Date: 2016-04-12
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's forecast called for a rainy day but barely a drop came down all day. Within minutes after saying goodbye to Otis, I was so warm that I had to stop to put away my windshirt so that I could hike in just a t-shirt and shorts. Rustling leaves were frequently heard today. It took a few times but then I got my first looks at the salamanders Otis mentioned. Can't say that they were pretty. I expected to see orange salamanders like those seen in prior year's journal pictures but the ones I saw were faded gray. Pretty is appropriate though to describe the many flowers seen periodically lining sides of the trail. More small flowers were seen today than in any previous days. More bees, moths, and insects were out too. Gnats were not a problem except for a brief moment but they served as a reminder that I soon need to start carrying a bug net and spray.The sun came out flexing its muscle with considerable heat today. Shade provided welcome relief as did the cooling wind obtained after climbing to the ridge's top. Subtle changes of temperature and sights were the order of the day because there were no other hikers or motorists stopping by at designated viewing spots where the trail and roads intersected. The first and only person seen today was Mule, a section hiker that has been hiking the last 10 days. I didn't see him until 4:00. He was a Notre Dame alum which will be of particular interest to one of my good friends. So where were all the other hikers today? Candle Maker is two days ahead according to the shelter log books that he faithfully signs. Giggles, who I met in a shelter before Daleville, is one day ahead. Exchanged messages with Blues Brother and learned that he is headed to his sister's home. Sounds like his knee can use a few days rest. I just finalized plans with Beth tonight to get to Texas in May so it's possible that Blues Brother and I will find ourselves back together again then - assuming I am fortunate enough to remain injury free. Blues shared news that Medic and Speedy sustained injuries and are off the trail for good. I was expecting those fast, young hikers to be passing me by any day now. It seems that many of my past hiking companions have fallen on hard times - but then I remembered seeing the great news that Subman and Suds were back on the trail. After tonight's call to Beth, I got to briefly exchange messages with Spirit of 76. Spirit intends to enjoy for a few days the warmth and good food at Woods Hole Hostel. It was great to hear from her. Rambo is about 10 miles behind me and I suspect Last Chance and Seeker are there too. I have the shelter all to myself tonight. That's a first. It will enable me to set an alarm so that I can start hiking early tomorrow. Tomorrow's hike includes passing a Federal Aviation Tower that I saw as I was hiking Fresh Ground's "last climb of day", a beaut consisting of almost 2300'. That tower seemed to be very far away. I found myself thinking a lot today about the upcoming weeks. I had to do that in order to purchase airplane tickets and guesstimate where I might be by then. Given my many hiker friends whose hikes have recently been permanently or temporarily halted, it didn't go unnoticed how fortunate I have been to have not sustained an injury.   Hiking this trail requires hard work and some good luck. That was one of many small, but important, takeaways realized today.