25-April-2009
Atkins, VA to Chatfield Shetlter
4.5 miles
Tino flew me to Mountain Empire Airport (very friendly place!) since it’s almost on the AT. He took me down to the trail in a borrowed car with “official business” plates, and it immediately started pouring down rain. Since I needed some lip stuff anyway, I went into the Exxon and bought some, then waited 10 minutes under their awning. Rain over — time to go! I actually saw Tino fly over me on his way back to Front Royal, which was pretty cool.
Easy hike, but either have a problem with a sock or with a shoe as I already formed a small blister. I took care of it, and the small distance today should help. I will probably change out the socks tomorrow and see if that helps.
I can’t believe I didn’t notice the Virginia Settlers Museum when I hiked this section NOBO in 2004. It was behind me, and I think I did a 24 mile day to complete a hike, so I was probably in a big hurry, and it was the end of the day. I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised!
There’s no where to tent here, but there’s a decent hammocking spot, so I’ll be hanging out for the night. Other hikers here include: Crawfish (a ‘99 SOBO thruhiker out for a short hike), Texas Chill (2009 NOBO), Javelin (2009 NOBO), Javelin’s wife (missed her name). Javelin and partner are Canadian French speakers. Whenever I hear so much talking in a foreign language, I always wonder how many people *can* understand them and if they generally assume everyone can’t!
26-April-2009
Chatfield Shelter to Trimpi Shelter
17.7 miles
It’s as buggy as I remember at this shelter. Yay.
Cow Pastures are pretty common on the AT, and I walked through one today.
I’m totally used up. My heels are blistered up good and proper now, but I did have a nice long break at Partnership Shelter with a lot of food brought in by Alex’s (2009 NOBO) parents. I met Nutmeg (F), Tin Man, The Darkness (F), Little Dipper (F), Billy Hoot (F), Boy George (dog), Katchup and Miss Muster (both F), Kate, Hot Sauce (F) and the Three Amigos (M). There were two more guys who’s names I missed, but that was a LOT of women. There are more women out here than I have ever seen outside of hiking couples.
I ate so much that I will be skipping dinner tonight in spite of a strenuous and somewhat rushed 10 miles here from Partnership. I think the hot, sunny afternoon had something to do with that.
Everyone at Trimpi threw their own bear line, which seems silly to me, and it’s extra work for everyone. Of course, it was nearly dark when I got here, and I had to fit that chore in too. I can usually get the bear line up on the first try — I’m pretty good at it, but it takes a while to find a good tree configuration, and since I didn’t throw a line last night (there was a huge and sweet natured dog at the shelter last night), my rope was kind of tangled up since I must have put it away hastily last fall.
Other hikers here are Maggie, Red Bar(on), Yeta and Captain Max.
27-April-2009
Trimpi Shelter to Hurricane Mtn Shelter
9.1 Miles
I thought I had planned my day so that I would not be hiking up hill in the heat of the day (it hit 92, which is very high when you’re climbing and carrying a pack), but I was sadly mistaken. The shelter was 2/3 of the way up the mountain, and it got hot earlier than I expected. I also got a later start than I would like from Trimpi, as I couldn’t manage to leave early since it felt like I had just gotten there.
When I arrived at Hurricane, Hermes and Dutch were here resting. Sassafrass and (Damn it, I just had her name!) are here and staying the night. No men at the shelter for the night at all. That is a first for me on the AT — all solo female hikers!
There’s nowhere to put a tent here, but a good place for a hammock where I’ll see the sunrise and get an early start tomorrow. I have a long day planned, but if it’s crazy hot again, I will make it shorter.
I’ll finish up the rest of this later or tomorrow, so this is it for Part I.
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