5/3/08 16 miles Cow Camp Gap Shelter
I have only outrun fate for a while, but now the inevitable has caught me---I’m confined with the Boy Scouts! After 50 miles in the past two days and an impending storm, I have been forced into this shelter for warmth and rest. I think I concealed my insane ambitiousness tonight after suppressing my urge to hike the extra nine miles to the next shelter. Tomorrow however, I should have ample time to resort my thoughts at the Dutch Haus Bed & Breakfast. For now, however, I live in the void of thru-hikers.
5/2/08 26 miles Punchbowl Shelter
Today was a desolate hike, punctuated with bursts of company. The 13 miles to Matt’s Creek Shelter was arid and tortuous, but afterwards I was rewarded with a ride into Glasgow, VA and a pint of Cherry Garcia Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. This sustained me for another 9 miles to the Punchbowl shelter. Hiking into the night was somewhat disquieting, especially after seeing the silhouettes of looming creatures, including a bear!
5/1/08 23 miles Thunderhill Shelter
As the season unfolds and the woods become more hospitable, they become more crowded as well. Luckily my dirty, emaciated looks have solicited enough sympathy for food. Donations from section hikers have included prunes, cheese, almonds, chocolate, ramen noodles and M&Ms. Unfortunately, my food bag seems to hover at a constant weight, never getting lighter. Today I conquered Apple Orchard Mountain, devoid of orchards but adorned with a panoramic radar tower. It is also the highest point until Mt. Moosilakee, New Hampshire. Also I caught Handyman at the shelter, a surprise encounter since I have not seen him since before Hot Springs.
4/30/08 18 miles Bobblets Gap Shelter
It has been another lonesome day rounded at the end with company. However, as I grow more capable as a hiker, I become more sufficient as a person, more secure and peaceful in my mind. The terrain is becoming more moderate, the weather is getting warmer, spring is unfurling its majesty all around, and my mind is clearer than ever before.
In Daleville I bought open shoes by Keen, which have significantly improved my footing. Tonight I am camped with an eclectic band of section-hikers, all much more savvy of the AT than normal and at least wise enough not to wear denim! The pride of my evening was building a fire on which to roast s’mores from a package I carefully toted 18 miles from the highway, left by a charitable trail angel.
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