Day 33, June 17, 2014

Today I woke up at 8 a.m. And hit the trail around 9:15 a.m. I hiked 5 miles to a shelter and arrived at 11:20 a.m. I saw a rat snake first thing this morning.

I took a 6 hour break at the shelter. It was supposedly 94 degrees and the hike past the shelter was a change in elevation of 2700 feet for 4.6 miles. I began my hike at 5:20 p.m. I ensured I was fully hydrated and fueled up on pasta. I hiked an additional 10.3 AT miles by 8:20 p.m. Thus, I hiked a little over 20 minute miles. I felt great and killed the elevation change. I also saw white tailed rabbits everywhere at the top of the meadow. A deer dashed off while I was coming into the campsite.

The campsite was a cool experience with three British girls who were about to begin college. The conversations were great and the stars are beautiful! I didn't put my tent fly on and hope for no rain :). Bed at 10:30 p.m. I pulled a tick off before bed. FYI, evidently it takes 24-48 hours for a tick to transmit Lyme disease. Which is great news for us thru hikers. That means time is on our side.

For me it's less about 466 miles.

Nice little waterfall.

Camouflage tree!

Brown Mountain Creek Community. Ash cakes.

Earning your pay.

Sunset! 

Day 32, June 16, 2014

I got another ride back to the AT from Ken. He does it Monday through Friday and sometimes on the weekend. It's $5 for as many people that can fit into an old Chevy lumina. I like his motto, "be retired for as long as he worked to get to retirement!" Today's hiking was difficult at first. It was at least 90 degrees and humid, a huge 2k elevation climb and everyone was drenched with sweat. 

I hiked exactly 15 AT miles. I went fishing for 2 hours at my camp site. Hooked small fish and missed a nice trout. My knot in my fly line broke and it got my fly. Good thing I have more. I was unable to catch a trout. I went back to camp, ate and listened to the stream all night.

What plants are these?

Wow. She went far for being almost 5. Bless your soul Ottie.

Huge Hemlock tree.

Day 31, June 15, 2014

Today was a good day of hiking at 14.6 AT miles. I hiked most of the day with Joe, Catherine, Thomas and Bruiser the German shepherd. Bruiser does not like people but is very disciplined. He's opening up to me and allowing me to pet him. I hiked the longest footbridge on the AT and got some photos with IHOP. People were jumping off the bridge into the James River which was about a 40 foot drop. I don't like heights and politely declined.

I called my Paps to wish him a happy Father's Day. I got a ride from Ken a shuttle source to Glasgow. Glasgow was pretty awesome! They had a dinosaur that ran from the zoo, a free hot shower and a nice shelter and lawn for hikers to stay and camp. Most of the setup was done by Boy Scouts and we appreciated their hard work on the shelter. I got a fully loaded cheese steak sub and a pulled pork sandwich with fries. This was all at Scotto's. I must say their barbecue can't compare to North Carolina's but I shoved it all down. I caught some World Cup games and noticed my Heat lost. Congrats to the Spurs though! I like them as well!

I also re supplied at the Dollar general and got more fuel for my stove. Waynesboro is the 5 day plan which is 75 miles.

What plant is this?

Thomas and Bruiser.

You are crazy!

Free falling.

Success.

Before crossing the footbridge.

 

IHOP and I.

Glasgow dinosaur.

Nice hot shower and shelter.

Thank you Boy Scouts!

Boy Scout Shelter.

Day 30, June 14, 2014

14 AT miles hiked. We did some serious elevation increases today. Body feels good and I have been reducing my gate in my walk. My right foot has been tender in the arch due to over pronating. I have also been reducing my pace and always walking on my toes up the mountains. I think this solution is providing good healing and proper posture in my hiking.

300+ Total AT miles. 

Boulder please don't fall! Guillotine.

Day 29, June 13, 2014

Rained and stormed all night. However, Bobblets Gap Shelter kept me dry all night. I woke up and did 9.7 AT miles. I was able to cross the Blue Ridge Parkway a few more times for some great views. 

We set up camp beside Jennings Creek Water Hole. I caught a half pound bass, a small bass, a brim, and lost my best fly wrangling another good size bass. My lure came out of its mouth and landed high in a tree. I almost got him in as us fisherman always say. Camping was beautiful and the creek noise was soothing. I was even able to grab a nice bath. I found my first deer tick and I must say I understand how someone could get lyme disease. This thing was as small as a Nat on my foot. I also took off a dog tick. Ticks are out and my new rule of thumb is to check myself at every shelter.

That's a snake crawling up th big rock on the left. Jenning's Creek.

Joe taking a bath and enjoying Jenning's Creek!

Rhododendron leaves and the light of the sun!

What a view!

IHOP and I!

Take 2!

Above are pics from Black Rock overlook!

Day 28, June 12, 2014

7.3 AT miles hiked. My legs and feet needed an easy day. I left for hiking at 1 p.m. and got to the shelter before the evening thunderstorm. It rained all morning til 12 p.m.

I did run into the Blue Ridge Parkway and walked alongside it. It's always great to see the Blue Ridge Parkway!

The Blue Ridge Parkway. Made me miss Appalachian State Univ.

IHOP and the AT!

Day 27, June 11, 2014

Today I woke up at Homer's at around 8:20 a.m. and waited on Homer to return from breakfast at 9 a.m. I ate some Greek yogurt for breakfast. Homer arrived and threw the newspaper on the kitchen table. What do ya know I made the front :). 

Trail Name has developed. I have had it for a week now, but this is the perfect time to explain the story...

When receiving a trail name it is proper to allow someone else to give it to ya. However, it's up to you. If you will recall someone gave me one in Damascus of Fumbles. My other two candidates were Tenderoni and Smooth D. Both came from Nick when he hiked with us. One morning I woke up at camp and said my feet are a little tender. I followed it up by saying Tenderoni as a means to be slightly comical. Nick said he was thinking the same thing :). Smooth D comes from being a highly advanced water pourer when transferring water between filtering and filling clean water canisters. Smooth by not losing any water and D for Derrick. As i mentioned earlier... filtering water and working for your water is a necessary and timely process. However, it has to be done.

So why am I telling you my trail name at this point...? Well the newspaper tried to make my name officially Smoothie. Unfortunately, the person who took my information which I don't remember happening misheard me and put Smoothie. Smoothie is a cool name as well but ima go with Smooth D and live up to it. Leaving my poles in the farmers truck wasn't smooth! Being Smooth D will help me maintain focus and hold myself to a high standard.

Homer said he didn't know why that knucklehead (me) made the newspaper and Teresa didn't jokingly. She put in all the work for the race and I didn't. Thanks again for all your hard work Teresa. I went with Homer from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and helped him with trail maintenance. We pushed mowed different portions of the AT. I just want to say personally that trail maintaining isn't easy for all the volunteers involved in AT maintenance. Trail maintainers are phenomenal people and their work is significantly appreciated! 

I grabbed a green tea with Homer at the convenient store and returned to his house for lunch. I packed my bag and made a grocery list. Homer took me to Kroger and we both did some shopping.

We departed and he dropped me off at the Howard Johnson. We said our goodbyes and he told me I was on my own. Ima miss their company. They are GREAT people.

I broke my food down at Howard Johnson and hit the trail. Hiking was tough even though I only hiked 11.2 AT miles. I met up with Joe, Catherine and Thomas Joe's brotha. Thomas will be hiking with us through Virginia. He brings along Bruiser a German shepherd.

Celebrity time.

Smoothie lol

Date photo.

Homer asked me to mow this section. Of course I would.

That dog hated the lawn mower. This was a no camping area and I know the German did not like me mowing at 9 a.m . He had a few beers the night before. Sorry we need to mow. He politely moved his tent. 

Teresa designed this bridge. Homer and her built it. They have their dinner here some days after a long day of trail maintenance.

Homer and I tag teamed this area. We both had push mowers. 

Nature being exquisite.