Date: October 6 2000
Trail Day: 128
Miles Today: 20
Location: Near Swift Run Gap
Section Mile: AT 1261
ECT Mile: 1959
Got a
shot
of H. Monster, Blue, Sweat Box, Leading and Trailing in the
morning.
Today's hike was very easy. I aimed for a 15 mile day but managed a 20. This
doesn't happen too often. Also a very good day for wild life viewing. Saw
several deer. They are so comfortable that they don't run away. I got a
shot
of some of them. Also saw another bear. He was walking along the trail
in the same direction, turned around to look, ran about 100 ft along
the trail before diving into the bushes. Also saw a bobcat. Bobcats are
very shy and it is very rare to see them. He was also on the trail then
ran up some rocks. I thought he would be gone by the time I got there
but he was sitting a little up looking at me. They camouflage very well -
I got a
shot
of him too. His eyes sparked when the flash went off.
The temperature has dropped quite a bit. Also stopped at a restaurant and
store along the way. The week-end crowd is also starting to come in.
They are a friendly lot.
I should be done with the Shenandoah's and into Waynesboro in a little more
than 2 days. I will pick up a mail drop and spend a O day there.
Tried out Suriyan's new stove while cooking. It has a somewhat cumbersome
lighting process although once it gets going it works very well. I need
to experiment more with it.
Date: October 7 2000
Trail Day: 129
Miles Today: 18
Location: Near Loft Mountain Campground
Section Mile: AT 1279
ECT Mile: 1977
Today was a bizarre day. I had no idea what the time was most of the day.
I thought it was 2:00 PM at one point but one of the day hikers told me it
was 5:00 PM. I got to the wayside hoping to get some food but it was
closed. There were several other cars that drove by hoping they were open.
Definitely Government run! It started getting extremely cold and windy.
Set up tarp and slept. Saw one bear and numerous deer today.
A shot
Another shot
Date: October 8 2000
Trail Day: 130
Miles Today: 20
Location: Calf Mountain Shelter
Section Mile: AT 1281
ECT Mile: 1979
Extremely cold night. My feet were numb around 3:00 AM. Nothing much you
can do. Did have a good breakfast at the Loft Mountain Wayside. They did
not open till 9:00 AM and as soon as they opened there was a line of about 30
people. Government run - like I said.
Because of the cold night I decided to make it to the shelter - 20 miles.
The terrain was easy in the beginning but then became quite up and down.
I was quite glad when I reached the shelter. Met John the Baptist
(southbounder) and Church Mouse (section hiker, 97 thru hiker). We had
an interesting conversation. My food turned out tasty for a change.
I need to learn to cook better. It just takes a little more care but
is well worth it.
Tonight promises to be very cold as well.
Shot of a deer
A scenic shot
Another scenic shot
Yet another scenic shot
Date: October 9 2000
Trail Day: 131
Miles Today: 7
Location: YMCA, Waynesboro
Section Mile: AT 1288
ECT Mile: 1986
Last night was C...O...L...D. Could not sleep much. I meed more winter
gear. The pack is becoming quite heavy now - but I have no choice. The
7 mile hike to Rockfish gap went in a flash. Set up tarp at the ground near
the Y. Met Andrew (south bounder). Later on H-Monster and Blue showed
up. Then Grits joined us. I had met Grits (north bounder) in New Hampshire.
He is now doing a section hike of the Shenandoah's. He's certainly picked
a good time to do it. He gave me a ride to K-Mart where I picked up some
more warm clothes and denatured alcohol.
Tomorrow I pick up mail drop, check my e-mail etc.
Date: October 10 2000
Trail Day: 132
Miles Today: 0
Location: YMCA, Waynesboro
Section Mile: AT 1288
ECT Mile: 1986
A very good O day. Andrew, H-Monster, Blue, Sweatbox, T-Pot
and John the Baptist were here.
Colorful Tents
Date: October 11 2000
Trail Day: 133
Miles Today: 18
Location: Rusty's
Section Mile: AT 1306
ECT Mile: 2004
Had a good breakfast and got to the trail by 11:00 AM. After the climb to
Humpback mountain the trail was fairly easy. Got to the Three Ridges
Parking Overlook on the Blueridge Parkway and tried to get a ride to
Rusty's. It was getting dark so I decided to walk there. I got a ride after
about half an hour.
Rusty's is a very interesting place. He doesn't have electricity, phones
or plumbing. He has been taking in hikers for 28 years.
Also a big day for me today - crossed 2000 miles. WOW ! I can't believe it.
All I can say is - Religiously move one stone at a time and you will
move a mountain.
Here's another rhyme -
Breasts
After months and months in the wilderness,
There's something I have to confess.
On the move or while at rest,
I see visions of the breast.
All round, plump and juicy,
I crave it as you can see.
Throw in some legs and thighs,
I'll pass out without a sigh.
KFC, Pollo Tropical,
Where are you when I need you all ?
O, French Canadian maiden
"Ou est le poulet ?" * - 1
I could surely use the eggs she lays.
O Mere Sapnon Ki Rani,
Mere Liyae Bacha Kuch Biriyani ? * - 2
Kohli, kohli ingae Vaa,
Konjum Shakti yaneku tha. * - 3
Now I can more easily rest,
Having told you of the chicken breast.
Fried a crispy golden brown,
I can't wait for the next trail town.
* - 1 : French - Where is the chicken ?
* - 2 : Hindi - O queen of my dreams, Where is my chicken fried rice ?
* - 3 : Tamil - Chicken, chicken come here. Give me some energy.
Date: October 12 2000
Trail Day: 134
Miles Today: 0
Location: Rusty's
Section Mile: AT 1306
ECT Mile: 2004
A good O day.
Chillin at Rusty's
