Date: 2016-06-09
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter - Day 82

To: Jennings Creek - VA - Day 83
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

I got up and ate the last of my food, therefore, no lunch packed. I had 8.7 miles to go before Tim was going to pick us up at Jennings Creek. All I could think about was stopping at McDonald's to get a Big Mac!4.9 miles later we arrived at the awesome 3 level Bryant Ridge Shelter, a beautiful shelter! It says 20 could sleep but easily 30+ could sleep there with the two stories plus a big deck area. We took a break there and was told trail magic was at Jennings Creek, 3.7 miles away! Needlessly to say, I so looked forward to THAT trail magic. The hike was a couple of long ups but mostly down so it was a fast hike.Since we had not seen anyone we knew yesterday while hiking, I was not expecting to see anyone I knew today. So, when I saw Cheeks around the corner, we started cheering and jumping up and down! We had met Cheeks in the Smokies and we had shuttled her to Trail Days. I knew she was far behind me because she took days off to do Hardcore after Trail Days. But I was very, very happy to see her. I said good-bye to Cheeks and hiked on. Just when I had given up, along came Big Bird. He had spent the night at Jennings Creek so we were 8.7 miles apart the night before. But both of them had considered hiking to Bryant Ridge Shelter, so here we were, one mile before our finish and I finally see him! When we arrived at Jennings Creek, I immediately went to the trail magic consisting of coke, bagels with cream cheese. I had a sandwich with cream cheese and strawberry jam and nuts and cheese. Cupcake, a 2014 hiker was providing the trail magic. THANK YOU! When Tim and Rightlane arrived for the shuttle, I still had Tim stop and get a quarter pounder!After relaxing at home for awhile we went to the hiker feed at the Grace Lutheran Church Hiker Hostel in Waynesboro! What a great reunion! Rightlane saw people he had met a month ago. We knew over half the hikers there, about 15. Some of them we had just met three days ago when Southpaw and I hiked south. Dinner consisted of lots of lasagna, salad, corn on the cob and many delicious desserts!Rightlane is a Middle School Band Instructor. The evening concluded with us making a recording of the song Shenandoah. Fun! He played the saxophone while I played the piano.Update on Rightlane: We had taken them out last Friday June 3 and sent him north with Chickenfeet. On Saturday morning Chickenfeet ordered Rightlane to call and get his foot checked out. So, right after Tim dropped us off at Tye River, Tim had to then drive 30 miles north of our house to pickup Rightlane. They went directly to an urgent care center. The X-ray showed no break in the foot, so they referred him to a specialist, Dr. Godette who had incidentally operated on Tim's back in the past.Rightlane was resting at the Byrdhouse until Tuesday when the specialist could see him. Rightlane was very pleased with Dr. Godette because he found a slight strain which is the minor problem. The more serious issue was that his second and third toe was pressing on a nerve. He had him order an orthotic to correct this condition. On Wednesday, Tim took him hiking on Rip Rap Trail to test out the orthotic. Today, everything is better, so Rightlane will hike out on tomorrow. He plans to do shorter miles to be sure the foot is not hurting.All is well in the hiking world! Check out the new photos added in yesterdays post, 6/8, just received!!CheeksBig BirdTrail Magic at Jennings CreekRighlane RecuperatingHalftime's photo of Bryant Ridge ShelterBandaid Kid's photo of the unique split-level design of the wonderful Bryant Ridge ShelterJennings Creek photo by Bald EagleJennings Creek photo by Slap Shot