Date: 2005-05-08
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was Sunday, a long but successful day. I wanted to remain ahead of schedule so I passed by Bailey Gap Shelter at about 9:00 this morning, passed War Spur Shelter around 2:30 and then finally arrived at Laurel Creek Shelter at 6:30. I did not start out feeling strong this morning for some reason but I got stronger as the day wore on. I quickly made it to the road and walked 1.5 miles on the pavement because the bridge across Stony Creek was washed out by a hurricane in the fall of 2004 (Jeanne?). The creek followed the road and was beautiful in the early morning shadows. There were picturesque homes along the road, with the creek in their back yard. It was Sunday morning quiet. Leaving the road, I began a fairly good climb. At Bailey Gap Shelter I met Dr. Chickadee and Bone Crusher, her brother who had joined her for a short time during her thru hike, Spice Rack, Captain Crunch, Colonel Forbin, and Mouth. They had spent the night there, and were just arousing as I arrived. I hiked around this group much of the day, plus Rhino and Ronja also caught up to me in this stretch. There were several miles of fairly open woods, but very rocky. At War Spur Shelter we all took a break before the 2000 foot climb ahead. I was still not the strongest, though doing ok, so at the last trickle of water before the climb I made a liter of gatorade from powder mix and ate a spam sandwich (tomorrow morning's breakfast). That was the best thing I could have done. Though the climb was steep and rocky, I was strong and did well. The mountain was so high that it seemed progress toward the summit was hard to make, but I could look back at the valley below and off to distant ridges and mountains and tell that I was definitely getting up there. I caught the younger hikers at a trail magic site where there was a cooler of sodas and candy bars, placed by former thru hiker Super Dave. We rested there in anticipation of about 500 feet of the climb still ahead. It refreshed me for the even steeper remaining terrain. A gravel mountain road came through near the trail magic site. The trail crossed it and then followed an old logging road to the summit. It was steep but walking the old road distracted me, and I soon made it to the top. A couple of miles of ups and downs after that, and I started the final, very steep, descent to this shelter. I was so glad to get here - about 18.5 miles. The shelter was pretty full, populated with the same group. I could have fit in, and they were willing to make room, but I decided to tent. The weather should be fine for tenting. I am ready for the evening and we are all sitting around the shelter and picnic table enjoying the fire Reiner built, and chit-chatting quietly as we write. It has been a good day. It was sunny and hot, not a cloud in the sky. Actually I prefer cloudy and cool as long as it's not raining, and even prefer rain to scorching hot. Today was both Sunday and Mother's Day. I found myself thinking of the Sunday activities at church and following Marlene through her Sunday morning routine. It was so good to know exactly where she was and I knew that she was praying for me, and I needed it today with the challenge I faced. I do not know what Mother's Day activities were planned and I feel bad to be gone again, but Marlene is my biggest hiking supporter, so I know she is ok. I wish things had not been so rushed in finalzing my plans for the hike. I may have remembered to send flowers at least. It was also good to watch the time this morning and follow along with Sunday morning services in my mind. It gives me a good connection with the Lord and with the family and routines of our lives. I hope I sleep well tonight. I certainly need it. My tent is set up behind the shelter on a soft bed of leaves and pine needles. Tenting will prevent me from disturbing anyone else with my snoring (which I'm not really admitting to!), and also will keep me from listening to other snorers all night too. How can I go wrong? Tomorrow morning I will figure out plans for the day and may try to adjust my schedule for the remainder of the trip. I can probably eliminate the need to hike on Saturday already, with the extra miles I have done. I may read some in the New Testament and then turn in for the night. Goodnight Sweetheart.