Date: 2005-05-18
From: Campsite

To: VA 623
Miles today: 17.3

Everyone was up early this morning. Real early! We were on the trail and had done the 2 miles to the shelter before eight AM. Bassline and Funkee Monkee were there as well as Free and Serenity. They had passed by us around 11:00 last night and headed to the shelter. Funkee Monkee announced that we were 1/4 of the way through our hike and we gave a celebratory cheer. Soon everyone was cooking breakfast. Free and I were complaining, again, about our food bag weight when Gypsy walks up and said, "I only packed one days worth offood because I knew I would be hiking with you guys". I sat there stunned, because the line was so well delivered. We both lost it. Hearing this from Gypsy even made it better! Afterwords, we said our goodbyes to Funkee and headed off. The goal for the day was Jenkins Shelter, a total of 19 or 21 miles depending on where some of us started the day. 19 miles doesn't sound like a big deal to us by now unless you have just come off a five day rest. And, unless you have to climb over Chestnut Knob. I had forgotten about this climb. A 4 mile steady uphill, not steep, but constantly up. My legs were not prepared for it and I was beat by time I got to Chestnut Knob Shelter which was at the top. Prior to getting there we had come to a road crossing where, to our surprise, Funkee Monkee sat. He said we were just to much fun and that he was going to be our traveling trail angel for a few days. We welcomed him to the group and then he said he would slackpack anyone who wanted. Several took him up on it and I should have but right now my goal is to carry my pack. My attitude may change by the time I hit New Hampshire but not yet. Just below Chestnut Knob Shelter is a pond where Free, Sunshine, Bassline, and Touk took a little swim. I couldn't bring myself to step into that pond. Just a little to muddy for me. I sat at the shelter talking to Gypsy. I have known her since Bly Gap, way back in the beginning, but have not hiked with her a lot nor have I had a chance to have a real conversation with her. It was real good talking with her and I am glad she is with the group so we can have more conversations. One thing I did realize is she has a quick wit and a good sense of humor. For example, Serenity was watching a bunch of ants crawling around and she had one on her hand. " I have a new respect for ants", she said.Gypsy, watching the one on her hand, "Why? Because you eat them"? Again, it was a perfect, deadpan delivery and the kind of statement that takes a second to sink in before you realize what she is saying. I do need to clarify when I say we when I talk about hiking. We do not hike all in a row. We are scattered along the trail but we set up group meeting points along the days path. For lunch, for a spot that has a good view, or a stream. Scholar and I have an idea of whats ahead based on last year so it helps in picking places. I left the shelter and continued on. As the afternoon progressed I was getting more and more beat. I started down the ridgeline when I heard strains of music. As I moved further down I realized it was Simon and Garfunkel, one of favorite duos. I came to the road clearing and there was Funkee Monkee, Sunshine, and Thunder (Sunshine and Thunder had passed me earlier). Funkee had a cooler with some drinks and he had some apples. I love the idea of a traveling trail angel! The others came in off the mountain and several planned on staying there. Gypsy and I were still contemplating moving on to the shelter but as the evening progressed we decided to stay there also. It turned into a great evening and everyone had fun.