Date: 2021-10-03
From: Wilson Creek Shelter 

To: Middle Creek Campground 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

October 3 - Wilson Creek Shelter to Middle Creek Campground - 17.0 miles (28.2 trip miles) - 36769 steps First night out on a hike I don¢t sleep well and last night was no exception. That¢s alright. I was up around 6, packed up, ate some oatmeal and was walking by 730. The woman who offered the ride to the brewery next week reiterated to call when at that crossing. To a brewery? Ok. The terrain was gradual ups and downs most of the day. Few rocks and virtually no roots makes for pleasant hiking. After a few miles the trail began to parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway. This went on for about 6 miles and a few places went by viewing areas for cars to stop. The views were good but the skies were a bit hazy today. Like yesterday it got very warm in the afternoon up to around 80° and humid. Near the Blue Ridge Parkway I encountered a deer on the trail. It wasn¢t interested in moving to let me pass and I was only about 10 feet from it. I snapped a few pictures of it and it finally moved off trail and I proceeded on. It had absolutely no fear of me. After one final short but steep incline the rest of the day was smooth or lightly rolling hills and eventually a long downhill to my destination for the night.At the destination I tried to call Middle Creek Campground for a ride but was unable to get through. It¢s about 1.5 miles of road walking. Without a ride I wasn¢t as interested. While sitting on the bridge that crosses the river there, a couple pulled over and asked if I needed a ride. It turns out they are hiking the trail using two cars and switching cars and moving to their next area. It¢s kind of a convoluted way to do it but it does work out very well and you always have a ride if needed. They took me up to the campground, thank you, where I got checked in. Got a quick shower, set up my tent and am now relaxing next to the creek. I was able to get a cheeseburger, a beer, and a vanilla milkshake. It all hit the spot. Hiking¢s tough. Looking at my guide, rather than go back where I came from I can actually take a dirt road from this campground and it will lead me to a blue blaze trail that eventually meets up with the AT. I was able to confirm this as thru hiker Twig showed up coming from the road I plan to take in the morning  The part of the trail that I¢ll be missing is a pointless up and down (PUD). The distance it will take me to get to the blue blaze trail and back on the AT is about the same as what I would do if I stayed on the trail and walked the PUD. So, distance wise I¢m good, but I will have skipped a small section of trail. I am not a purist about these things so I am not too concerned about it.Overall, today was an excellent hiking day. A little bit long for my second day out but the terrain was very pleasant and made the task that much easier. Tomorrow¢s plan is to climb Apple Orchard Mountain. This looks like a sustained 6 to 7 mile climb. It may not be steep but it sure will be long. I hope the tread is similar to the last two days because it has been excellent. The forecast for the next 5 days is rain but I think it is hit or miss. And on a side-note, thanks to the trail maintainers, as I have yet to hit a blow down across the trail that I was not able to step over.Until tomorrow.