Date: 2015-11-21
From: Stealth Camping Near Three Ridges Overlook 

To: VA 56, Tye River Suspension Bridge
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

In the middle of the night I heard a rythmic noise in the leaves outside my tent. I quickly realized there was something large walking around my tent. My first thought was the coyotes. As I was reaching for my bear whistle I remembered Andrew was sleeping nearby, and he had mentioned he frequently gets up in the night to go to the bathroom. I decided not to grab the whistle (wouldn't he have been surprised if I had blown it! )I got up early and packed. Andrew woke up but stayed in his bivy. The little fire went out and he froze during the night. Before I left I gave Andrew a couple of my freeze dried dinners.I hit the trail, but soon stopped at the road crossing to leave my garbage in the trash can in the parking area and to text my husband. He was meeting me on the trail today to slackpack me for the week of Thanksgiving. I was really looking forward to seeing him, and I was glad we would be together for Thanksgiving. Andrew caught up to me in the parking area, and today he apparently decided to hike with me. We climbed out of Reeds Gap, and stopped for a break at the,Maupin Field Shelter. We met several weekend hikers and a few day hikers there. One guy was so cute. He proudly stood in front of a trail sign and asked us to take his picture so he could email it to his family. I had some fun with him, telling him to give me his best "does this pack make my butt look big?" pose. He was just out for the weekend, but felt such a sense of accomplishment just to be out overnight on the AT. We then moved on to the very long steady climb up Three Ridges Mountain. We stopped briefly at the Hanging Rock Overview, where we found food (most of it in cans) and garbage in a cloth sack hanging in a tree. Andrew and I took down the sack. Andrew helped himself to the food, I took the garbage to carry out.The other side of the mountain was a somewhat steep decline and very rocky. The deep slippery wet leaves made the trail very trechorus in places. I fell twice, once catching myself and once going all the way down. Fortunately I was not injured either time.   Andrew likewise struggled. We carefully pick our way over the rocks, talking the whole time. I think he wanted the company.We took another break at Chimney Rock and the rocky view further down the mountain. Since Andrew had no phone or camera I offered to take his picture and email it to him later.The trail finally leveled out a little and we eventually reached Harper's Creek Shelter. I was going to take a little break and keep Andrew company while he ate dinner. But I started getting cold and needed to move on if I was going to meet Rod before dark. The shelter was filling with weekend hikers. I could tell that Andrew was apprehensive.   I felt bad leaving him, but my husband texted me that he was already at the road crossing waiting for me. Andrew would be fine.Down the trail I went. I rock hopped over the stream and then started the last climb of the day, a mere 300 feet. Fortunately the descent into the gap was gentle, smooth, and packed with switchbacks. I felt like I was flying! My husband hiked in to meet me. Always the gentleman, after a big hug and kiss, he offered to carry my pack. I politely declined - I did not want him to get hurt.The AT is calling. But first I need a little R&R with my husband.