Trail Letter 8: 4/18, 4/19, and 4/20

23.2 dry miles today. Actually, only about 8 of them were dry — I foolishly failed to get more water, and the Trail went along a ridgeline for 10+ miles in the hot sun without any water sources. I strong I had learned my lesson from last time I ran out, but apparently not. My calves were feeling crampy, my mouth was sticky, and I felt very weak. I could have kissed the spring I found.

On my way out of Pearisburg I stopped at Goodwill — we (the TN Studs) decided that we needed something to set us apart, so we decided we should all sport collared shirts. I’ll post a picture of mine when I can — it’s pretty classy.

I passed Dynamite today — he was one of the two that spent Easter at Bigfoot’s with us. He was having blister issues. After that encounter, further down the Trail someone had left some Sam’s Choice colas in the creek, so I had some Trail Magic.

This shelter is housing Matthew (Bone), Rat Sandwich, Southbound Mule, and Smiling Tears. We have a huge fire burning right now, so I’m gonna go enjoy it. Rat Sandwich got his name after skewering and eating (the legs, at least) a mouse he caught.

4/19

21.0 wet miles today. The weather looked peachy when I woke up, but it got colder throughout the day — then the waterworks started. It wasn’t ever too heavy, but it was sporadic and constantly windy. When I reached the turn-off for this shelter, I had to wrestle with myself to stop here. For one, the shelter is 1/2 mile down the mountain — a real pain when that’s the case. For two, it’s but 5:30 when I stopped — sunlight still works until 8:30. For three, I’ve been booking it so much lately that it’s hard to stop after so “few’ miles. For four, there’s this country restaurant called “The Homeplace” that apparently serves all-you-can-eat family style meats, veggies, and desserts for $13 – drink included. For me to have a shot a making it there before they close, I needed to do more miles (they’re open Th-Su).

Buuuut, in spite of all these my feet are developing small callous/blister things, and I didn’t want to make them unrepairable by pushing myself too hard. Secondly, the rain is a great motivator for finding dry space. Even after I decided to stop here, on the way down I stopped 3 times and almost turned around to go to the next shelter. I’m glad I didn’t cause it’s been pouring.

Earlier today while climbing a mountain, I began to smell a burning rubber odor. At first I thought it was my boots melting from my blazing pace, but a mile up the trail I encountered a man using a chainsaw — I assume that was the smell’s origin.

I’ve been sleeping without ANY back soreness for the last 4-5 days. Feels great.

Yesterday I saw a dead yellow bird beneath the power lines, so I propped it up on a blazed rock as if it were watching all the passers-by. It was pretty darn funny if you ask me. I also saw two turkeys and some deer. Last night some owls were yelling, and they sounded very much like coyotes. Spooky. Also passed a 6′ diameter old growth oak tree — it was ginormous compared to all the other trees surrounding it.

I’m truly enjoying hiking my own hike — I hope Feezel and Bigfoot are doing well and not missing their don Juan too much…

4/20

23.7 happy ending miles today. When I arrived at Dragon’s Tooth (thanks Lana for taking my pictures), I was told it was 5:05. The Homeplace (restaurant with AYCE country veggies, biscuits, lemonade iced tea, coffee, and peach cobbler) closes at 6 on Sunday. Well, I get to thinking that I can probably hitch there at the next road crossing in 2 miles, even though the closest road crossing to Catawba is 6+ miles. So I scurry down the trail and actually run part of it. When I arrive at the road, I walk toward a larger connecting highway and on the way stop at a garage beside a house and ask a guy, “I have 2 questions: what time is it, and which way to Catawba?” It was 5:10 and Catawba was right on the main highway.

So I walk to a gas station and stick out my thumb, and the 3rd vehicle to pass picked me up and dropped me off at The Homeplace. I had made it!

Everyone in the restaurant was in their Sunday best, and there was a group who had just attended/been in a wedding. You should’ve seen the looks I got — I absolutely loved it! People were interested in my journey though, and asked lots of questions. I overheard the mother at the table across from mine tell her daughter, “Don’t stare, honey” as I wolfed down the bowls of veggies and coleslaw. After my second peach cobbler with ice cream, everyone in the room laughed when I told the waitress to deliver a third to my tent later tonight.

To top this wonderfulness of, someone picked up my tab! Talk about Trail Magic. And then, the proprietor said we could sleep anywhere outside — under the porch or gazebos or set up tents… it was perfect.

By we, I mean Apple Core and I can’t remember his name. They’re about my age and are moving slowly (they started Feb 7) and are very laid back — we sat outside in the soft grass and watched the sun go down in our state of fullness-imposed euphoria.

All day I was looking for a rainbow, because the sun was shining on me, yet the rain was falling on me. Right as they called my name to be seated, I spotted a huge rainbow — and The Homeplace was my pot of gold! I also ran into Southbound Mule and Smiling Tears — their parents had picked them up in Pearisburg and driven them to dinner here.

Saw my first SNAKE of the trip today! How ever do snakes move? It’s incredible!

Alright time for me to sleep like a baby — I set the ponchotarp up, and it’s starting to sprinkle. Hope this goes well — if not, I can run to the porch…