Date: 2007-07-01
From: Humpback Mtn., VA

To: VA 56 Tye River, VA
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

Good news, no storms last nite, but it was a very cool 56 degrees when I awoke. Been awhile since the temps dropped into the 50's, reminds me of how much I hate cold weather.I ended up either oversleeping or not hearing my alarms, but I still managed tobe hiking by 8:22 a.m. The intention today was to hike to Harpers CreekShelter, but as I've learned in a hard way on this journey, intent provides noguarantee of the actual outcome.I found a tiny tic on my left thigh this morning, about 1" above my knee cap. I removed it, but it was so small, I just couldn't tell if I got the head out or not. I took a pic of it on me and then of the area after I removed it. I'll be watching for a rash or symptoms of Lyme disease very closely now.Lots of rocky trail today, but I seemed to be able to fly over most of it. I'vebeen waiting and waiting to see a rattler, but nothing yet. I instead got toenjoy the pics of one from some day hikers.One of my day's highlights was Cedar Cliffs. An awesome rocky outcropping with a perfectly clear and sunny view today. I sat there for a long time just thinking. I wanted to stay there forever, and finally 4 day hikers (1 of which had apparently deemed himself an "expert" on hiking the AT because he said "Nobody carries a knife.") jolted me out of my dreamy state. Iwas tempted to walk over and show him my knife (which I use a lot), but figuredI'd be wasting my time.I know I get excited everytime I see deer, but today takes the cake. There were 3 deer all next to or on the trail! I got within 20 feet of them and got a pic. It's just such a spiritual experience for me when these animals allow me to enjoy their space out here.I was headed to the Dripping Rock Parking area and ran into another trailmaintainer named Sandy. He works for the woman (Fran) that I met yesterday. They have done a wonderful job of maintaining this section. THANKS!!Coming down Humpback (as a SOBO) was pretty cool. There was this awsome section of rock scrambling where I had to throw my poles down about 40 feet so I could use both hands to climb down. I really love rock scrambling.Really there were wonderful views today. The next one was the Three RidgesOverlook. Again, just stunning. It kind of sucks to see condos carved into themountainsides though. Guess it goes to prove, if you've got enough $, you can go anywhere you want.I was headed up the North Ridge of Three Ridges, and ran into Hong Kong Fuey,who oddly enough lives in my neck of the woods in Michigan, and who is alsosuffering from Plantar Faciitis. He was a great guy, and he was getting prettydiscouraged. I don't know if he has a trail journal, but if he does, maybe youwonderfuly supportive people could throw some encouragement his way. He told me about a neoprene splint he found that will keep your toes stretched back atnite. I may check into it.I made my way to another area where the AT crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, andas I was sitting there, a bicylist rode up and asked if I was lost. I said no,and we proceeded o talk for awhile. He goes by Dr. J., and we talked about what it was like to build your body's endurance up for sports like ours. He was a Chemistry teacher, so he was really into (and really understood) supplements and things. Pretty interesting guy. He was on a 46 mile bike ride. I got over 2 of the 3 Three Ridges, looked at my watch and realized I could beat VA 56 by 7:30 p.m., and I knew the Dutch Haus B&B dropped slackpackers offthere, so the lightbulb went off. I had cell service for a change, so I calledand asked if they could pic me up tonite if I got there at 7:30. YES!! Wow..wasn't at all expecting to take a shower today, but the thought of justthat (not to mention what I hear is an incredible breakfast) was enough for me. I had 5.8 miles to go, pretty much all downhill, and it was 4:30 p.m. I was practically running. It was pretty rocky, but eventually turned into anice dirt path. Just before VA 56, my pickup point, is this awesome suspensionbridge that goes over the Tye River. It was so long I got it bouncing abit..pretty fun.I amazingly made it to the pick up point by 7:00 p.m.!! Around 7:30, John showed up and carted me to the Dutch Haus B&B. Man is this place nice. Even though they had already made and served dinner, Marsha whipped me up a salad,vegetarian lasagna, vegetables, bread sticks, and some rice\hamburger that wasused in stuffed peppers the nite before. YUMMY! Topped it off with 2 glasses of lemonade and some apple crepes, and my stomach was happy.They have nice soft robes for you to wear, you just give them your dirty laundry and they wash it, and the place is so organized, clean, and professionally run. I think the nicest hostel I've been to for sure.I'm here in the bunkhouse tonite with, Dirt, Blue Song, Jingaling, Squirrel, and Dodd.I'm getting dropped off @ 7:30 a.m. to day hke my last small section here, romFish Hatchery road to VA 56 (NOBO now). They've got little daypacks for you touse, so it will be a nice light hike, where the Priest is waiting for me. ThenKaren is driving back down to pick me up and take me back up to Rock Fish Gap,and I can start my normal NOBO again.A perfect day in the low 70's, no humidity, sunny skies, and wonderful views and people. Wish all 18 mile days could go this well.~Certain