Date: 2004-05-30
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The moon moved slowly across the sky directly in front of the shelter last night. I know because I watched its entire journey, or so it seemed. Obviously I was awake much of the night and finally decided to roust myself out at 5:30. Two hours later everyone was up and we were back on the trail. One would think this routine to be monotonous by now, yes? For me it's proven to be the opposite. I look forward to moving on up the trail each morning, not knowing what the day will bring.There is a phenomenon titled "Virginia Blues". Some say that flatter, less spectacular terrain brings it on; some say the fact that we are in the same state for a long period of time is to blame; others indicate a loneliness and boredom with the routine takes a toll. I've no idea, but I do know I don't have the Virginia Blues. I'm loving the rolling and oftentimes flat terrain which we are viewing and traversing. The mountains of GA, NC and TN are incredible, spectacular, powerful and majestic. But I much favor the green rolling splendor of these mountains. I find them more gentle and peaceful to gaze upon. The words to the theme song of Sound of Music (The hills are alive with the sound of music...) have taken on a more personal meaning to me and I found myself singing it throughout most of the day. Well - until the rain began yet again. I guess we're caught in a weather pattern of daily thunderstorms. Only two miles from our lunch-time shelter the rain started. But as usual it passed over, the sun came out and we dried out almost completely. Mother Nature has a great sense of humor though. Our next shelter was 5.8 miles. Sure enough, with two miles to go it started again. This time I put on both rain jacket and pants and, except for the boots, everything stayed dry. A pause in the downpour gave us a pleasant evening to eat supper, do chores, and for those preferring privacy and silence, to set up tents.Because of the rain we were all cruising pretty quickly the final hour or two. I paid the price. The outside ligament of my left ankle must have suffered a slight twist or pull last week. Every now and then it's been a little achy. I'm suspicious it happened when I took that tumble. After today's adrenalin rush trying to beat the rain I had horrendous aching up and down my leg, calves, and around the ankle. It felt great while hiking but rebelled about 15 minutes after I made the shelter. The pain brought me to tears. With the help of Ursa Minor's massage expertise, my Melaleuca medicine chest and some prayer, the pain subsided after a couple long hours and I could become sociable once again.And now I'm enjoying the company of John, I Need A Hug, Scarecrow and the Mad Hatter.Not to be left out of today's specialness, the trail magic by Super Dave needs mentioning. At the top of one climb, immediately prior to the start of another lengthy wicked one, sat two coolers full of sodas and candy bars. Because I don't drink soda, I took a few extra bars -- I'm low on daytime calories because a bounce box disappeared. Once again I utter what has become my personal mantra out here: "The Lord will provide". Thanks also to Super Dave!