4/19/2003 ~ 19.9 miles hiked

Even more miles today.

It was very foggy for most of the day. Finding one's way through picnic areas at BRP crossings in the fog is a real bitch. I probably walked around even more looking for the trail.

Part of the reason I was able to do this much mileage is that I hid my backpack near a road crossing and continued with only essentials. This really helps the miles go by, obviously.

There was a lot of up and down, but only a few views, due to the fog. I could see across the meadow on Apple Orchard, but not beyond it. I could see across things that could properly be called canyons (part of the James River Face Wilderness), but only late in the day when I was heading towards Matt's Creek Shelter. Just before the shelter, the trail descends to the creek, and then that's all you can see. It's a nice creek and a good setting for a shelter, but it's far too easy of a hike from the parking lot, IMHO, so maybe not the best place to camp. At least for me.

Note: I wrote all these trip entries well after the fact. I seem to have lost my notes, but reviewing maps and guides has refreshed my memory. I've lost the names to disorganization, unfortunately.