Trail Letter 7: 4/15
27.8 thawing miles today. The temperature when I started this morning was 29 degrees, but as the day progressed it steadily increased to around 55-60.
Climbed a mountain to get to Chestnut Knob Shelter — by far the best-placed shelter I’ve encountered. It was on the very top of the mountain on a bald — almost a 360 degree view. But it wasn’t even noon, so I had to move on. Maybe Bigfoot and Feezel will stay there…
I saw two sets of three deer, a set of two deer, and a single doe — whom I surprised (and vice versa). She looked like a deer caught in headlights…hah. Also spotted an owl — they truly have a mysterious feel, and the deep stare got me again — and the thing was at least 50′ away! I almost stepped on a grouse — right before it flew away and scared me silly. They always wait until you’re right up on them… And finally, I built a snowman on top of the mountain. It was a small snowman, but the snow was way too perfect for snowsculpting to simply pass by.
I’m “cowboy camping” tonight — that’s where you don’t have a shelter of any kind. I could put up the ponchotarp, but I don’t think it will rain. I’m no more than 24” off the Trail right now, but this spot was really tempting so I bit. The only thing it has that I don’t need is the ceaseless lull of the interstate (I-81). Picking up my maildrop in Bland, Virginia tomorrow — got about 3 miles to the Highway where I’ll catch a hitch.
Wondering when Bigfoot and Feezel are gonna show…
April 25, 2008 at 5:43 am
Dear Jon,
Chestnut Nob is a beautiful view. All those deer in one day – they are so gorgeous – with their soulful eyes. The owl is indeed a strange bird. Their eyes almost expressionless – and their whooooooo call. Aren’t they considered wise? “Wise as an Owl”. Often depicted with a graduation cap and tassel. The highway must take away from the peace of nature’s unadulterated environment. Happy to hear the temperature rose to warm your bones. Perhaps you’ll meet The Feez and Birdsell in Bland. I love you. Nibbles..nibbles. GrDi.