Date: 2015-05-29
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Todays glance at the AWOL book suggested a relatively easy walk for the first part of the day. The grade was not steep, but in a general direction of up. The trail alternated between smooth and quite rocky. The largest deer I have ever seen leapt about 10 feet in front of me, across the trail, front legs tucked in like on of Santas flying reindeers. It was so unexpected and it took my breath away. The deer landed on the steep rocky downslope, going between trees at lightning speed. They are to the woods what spiderman is in the city, dodging obstacles gracefully, never loosing footing on ground I trip on everyday. It put a spring in my step! The woods were so beautiful today, and water sources were plentiful. Because of the daily rain, the air was fragrant with the smells of plants, flowers, and dirt. I felt much better today than yesterday, more energetic and happy tp be hiking. I reached War Spur Shelter around lunchtime so I stopped for a shoes off food break. My socks were wet so I hung them up to dry. I ate a hot lunch because I had run out of lunch and snack food. It felt good to have a full belly. Mama Moab and Utah hiked in, followed by Jingle Butt and Towanda. They chatted with MM about her triple crown attempt. The rain came and I decided to take a snooze in the shelter. A big group who were slack packing form the Captains arrived- The REAL Hunney Badger, Cheesesteak, and a few more. Hunney Badger has caused a ruckus on the rail this year because of his excessive signing of things on the AT (benches, rocks, etc) with a sharpie. He was ticketed in Damascus for it and is repentant. He has taken a big moral spanking but he apologized, puts up with continued Hunney Badger bashing, and continues to hike and to redeem himself. I met him a month or so ago and he is actually a really nice guy. He may have been carried off momentarily by the spirit of the Honey Badger, but staying on the trail ins spite of the negativity, and trying to make a positive impact shows real character. It would be much easier to slink away. I'm a Hunney Badger fan.When the rain stopped, I hiked on. I met a couple of nice guys getting water, Slip and someone whose name escapes me at the moment. We had a long steep climb ahead. I felt great with carbs in my body and went fairly fast (for me) up the first hill. It was exhausting and my energy started to sap out about halfway. The top of the hill was met by a dirt road. I sat there a while, Mama Moab and Utah were there resting. Slip and guy whose name have slipped my mind got there about 15 minutes later. Slip said-wow- did you run up that hill? It s the first time anyone has accused me of being fast I felt great about that. The next hill went straight up an ild jeep road. Holy hell it was hard. The air was humid after the rain and it was nearing the end of the day. The skies opened up and it rained hard for the next hour. I decided to stop at the shelter , short of my milage goal, because I was soaked to the bone. The shelter was full. I set up my tent in the rain while the gang in the shelter had a lively discussion about politics-yuck. I made my dinner at the table, in the rain, feeling like a badd ass. Yeah. I cook in the rain. I set up my tent in the rain. I sleep in my wet tent in the rain. I read my book and fell asleep. All in all, a pretty good day.