Date: 2004-06-09
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Trail Angel
Miles today: 11.5

Last night, it was a good move leaving that jam packed shelter and moving into the hammock. According to Zip Off, the man next to him¢the person whose name I don't recall¢was farting up a storm and making it hard for Zip Off, and presumably others, to sleep.It did not rain during today's hike, but the effects of yesterday's downpours were evident on the trail. During the morning, the trail passed through a low area and there were stretches of muck that had to be avoided. On twelve occasions, the trail crossed Little Wolf Creek, which was gushing with a high volume of water. At many creek crossings, the usual rocks to step upon were either submerged by the water or inaccessible due to the swollen banks. It was like an obstacle course whenever it became necessary to cross that creek.Being somewhat tall is helpful when navigating through muck or crossing a swollen creek. But height also has its disadvantages. When the trail passed through a belt of rhododendron shrubs, I often encountered soaked branches hanging over the trail. Due to my height, these branches would brush against my backpack and send drippings of cold water down the back of my neck.When the wet shrubs blocked my way, I would hold a bandana in front of me and use it as a shield; it was an effective technique.In one dark and wet tunnel of rhododendron shrubs, a few of the thick green leaves were glistening from exposure to the morning rays of the sun; it was a beautiful effect.During the morning, I heard a woodpecker pecking against what was probably a hollow tree. It made a hollow sound like a drum stick whacking against an empty, wooden barrel.Late in the morning, I crossed a rural road and came across Zip Off and Kato talking at a picnic table.They were discussing their plans for the rest of the day. Then Zip Off walked up the trail a few paces. I heard a sudden and odd sound come from his direction. He shouted, "Hey!"I thought he had fallen and was hurt, so I ran toward him.He was standing beside a large, styrofoam cooler which was full of soft drinks on ice. The weird sound had been caused by his opening the cooler.On the cover of the cooler, someone had left a message that hikers were welcomed to enjoy the contents. What a wonderful surprise! Inside the cooler were bottles of apple juice, orange juice, and cans of tomato juice.On this trip, I have encountered several instances of random or intentional generosity; hikers call it trial magic. The individuals who perform these acts are called trail angels. Usually, I never meet these angels. Zip Off resumed hiking and shortly thereafter, a vehicle was heard pulling over on the road. A middle aged man wearing a cap stepped into view. He was carrying a smaller styrofoam cooler full of ice. This was the trail angel.Kato and I introduced ourselves and thanked him for his act of generosity. His named was Alan Ashworth, a Methodist minister. I asked him why he was leaving the refreshments for us hikers. "It's a quarter ways up the trail and sometimes people need a lift," he said.I asked him if there were other reasons for what he was doing.He said that the sharing of refreshments was an example of church outreach. Then he cited a biblical passage which says something about offering a cold cup of water to those who are thirsty. He told Kato and me that the cooler of soft drinks represented his church community's interpretation of that biblical passage. I was deeply impressed by this kindly person and grateful to him and the members of his church.During my lunch break, I removed my wet socks and shoes, and strung them up a line a line to get some air. I put on my dry socks.Later in the afternoon, I reached a dirt road. Just before it, was a bullet ridden sign stating that the trail was intended only for foot travel. Beside the sign was a hand written note dated two days ago. It was written to an unidentified, female hiker. It was left there at 8:00 p.m.It read as follows: "To the girl walking up Kimberling Road, I'm the guy driving the Black and Brown car. I would like to meet you somewhere outside of the trail. This part of the trail only goes a little ways. They are a campsite at the end of it before you start on the other part. I passed you a couple of times. I just want to meet you. I will be at the other end of the trail. It only takes about thirty min. to an hour to walk it."I would imagine that the female hiker who received this note must have been nervous after reading it and realizing that a stranger was waiting up ahead for her.The trail followed the dirt road for about 1\2 mile. There was trash alongside the road. Where the road curved, the skull of a deer lay on the side. There was still fur on the skull. That female hiker must have been all the more nervous walking along this stretch of road during that evening.The dirt road intersected with a hardtop road. Across the street was the Mountain Top Holiness Church. There were three crosses on the front of the white building. Below each cross was a different word. The words were sheeps (plural), Savior, and Goats. I could not figure out the references to animals. Perhaps it had something to do with a shepherd and his flock.I left the trail and hitched a ride into the small town of Bland, VA to re-supply. At the post office, I shipped some film back home. By coincidence, the postmaster is a member of Reverend Alan Ashworth¢s¢the trail angel¢Methodist Church. I thanked him for supporting the refreshments for us hikers.I am composing this entry in the local motel. There was no laundromat in town or here at the motel. I rinsed my clothes in the sink and now they are drying under a heat lamp in the ceiling of the bathroom. Tomorrow, the hike resumes.