. It is a good time to be here and I feel very fortunate to have this experience. Tomorrow Tired will drop me back on trail and head for home. I hope he is not too disappointed, because he really did give it a good shot. I plan to hike at least 15 miles tomorrow, but may push to 24 with good weather. As usual I will evaluate as I go but the next three days look like good hiking weather, and then another few days of rainy chances creep in. Regardless, I feel great, and could not be more excited to continue this journey. Thank you for coming along with me...Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow!Silverback