Date: 2007-06-03
From: Stealth Site 2 miles past I-81 VA

To: Lick Creek VA
Miles today: 14.9

Got a pretty restful nite's sleep. I actually slept in my hiking clothes, seeing they were clean and I didn't break a sweat hiking the 2 miles out. First time to sleep in shorts and short sleeved shirt. I was warm all nite long. Woke up with 61 degrees in my hammock. I heard light light sprinkles when I got up @ 6:00 a.m., but figured it would pass. Man was I wrong about that. I was hiking by 7:23 a.m., and just as I got started, the rain started. It has not stopped yet, and it's currently 6:42 p.m. (and freaking COLD!)The main thing about today was the rain. That and I discovered the last time I washed\dried my Frogg Togg jacket, I must have fried it a bit too long in the dryer. The thing feels like it is 2 sizes smaller! LOL So, I'll need to get a new one soon.The hike today was wet, cold, and semi-miserable. I say semi because I had a choice to make. I could either focus on how uncomfortable it was hiking in cold rain all day, or I could just deal and stay positive. I stayed positive all day amazingly. Besides, everyone looks sexier with that wet look! LOLI ran into Bobcat, Huckleberry, and 3 day hikers. That's all. One good thing about taking a week off right after trail days is the crowds are way ahead of me now. I'm just in a place where I prefer to be alone right now.There were a few steep climbs today, and many cow pastures too. For awhile it was from cow pasture to a mountain, to the next cow pasture. Seriously, if anyone who wants to hike the AT has a real fear of cows, you're going to have a hard time in Virginia! LOL Also, not sure why, but it seems all wildlife (especially cows) enjoy shatting upon the trail. Not next to it, not near it, ON it! And I'll just say that cow patties take on a totally different persona when wet by rain! LOL Cows crack me up anyhow. Everytime one stares at me while I'm hiking by, it's got this, "What the hell?" look on its face. Makes me laugh every time.I almost fell 4 different times today, and caught myself one other. Rain makes everything so slick including rocks and tree roots. One part of the trail was just steep, and I kept sliding down because of the mud! Ceeraaazy!I did see a deer and 3 of those awesome bright orange salamanders! I'd never seen one of those before, and I of course petted them.I decided to make a hot lunch @ the next shelter, which I got to @ 2:00 p.m. Stopping made me get cold really fast, but I didn't want to stop for the day, so I ate my Ramen and headed on into the rain.I was @ my destination @ 4:30 p.m.! I would have gone further, but a huge mountain is next (Chestnut Ridge) and I was soaked to the bone. Besides, this place is great for hanging.I set up my tarp high and wide so I could do everythig else under its cover. Got everything set up and hopped in to my hammock by 5:30 p.m. It's still raining a bit, and I sure hope the sun comes out tomorrow and warms up everything. It's currently 7:00 p.m. and 57 degrees, but it feels much colder. I'm in my down jacket, knit cap, and glove liners! I'm SUCH a cold weenie!! LOL I've decided I want a booney hat to wear to keep my hair dry in the rain. Also, my Spenco insoles are breaking already (after 250 miles). I've got to get to a place where I can either order a few things online, or call and order. I need new insoles, a new 50 ft long bear bag rope, and a hat.Well, it's chilly, and I need to get some sleep. My feet look horrible from having hiked wet all day. Hope they'll be ok tomorrow.~Certain