June 1st: Caught in the rain again

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Half way to Georgia! Four miles after starting today we hit the half way mark.
When we hit the Old Orchard Shelter we have now walked further than the NoBos.
CC still thinks they are in better condition than us because of the Smoky Mtns,
but I say miles are miles and we are just about as in shape as we will get. We
can stand to loose a few more pounds, but as far as walking ability we are real
tough now. We started walking at 9AM and made the 10.2 miles in a total time of
five hours. That includes all breaks which are fewer than they used to be.
We woke up around 6:45AM and took our time packing up. Breakfast was at the
diner, we sat down at 8AM. CC ate French toast, eggs and bacon. I had a loaded
omelet and hash browns. The owner asked if we were hikers and did we need a ride
back to the trail? We said yes and she offered to give us a ride, man I love
"Trail Magic."
She dropped us off at Dickey Gap, 3,313' under overcast skies. The temp was
around 65 and little wind. The first four miles were almost flat and the trail
was nice and smooth. After the first mile we came to Comers Creek where there
was the nicest waterfall. We didn't even have to leave the trail as a foot
bridge went across the stream. We shot some nice photos and moved on. Some time
later there were two small birds on the left (up hill) side of the trail
throwing quite the fit. They were ignoring us totally and it seemed quite odd.
Upon closer investigation we saw the source of their anguish. There was a large
Black Snake with about a foot of its front buried in a ground nest consuming
the birds young. Such is the food chain. We moved on without disturbing
anything.
Northbound traffic was light with only five or six hikers heading that way. We
were concerned about a hiker who had stayed at the hostel with us. His re-supply
box was a day late and he was picking it up today. He came off the trail eight
miles south of where we did and was going to start there once he had supplies.
There was no sign of him until just after noon. He said he had to walk most of
the five miles back to the trail as no one would stop and give him a ride. A man
did stop and give him a lift for the last mile.
It started to rain about the time we topped Iron Mtn (4,200') and started down
for Fox Creek next to VA603. One nice thing about walking in the heavy hardwood
forests. It can be raining for and hour before the water reaches the ground :-)
We put our pack covers on but no rain jackets. I was already soaked from sweat
and it would have been pointless. CC was warm so she went without also. About
12:30PM we hit the road crossing and open ground and had to get the jackets out.
With the rain coming down, CC and I just put our heads down and chugged up the
hill and the last 1.5 miles to the shelter without stopping.
One guy was here waiting out the rain when we arrived. Water is close, so I took
care of that task. We have done supper and have the food bags hanging in the
tree out of bear reach. CC is doing her Suduko and I'm trying to get this done
before I loose the daylight. The rain stopped about an hour ago but it is still
overcast. The tent is up and all is ready for tonight.
To pass time here at the shelter some hikers have erected cairns on a large
stone. I had to add my own masterpiece to the collection, a six stone beauty.
Walking today I got a picture of a new orange fungus and a Flame Azalea that was
yellow. Then for all my amateur radio friends, wait until you see the "Hillbilly
Satellite TV."
Tomorrow we go up to Grayson Highlands State Park where the wild ponies are.
It will be an 11 mile day and we will end at the Thomas Knob Shelter. Some of
the small birds are flittering around the shelter picking up bits of nuts and
things hikers have dropped. Just now there was a strange drumming noise and the
three of us were looking for the source. Turned out to be a hummingbird
drinking from the blackberry flowers.

Patrick, Deborah Mooney aka OD & CC
All Who Wander Are Not Lost

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