Date: 2008-10-20
From: .6 miles past Dripping Rock Spring

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up 10 minutes late which made me 10 minutes late getting off. Still, it is not bad for not having any working alarms.It was cold getting up but it really did not seem as bad as I expected. It was in the 40s as I started up Humpback Mountain but before long I took off the coat although I kept my gloves on. In not too much longer it was in the 50s and it was a lovely day.The trail included lots of built in rock steps that had not been constructed with women's legs in mind, and definitely not an aging Grandma with only one leg that can take tall uphill steps.At one point the AT went directly up a tall pile of rocks. There was an alteratively marked trail that went around and met up with the AT on the back side of the rocks. I backtracked on the white blazed trail and going up the rocks was much easier from that side.There was an incredible overlook a bit farther on. I am not sure how far east one can see due to the earth's curvature but I could see a very long way east. Most of the view spots seem to be toward the west so it was interesting to get a view going east.I wasn't exactly sure where the top of Humpback Mountain was. The trail went up and down and all around the mountain. It felt at times that the trail was almost going in circles.I came to a signed junction and got confused and started following a light blue blazed trail instad of the pure white of the AT. That was OK. It took me to Humpback Rocks and an awesome couple of views and I met Rick and Kathy from Ohio and they took my picture on the rocks and I took theirs.We started down a very steep trail and I became increasingly concerned that I was not seeing white blazes. Another hiker was coming up the trail and we both looked at my map and decided that I was on the wrong trail. I backtracked back to white blazes and went on. But I enjoyed my side trip and meeting the folks from Ohio.The trail then started on some very long switchbacks. I met Sea Eagle, Natterjack and Lizard, section hikers out on the trail. Natterjack and Lizard were a delightful older couple. Sea Eagle might have been their adult daughter. I always especially enjoy older hikers on the trail.I also met CardSharp and Mr Nice Guy, 1 SOBO thru-hikers.I did not make very good time this morning what with rocky trail and the side trip. The map showed a distance of 11 miles for the day on the map but the profile and the place to place distance list said it was 14. I was getting worried about making it to Rockfish Gap by either 5 or 6.I saw a group of very tame deer on the trail. They let me get pretty close before slowly going away down the hill. They must know when they are safely in a National Park.I finally stopped to have a late lunch. I was pretty tired and I still have 6&1/2 miles yet to go. Re-energized somewhat by lunch and cytomax I left that spot at 10 to 2:00. The trail cooperated and I, stripped of shirts and pant legs, bombed down the trail. I did those 6&1/2 miles by 5:30, incredibly fast for me.Two interesting points for me in the afternoo: I had been passsing old rock walls and then came upon a fireplace and chimney, all that was left of a house. It did look odd standing there in the forest. I also passed the Paul C Wolfe shelter which is by Mill Creek. It was a very lovely spot.I finally pulled into Rockfish Gap wondering how I could call the Tree Streets B&B when the visitor center closed at 5. And who do I see at the top of the trail on the road? Woodman.It was so cool to see him again. We spent some time jabbering together and I used his cell phone to call my ride. It really is fun to meet again after meeting once on the trail. Once again it is like meeting long lost frinds. He then went on to find water and go onward and I went to meet my ride.He took me on a quick tour around town and also by Subway and an ice cream place for a shake so I could satisfy my fresh veggie and ice cream cravings.I am now clean and fed. Laundry will happen tomorrow. And guess what? Rockett and John (from Harpers Creek Shelter) had left a note for me at the B&B. They want to have lunch with me tomorrow and provide transportation for my running around. How cool is that? Amazing things happen on the trail and in trail towns too. Nice trail magic.And now to bed.