Date: 2017-05-23
From: Marble Spring Campsite 777.2

To: US 501 (Glasgow, VA) 784.9
Miles today: 7.7

Natures car alarm sounded again about 5:30am but I was already awake making breakfast.   The sun rose slowly but around 6:15 it was light enough to take down the tarp and start walking.  The temperature was cool but the humidity made everything just seem damp.  The forecast had called for rain overnight but it never materialized.   We were hoping to get into Glasgow before it actually finally rained. I took my camera out a couple of times and even spent a little time trying to get the fish in the creek.  After several unsuccessful attempts, I just gave up. Maybe I will have another chance at some point.  Less than a mile before the foot bridge Goat caught up with me.  She breezed on by while I stopped again to change my camera battery.  I was hoping for an opportunity for some great pictures of the river and the footbridge.  I finally got to the foot bridge, took a few pictures before hurrying across.  In the parking lot on the other side, Goat and a few others were eating snacks before attempting to hitch into Glasgow. It was around 11:30amand the majority of the traffic were semis.  We tried for a little while before we got lucky.   A former thru Hiker was bringing people back up and offered to take the five of us into town.  We squeezed five packs in the back of the small SUV then four of us squeezed in the back with the fifth in the passengers seat.  The windy narrow road would have been hell to walk but safe in a vehicle we made it in no time at all. Our trail angel dropped us at the shelter in town behind the pizza place.   Sadly trash was everywhere and it was extremely muddy.  The smell of the port a potties was a bit overwhelming as well.  There had obviously been a group there before who had no respect for the kindness of the town. I found a place away from the shelter and toilets to set up my hammock. Goat sat up her tent on a little hill away from the shelter as well.   Once we were set up, we headed to Scotto's with a few other people.   I had a delicious cheesesteak and then headed over to Dollar General to resupply.  Once back at the shelter, I sat under my tarp and packed up my food for the next few days.   I plugged in my electronics in the shelter grateful to be able to charge my camera batteries.   I sat at the campfire for a little while after the completely inebriated Hiker disappeared for a while.  Eventually I went back to hammock to wait for dinner. All you can eat Spaghetti (Tuesday night) at Scotto's.  After eating a salad and too much spaghetti, I headed back to camp and got in my hammock.   It was finally raining and as time passed it got heavier and heavier.  I decided to hang everything but my sit pad on the ridgeline.   I just had a feeling it was going to be a wet night.  I started to work on a cover for my no longer waterproof zpacks front cover when I felt a drop of water fall on my leg.  I tried to figure out where the leak was coming from but had no luck.  I emailed hammock gear at 8:30pm and they responded within five minutes offering their help in whatever way they could.  After being unable to locate the leak, I finally gave up.   I laid awake for hours debating on switching back to the tent.   I am sure it's user error but I am scared my tarp will not hold up for the rest of the trip.   I really did not sleep well in the tent but maybe I would break it.  **Photos/Videos on Facebook -- Mickie Blair (Dicey Willow)