Date: 2004-07-09
From: Big Walker Motel - Bland VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Slept well and late. Was leaving the motel with my pack, to head to the DQ for breakfast at 8AM, when the manager offered me a ride to the trailhead on Route 52. I jumped at the offer and ¢ sans breakfast ¢ started on the trail at 8.30AM. The trail follows the road here and crosses over I77 on the bridge. After about 1/2 a mile on the road it dives back into the woods at Kimberling Creek. Once again I am struck by the sudden transition from major arterial highway to 18¢¢ wide footpath in the woods in a minute.   I don¢t like walking on the roads much. The traffic frightens me, and I am never sure whether to hike on the right or on the left side of the road. Am I traffic ? and therefore I should hike on the left, or should I hike on the right and face the oncoming traffic? It is certainly unnerving to have traffic suddenly flash by you from behind, leaving you reeling and stumbling in the slipstream.   I soon passed my intended original destination ¢ Helveys Mill Shelter ¢ and gradually ascended up on to the ridge. It was pretty much up and down ridge walking for the rest of the day, with a dip down to the road at VA 612, and then another climb up Brushy Mountain ¢ yet again!   There is no water on this entire section, and I had not had the chance to ¢camel up¢, having missed breakfast. The trail however ¢ even though up and down ¢ did not have any major difficulties, and it sure was a great day for a hike. The sun shone, the birds sang, the trail was dappled with sun flecks, and I strode along in fine style ¢ enjoying the physical feeling of all of the parts of my body working in unison. Even with the heavy pack I was making good time. On the uphills I tend to focus on the trail itself and concentrate on just keeping my feet moving in steady rhythm with my breathing. On two occasions now I have struck my head heavily on a low overhanging branch across the trail, because I am so focused on what is underfoot that I have neglected to look at what is overhead.   The water ¢ two liters ¢ held out well, and I arrived here with water to spare. The water sign here points in both directions, so I went south to the nearest source and found an almost dry stream. The remaining trickle of water however, had formed some decent pools upstream, and allowed me to collect some good clean water ¢ which was much appreciated after a long, thirsty, and water consuming hike. I suspect that the water source to the north is better from the logbook entries, but it is at least a half-mile away. Happiness is often being satisfied with what you have.   I have just eaten a double dinner ¢ spaghetti and meatballs, and beefaroni ¢ since I covered two days distance today. I also, for the first time ever, brought some Folgers Instant Coffee ¢ no creamer unfortunately available ¢ and it taste pretty good with Sweet and Low. A definite keeper for future resupply.   Got a poor signal, but did speak with Kathy. All is well. Plan 14.2 to Wapiti in the morning.   Thought for today ¢             If you don¢t know, ask! Why am I reluctant to ask? Am I afraid that I will appear ignorant? There is no such thing as a stupid question. There are only stupid answers!