Date: 2004-07-03
From: Caldonia State Park

To: Birch Run Shelters
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Start: Caldonia State ParkDestination Birch Run SheltersThankfully the traffic didn't start up until after 7:00 this morning. By the time I fixed breakfast and got packed, Calamity¢s parent drove up. They had some fine trail magic for us, and then his dad drove me to the post office so I could mail some stuff home. I am still thinning down my pack. I sent some socks home that caused blisters, and when I left the post office, flies were beginning to hover over the clerk's counter. I also sent home my water bag. I figure the company will probably replace it for me; of course I probably should have kept the hose for it with me Oh well. Calamity and his folks hiked up to the first shelter, while I called home. As I passed the concession stand I almost ordered lunch, but decided against it since it was still early and I really wasn't hungry. I did buy a bottle of water so I could have an extra water bottle. Twenty minutes later I am starving, and wishing I gotten at least a smoothie to drink. I got to the shelter and Calamity and his folks were just finishing lunch. They offered me the chicken that was left, and some trail mix. I made myself at home and finished off the chicken. What trail magic! Today was watch for snake day. As I passed hikers going south, they all told me about seeing a rattlesnake across the trail ahead of me. Of course each time, the snake got bigger and bigger. I came to a piece of paper stuck in the middle of the trail on a stick with a beware of Snake warning wrote on it. Then not ten feet away was another note for the opposite direction hikers. I nearly wet my pants laughing. Like that snake was going to stay within those two notes. I really appreciated the thoughtfulness, but it was sooooo funny. I regret that I did not take a picture of the notes. I did not see a snake, but I kept my eyes open for him, and of course every twig became a suspect. I know that snakes are territorial, and I am just a guest in their territory here. The smell of pine needles being baked under a hot sun on a sheet of rock and sand described most of the trail today. How I love that smell. Several climbs tried my endurance level, but mainly I just hiked along. At Birch Run Shelter I found a level place to pitch my tent and in no time I had supper cooked. I had picked up a Reader's Digest at the last shelter, and wanted to read about a mountain climbing exhibition gone fatal. Am I a glutton for punishment or what? I will leave the book here tomorrow. Late in the evening Bumpo hikes in. He is a long section hiker trying to catch up with Blue. He decides to stay here tonight and even though I had already eaten, I sit with him enjoying crackers and cheese and conversation. We enjoy a hot drink after supper, talking about the trail and what it is teaching us. He is going to run the Marine Corp. Marathon this year, as is my husband. What a coincidence! And with modern technology as it is, we may even be able to meet up again after the run. Bumpo is also able to tell me the name of the elusive bird I have fallen in love with out here. It is a Verry. He sings mainly in the late evening, a metallic sounding song. It is one of my most favorite sounds in the evening. He is a small brown nondescript bird. But what a beautiful song he sings. My feet have done better today, although one blister is pretty ugly looking. The duct tape just refuses to stay where I need it. I hope another couple days wearing different socks will make a difference. Until then Ibuprophen will make things bearable.Total miles 9.6