Date: 2008-04-22
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up at 6:30a, but laid around in our sleeping bags until 6:45a because it was raining again. Yup, that's right, Day 3 in a row of rain!! When we all finally got stirring, we began performing our normal morning ritual. While discussing our day's plans, The Foot Machine chimed in and told us that Cow Camp Gap Shelter is 0.6 miles off the trail. When Toddy Bear heard this, he responded with, "it looks like we're doing a 25 mile day today, huh?" This scenario is pretty funny because an interesting aspect of the "hiker mentality" was revealed. We can't justify hiking 15 miles on the trail and then 0.6 miles along a blue-blazed trail to the shelter. So, we decided to hike an additional 10 miles. It doesn't make sense does it? Instead of hiking 0.6 miles on a side trail to the shelter, we opted for 10 more trail miles!!! Well, by 7:50a, we were on the trail and I was packing the usual 2L of water. Our first half of the walk wasn't really that bad. Heck, I didn't even know we climbed Rice Mnt! Eventually, as we were crossing a suspension bridge over Pedlar River, I noticed a Dam flowing in the distance. It looked really nice with the water flowing and the mountains in the backdrop. I didn't get to take a picture, however, because the trees blocked my shot, but this goes to show that the beauty of the AT can't be captured/expressed in photos!! We kept on hiking until we read a sign about the Brown Mill Creek Community. The Brown Mill Creek Community, for those of us unfamiliar with it, was a community of freed slaves that dwelt here from the Civil War until about 1918; remains of the cabins and interpretive signs tell of life in the valley. Archeological studies are underway by the local UVA campus. Like I have said earlier, the historical aspect of the AT is what interested me the most. So, I became curious about this place and began to wonder where they lived, farmed, played, what types of crops they grew, and how it was sharecropping. I need to google Tafton Hughes' oral interview to find out more about this community!Soon enough, we made it to the shelter and I razed the privy!!! We read the Appalachian Times and found out that Chris and Lacey took a zero here yesterday because his foot is still hurting him. I hope it doesn't become problematic and he can keep hiking. On a positive note, I'll get to see him again--I haven't seen him since Moreland Gap Shelter! After Yeti collected water, we continued on our way. Once we got to US 60, we knew the climb up Bald Knob was gonna be tough. We began that climb and it wasn't too bad, except when you got 0.8 mile into it. Then, it became as steep as the climb out of Stecoah Gap. After that, the switchbacks became steep and the sun disappeared...giving rise to fog, wind and rain. Since the sun was out for most of the day and then the wind, rain, and fog came afterwards, the AT didn't allow me to be dry all day! Once we got to the top, we hid behind a rock to get protection from the wind, and ate lunch at 1:15p. Eating behind this rock made me feel like a nomad. This is the first time in my life that I've ever had to hide behind a natural barrier in order to gain protection from the elements so that I could eat. I quickly scarfed down my 2 Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, granola bar, and drank some water. I didn't get to drink much because I had unknowingly downed all of my water during that climb. As we left, I tried to be careful about my speed because the next listed water source was 8 miles away. As we descended, the rain stopped, but immediately began again while we were climbing Cold Mnt. Since it's bald, and visibility as low, we hustled because the wind made things cold. Then, Yeti made a good point, "only on the AT do you hate rain, sunshine, snow and wind!" He's right...when you spend everyday outside, you'll begin to understand how true this statement is! Then, I congratulated everyone on accomplishing their 8th century. So, at Greasy Springs Rd. we realized we all needed water. Even though it was raining, there was no water. At this point, I had gone 7.5 miles without water and I felt like I was gonna die. Lord be praised, because Yeti happened to find a cairn on the side of the trail which led to an unlisted spring. I pumped water while Yeti drank from the pipe. Then, I filled up our bottles and began rejoicing!!! As we were walking to the shelter, Toddy Bear asked a very good question: If a beaver's teeth are constantly being regrown because of all the wood they chew, then does a woodpecker's beak do the same? I need to look that up...it's interesting, no? At 5:30p, we wearily rolled into the shelter. After reading the Appalachian Times, we learned that Chris and Lacey was gonna spend the night here, but decided to push on to the Priest Shelter because his leg is feeling better and he has to be in Waynesboro, VA early on Friday because he's gonna meet up with Lacey--That's when we plan on being there so there's a chance we'll get to meet up with him. Then, went down to gather water. After cleaning my filter, I was able to pump 4L of water in 10 minutes. I think it was partially due to the fact that Yeti reminded me of Torque--if I pump further down on the pump's handle, I won't use as much energy!!! We ate our dinner and emergency food because we're all hungry after our 25+ mile day, which had more than 7,209ft of elevation gain. Oh! My feet are killing me. I can't wait to get into Waynesboro and rest. This is going to be our first zero since Damascus and I know my feet will thank me. Well, it's supposed to be 72*F and sunny tomorrow. We're gonna use this opportunity to do a 21 mile day and let our stuff dry. Then, we're gonna do a 15.8 mile day on Thursday when it's 79*F so that we can do a small mile day into Waynesboro!!! Well, I'm bushed...Night!!!