Date: 2010-06-03
From: Dismal Creek Falls

To: Doc Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept incredibly last night by the falls. It was one of the best night's sleep I've had on the trail to date. This morning Aqua Man and Sideways took off to hike the 22 miles left to Pearisburg. I wish I could put in big miles like that but until my leg gets better, that's not in the cards for me. Ripple was going to stop a little short to stay at a hostel but Low Rider wanted to go to the same shelter I was planning on hiking to, so I told him I'd meet him there tonight and headed out on my own. I had a really great day mentally. My leg isn't great but hiking slower and stopping short yesterday helped a little, as well as the swim and the ace bandage. So despite lingering pain and a limp, I felt really good today. I made it to Wapiti shelter for lunch and someone had left a hammock hanging in the trees right next to the shelter so after I ate I spent some time laying in it in the sun, which was really nice. There was a climb after the shelter and I met Ripple at the top for an impromptu hour long break. We were just going to stop for a short break but we started talking and time slipped away from us. This is one of my favorite things about being out here. While you have a plan to get from point A to point B each day, you have the freedom to change your plans, take advantage of the beauty surrounding you and roll with what each day brings. There are a good number of people that hike the trail and put in big miles and pride themselves on how short of a time they were able to complete the trail, but that just isn't how I want my experience to go. To each his own, but for me, one of the things that makes this journey so incredible is slowing down and enjoying the amazing people, sights and opportunities this trail offers. As long as I get to finish the trail, I don't care how long it takes me because I know I'm going to be left with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Sitting at the top of a mountain overlooking the surrounding mountain range with a friend having a great conversation is a prime example. We finally got moving again though and I made the final stretch to the shelter, worried that Low Rider would wonder where I was. When I got to the shelter, however, it was completely empty. There was an eerie vibe there and I decided that if Low Rider didn't show up for some reason, I would not stay there by myself. I was so happy to hear the click of poles and look up to see Low Rider coming down the trail right when I was gearing myself up to prepare for plan B. He'd taken a short cut and stopped by Woods Hole hostel to get us a couple sodas, which was a great surprise. He also reported that everyone else- all of the Goodfellas and Sideways had not in fact made it to Pearisburg, but were all staying at the hostel for the night, so it looks like we'll beat them to town tomorrow. It was just the two of us at the shelter tonight and we had a nice time together. It's his last night on the trail so we talked a lot about his trip and what's next for him. I'm really going to miss him. He has been an extremely positive person to be around and I have learned a lot from him. I'm sleeping in the shelter by myself tonight with Low Rider hammocking close by. I'm so excited about getting to Pearisburg tomorrow; I feel like the town has been hanging over my head since trail days.