Date: 2015-04-17
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

4/17, War Spur Shelter, 12.7After hiking kind of late yesterday evening, after coming out of town, we started out this morning a little sluggish at 8:15. Our hike began by dropping down to the river and then beginning to climb after a couple miles. The climb up to Bailey Gap Shelter covered 2 miles climbing 1100 ft. When we arrived at the shelter we realized we were pretty tired and were only covering about one and a half miles per hour. Our normal pace uphill is closer to two miles per hour. We took a rest and had a snack at the shelter. The weather was overcast and about 60 degrees making the hiking humid, but at least it wasn't raining. As we hiked the ridge we began to feel the effects of a very rocky trail. Our feet were sore, our pace was slow, and our spirit was taking a beating. One uplifting sign for today was the reappearance of the sun after several overcast, rainy days. We stopped for lunch by climbing up to the top of the ridge for a view and a breeze. We still had twelve miles and a major climb to make our goal for the day, and it was 1 pm. At our current pace we both knew we would be hiking into camp late again, but didn't say anything at the time. We continued on, and the trail improved, for a few tenths of a mile. The rocky trail returned and slowed us again. We hiked on through the warm afternoon. We soon started heading downhill which would lead us to the next shelter, 5 miles short of our goal. The downhill was less rocky, but long. We arrived at War Spur Shelter, dropped our packs on the table and started to have a snack. As is our practice we surveyed the maps and guides, and checked the time. Our biggest climb was ahead, and it was 4 pm. Maverick and I were thinking the same thing and decided to stop for the day, wash some things,enjoy he warm sun and get a good nights sleep. Tomorrow we will make the big climb early in cooler temps and on a fresh nights sleep.We plan to make 18.2 tomorrow, and then 16.8 the next day to my food drop at the Four Pines Hostel. There is quite a bit of climb and descent over the trail but we are hoping the rocks will let up a bit. The evening air is beginning to arrive as the sun has dropped behind the mountains, shadowing the valley we are within. I am ready at 6:45 to lay down, read a little and drift off to sleep listening to the stream flow in the distance. With an emotionally difficult day I am reminded of things I have read which have been confirmed by others here on the trail. Most significant today is that this adventure at this point changes from a physical challenge, to a mental one. I only have to hike an average of fifteen miles a day to make my goal, and anything over that adds up to short days, and zeroes. Hiking 18 to 20 does not present a physical challenge, but getting on trail, hiking through the day and enough hours is a mental hurdle. The excitement of doing something unusual and adventurous has worn slightly thin after 660 miles, and 55 days. I share this not to suggest I am ready to consider the unthinkable, but simply to provide insight to the challenge as it changes over time. I suspect many have blamed this aspect of the challenge on what is called "the Virginia blues", related to hiking 500 miles with no change in state lines. I think its more like the end of the honeymoon phase in my relationship with the trail and now we have to begin to work together to make this work, and many will decide it is not worth the work. I just keep remembering how fortunate I am to be here, and how encouraging it is to have all of you reading this, and cheering me on. Thank you because you cannot know how helpful you are in getting me through each step, of each mile, of each day.Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow.Silverback