Observations of a Summer Appalachian Trail Section Hike – Bland to Catawba, Virginia

This summer my ridgerunning job ended early, allowing me to continue my section hike of the AT in a quest to compete it for my third time. This trip I began just north of Bland and ended at Rt 311 at

Atop Peter's Mtn

Catawba. The week-long journey found me with the usually aches and pains of sectioning, plus some interesting weather and other observations (some of which were NOT that great).

Weather. As with any section hike, once must be ready for weather changes. I began the hike in humid, warm, dry weather that found water a challenge. I packed clothing for that as the weather dictated such conditions throughout the week. But leave it to nature to change midway through, and me wishing I had thrown in that fleece over shirt or maybe a pair of leggings to use at night (I improvised by using the leggings off my convertible pants and used my windshirt inside my sleeping bag). Later in the week the rains came, the winds blew at elevation, and it turned downright chilly! Esp. as I hiked without rain gear (too hot otherwise) and got soaked. And soaked clothing in a wind came make you feel cold fast. So even in summer one must prepare for hypothermic issues and not always take a forecast verbatim.

A welcome pipe at a spring north of Pearisburg

Water. Water was scarce in the beginning. This water source with the friendly pipe made gathering great, but some sources that were even spelled out in the guidebook were dry at times. But once the rains came fast and furious midweek on, water was in abundance. Still, make sure you have a good guidebook and maps to help you plan for the water issue, esp. if you need water and are unsure where the source originates. One source I collected from I discovered, via my map, ran from pastures and along a road – i.e. Sinking Creek. Not quite pristine. I dumped it and waited for the Sarver spring.

At Niday, a full garbage bag left there

Shelters. Every shelter I stopped in had some kind of trash issue, either inside or in the fire pits. One fire pit at Niday even had a full bag of someone’s garbage. NOT cool. I spent one night in a shelter during one stormy night, and after that experience, feel I MUST add and addendum to this

blog with a blog on shelter etiquette.

Physical issues. When the weather came, esp the rains, I had to wear wet socks two days in a row. I had never done that and rapidly developed issues, such as blisters ON TOP of my toes no less and even some fungal issues. I carried three pairs of socks but honestly could have used a fourth. Esp in this long section with wet weather, with no chance to dry out, and no chance to do laundry btw Pearisburg and Catawba. I also had some back issues as I found I needed to carry water a fair 

distance to make certain campsites. A good anti-inflammatory helps (if you can get a 

prescription for meloxicam, it works well) as
does drinking lots of water.

Reroutes. It pays to make sure of any trail changes in your route before you leave. Pearisburg has a major reroute that added on over two more miles to the hike, necessitating a change of camping locale. Be sure to plan for things like this and adapt as needed on your hike.

Enjoy your wander wherever it leads you!

Dragon's Tooth rock formation, AT Virginia

A Good Leafless Hike - Mau-Har / AT loop in Virginia

Are you looking for a good challenge while trying to maintain winter fitness- And enjoy waterfalls and views galore? Then the Mau-har loop trail is a good choice. This fourteen plus loop takes you through a rugged canyon with waterfalls and across the terrain called the Three Ridges along the famous Appalachian Trail. You can do it in one long day hike or divide it into an overnighter.

The trailhead is located on Rt 56 on the way to Crabtree Falls (another great spectacle in the winter, especially if it is frozen. So you may want to return to this area again!) There is a parking lot. If you go in hunting season, be sure to wear blaze orange. I counted many hunters and hound dogs on the trail in mid December, carrying rifles.

Enter the AT across the road and walk across the swaying suspension bridge over the Tye River. I elected to do this trail by way of ascending to Maupin Shelter (three miles) via the Mau-har trail, then return on the AT along the Three Ridges. Though steep up and downs, and thick leaves, this way allowed me to view the waterfalls on the way up. I recommend you take hiking poles. There are several small campsites near the stream.

The trail dead ends right at the Maupin Shelter with plenty of campsites if you want to overnight here. Take a right on the Appalachian Trail to begin your journey over the Three Ridges. Don't rush this part. There are nice views, but lots of downhills too that can test your knees.

Maupin Shelter area has a bear pole to store your food

You get a great view looking back at The Priest and several overlooks to rest before your return trip into the valley. There is also one final shelter area - Harper's Creek - with more camping, approx 2.5 mile from the road.

Challenges on the Tuscarora Trail

Once built as a possible bypass for the Appalachian Trail during its turbulent land acquisition period, the 250 mile Tuscarora Trail has become the PATC’s main project over the last few years with new shelters, new guidebooks, and maps. The trail begins near Matthews Arm in Shenandoah National Park and runs over ridges, valleys, through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, ending just north of Carlisle at the Appalachian Trail.

I had the opportunity to do an approx. sixty mile section of trail from Rte. 50 just west of Winchester, VA, to just shy of the Massanutten Range at Shenandoah Community Park.

If a hiker plans to do the Tuscarora Trail, there are a few things you need to consider. 

 First, this is NOT the Appalachian Trail. Marked by blue blazes (and sometimes white for side trails) there are no blazes every few hundred yards like the AT. Many of the blue blazes are worn or nonexistent. The trail can be tricky to find in fields and crossings because of the lack of foot travel or the absence of blazes. One must be comfortable with the idea you could get off trail and how to navigate a way back to it (a fact I found out on the hike). Having the guide book for the Tuscarora is a must. Also, you must carry the maps.

The PATC sells maps and guidebooks for the Tuscarora Trail

A compass and / or GPS is also not a bad idea. I had a gentleman tell me just follow the guidebook. Unfortunately I found as I traveled southbound that the directions south did not always match those given for northbound trekkers. I advise you travel the trail northbound if possible. If you do go south and the trail is not working out, refer to the northbound directions and your maps for guidance. In the Jemima section I ended up off trail and on a road. Thanks to trail angels, they helped take me to the next road crossing where I could pick up the trail again.

The Tuscarora Trail also contains some challenges with regards to water and hiking the trail. Be prepared to tote water lengthy distances, especially if the season turns dry. I happened to go in a wet season and found the springs running. At Hawk Campground, the water came out of the water pump a rusty brown.

Hawk Run Falls. When the trail is rerouted next year, it will no longer go by this or Hawk Campground

But there may be times you will not have an uncontaminated water source for 15 plus miles. Also, hiking is tough going in many areas. There are many rocky areas that will test your feet. If you go with feet not used to the rigors of rocky travel, be prepared for blister care. Take enough socks to change out. Air out your feet. And have duct tape ready.

The trail also goes through tall grassy areas heavy with ticks. Carry insect repellent, use permethrin on your clothing and check for ticks.

The Tuscarora Trail crosses a good deal of private land. The trail is there only by the graciousness of landowners. Be respectful of private property. When on the road walks, take care to watch for traffic. On one busy road for me in the Shenandoah Valley, cars were whizzing by at fifty-five and there was no shoulder. Be careful. 

Road walk in the Shenandoah Valley

As mentioned, the PATC is working hard to make this a great trail. New shelters are being built, and they look fabulous.

The new Barclays Run Shelter 2012

Volunteers are doing their best to see that the trail is maintained, though parts are better maintained than others. There will also likely be a new reroute next year in Virginia when the trail will remain along the ridgeline, bypassing Lucas Woods, the “Jemima” section, Hawk Run and Hawk Campground. Check the PATC website for details of this rerouting.

There is great views and great wilderness on the Tuscarora. 

Explore Some Wilderness in Shenandoah National Park!

It seems like all the backpackers head for the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. While the AT offers some great seasonal hiking, don't forget Shenandoah's awesome side trails like the Big Run area in the southern part of the park. Whether out for a day wander or a multi day backpack trip using the many trails available to create your own hikes, The Big Run Wilderness offers some great hiking, pristine wilderness, and wildlife.

A Great Day Hike or Two Day Backpack Trip - Rockytop Trail and Big Run Portal Trail Circuit Hike. 
14.2 to 14.6 miles. PATC Map 11 Shenandoah National Park, South

Fall Views along the Rockytop Trail

Starting at Browns Gap on the Skyline Drive (milepost 83), this circuit hike uses the Appalachian Trail, Rockytop Trail, Big Run Portal Trail, and the Big Run Loop Trail for the return. You can then take the AT back or make it a true circuit by using the Madison Run Link to Madison Run Fire Road for a 14.2 mile day hike. Or hike along Rockytop to the Big Run and take advantage of several nice campsites once you reach the river area. You will see several on the right side of the trail as after you cross the metal bridge along the Big Run Portal Trail.

The Rockytop Trail is indeed just as it says, rocky in many places, though none of the trail is steep. In early August this trail goes by some magnificent blueberry bushes for great berry picking. But the bears like it too, so be sure to keep an eye out for them on the trail in late summer. There are plenty of places along the ridge for fine views of the Shenandoah Valley.

Rocky footing along the Rockytop Trail. May see snakes in warm weather.

Once you descend off Rockytop, the trail ends at the Big Run Portal Trail. This trail runs alongside Big Run, a large trout stream. Depending on the time of year, you can rock hop at the water crossings you will find (and there are around six of them). But in high water, you will need wading shoes. I find traditional Crocs work well, and the trail is flat enough that you could hike in your crocs to each water crossing until you get past the turn-off for the Patterson Ridge Trail.

Big Run in the Big Run Wilderness

Big Run is a beautiful stream and well worth some time if you wish to do some backpacking. Again bears have been sighted, so be sure to use bear proof technique with your food.

Once you reach the Big Run Link Trail, you can can complete the circuit by a modest hike of long switchbacks to return to the ridge. From there you can take the Rockytop Trail back to the AT and your car or use the Madison Run spur trail (directly across) to the fire road and return to your car that way. It is slightly shorter to go this way.

I have done this hike multiple times using the many trails in the system and rarely see anyone. So if getting out on your own and away from crowds for wilderness adventure is your style, check out the Big Run area.

Surprise Hike of the Month - Massanutten South, Virginia

View from the ridgeline

Nearly the end of the month - but I wanted to share another of my hikes I've enjoyed this past year. I had the opportunity for a day hike in June along the crest of the Massanutten Range in Virginia, that is, the southern section, about 16 miles. I started at the old Massanutten Visitor Center off Rt 211 which is now closed. Originally I was trying to get dropped off at the very beginning of the trail, but we missed the parking lot and I ended up here. So instead of an 18 mile hike, it became 16 which was enough for me, actually. I took a short segment of the Wildflower Trail to intersect the Massanutten Mountain South Trail and followed orange blazing to the ridgeline for a hazy view.

Impressive anthills

The trail then flattened out and meandered past many impressive anthills. It's really amazing to watch these industrious insects and what they can achieve.

The trail then dumped into a forest service road for a good five miles of road walking. It's not the most unique and scenic way to cross the mountain range, but you take what comes. I did not see anyone along the entire route. 

The trail then exited into the woods and through some very wet, swampy areas reminiscent of my April slog through Pennsylvania. Ended up with wet feet but got to see some scenic ponds. The trail was a bit hard to follow with blazing very indiscriminate, but was able to distinguish the general route using a map.

Eventually the trail reached a nice stream - Fridley Run - with many good campsites. Unfortunately I missed a trail junction just past Fridley Gap where the trail crossed the stream. I continued on a trail trace past numerous campsites for nearly a half mile before I realized my mistake. In that half mile I must have crossed the stream at least a half dozen times. I retraced my steps and added an extra mile to my day's total.

I had no further trouble following the trail after that and ended up at Boone Run Shelter to find someone living there. I didn't stop to investigate but pressed on and met my ride at the trail's end in the valley floor.

This was a very adventuresome hike off the beaten path and in areas not frequented by other hikers. It offers everything from views to ponds to streams and has some good campsites. But a map is a necessity, and I would even consider the guidebook as well. PATC offers maps and guidebook of the region (I took both) as well as a nice map put out by National Geographic Trails Illustrated.

Just a Wander from Place to Place....

The mountains called, and so I went. With the plans waylaid this summer due to unforeseen circumstances, health, weather, and otherwise, I decided on a short Appalachian Trail section through the Three Ridges northbound into Shenandoah National Park. I had not done this part northbound in a number of years, so I thought it would be nice to revisit.



Monday, August 29, 2011
From Crabtree Meadows to Maupin Field Shelter
5.8 miles

Like all the other plans I usually make, this one did not follow the normal course of things. I arrived at the Crabtree Falls parking lot, intending to hike all the way up the falls route to access the AT, until  found out that without a season permit, you can only park for the day (and I was leaving my car for close to a week). So I had to quickly switch gears, and gears in my old car, and chug it up the narrow mountain road with obstacles galore to the Crabtree Meadows parking lot. Because it took a few miles off from the wander that day, I decided I could go farther than planned. And farther I did, hiking up and over the Priest, and on the way down, promptly fell flat on my face and scraped my knees as if I were an elementary student again on the playground. At least I didn't injure myself too badly.  I then proceeded  to head up into the Three Ridges. Now I recalled the downhill portion of this route, as it was there when hiking southbound that my left knee gave out, and I had knee pain for quite a while after the hike was done. So I knew it was steep going. But I made fairly good time and was rewarded at Hanging Rock with a gorgeous view as the video shows. Camp that night was in a nice tenting area away from the shelter, and thankfully there was enough water in pools for both cooking and water the next day. I managed to set up my tent and cook just before the rain fell. Good timing all around, but I was fairly bushed from a long hiking day.                                                                                                                                         

Tuesday, August 30th
From Maupin Field Shelter to Paul C Wolf Shelter
15.8 miles

This is a fairly lengthy portion of trail to go from one shelter to the next unless you choose to camp in between. But I chose to go ahead and do the route as I was fairly familiar with it. When arrived at the Blue Ride Parkway, the clouds were still in place from the evening's rain, but soon began to break, offering pleasant scenes of the woods with the sunlight streaming. I walked below the outcroppings of Raven's Roost where many climbers test their skill, and yes, have lost their lives. Near the end, I spotted my first and only bear of the trip, a medium size fellow foraging.
On my way to Humpback Mountain, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the trail club had rerouted the trail away from what I deemed back in an earlier Blissful Hiking blog post of a senseless rock pile that the trail meandered up and over. They had done away with the route and put the trail over to one side which made much more sense. Kudos to the trail crew for doing this!

New reroute to the left NOBO avoids a bad section of rocks

  I continued up Humpback Mountain to views of the Wintergreen Resort and noted a nice large campsite there, but of course, no water. In fact I was sad to see the companion lacked information on water, such as the potable water available at the picnic area only .03 miles off the trail and at a spring just north of crossing the BRP at Dripping Rock.
I arrived later that day at the shelter area expecting hikers to be there, especially as I had already passed two college orientation groups en masse going southbound. But no one showed, and I was alone for the night in my tent.


August 3st
From Paul C Wolfe Shelter to Calf Mtn Shelter
12.7 miles

Backcountry Permit Station along the trail in Shenandoah after leaving Rockfish Gap. Get your permit here. There is one here and one as you enter the park from the north.

Beagle Gap, SNP

This day saw me exit the Blue Ridge Parkway area at Rockfish Gap and enter Shenandoah National Park southern section. Lots of hikers ask about the permits and one is required for entering the park, easily obtainable at the self service kiosk pictured. You fill it out, keep one part with the wire attached to your backpack and deposit the copy in the metal box. Simple to do. On the back is the backcountry regulations which are pretty easy to follow and not nearly as rigorous as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations. Just don't camp near developed areas, and you'll be fine. My hike took me up and over several smaller peaks (I personally think this is a tougher part of the AT in Shenandoah northbound, the climb up from Rockfish Gap to Beagle Gap). I soon crossed Beagle Gap where not too long ago a TV crew filmed me making my wander up the trail for an interview on the completion of my southbound hike. I arrived to Calf Mtn shelter in late afternoon to find quite a crew of hikers already set up. We gathered at the picnic table sharing stories. It was wonderful camaraderie.     

Calf Mtn Shelter, SNP

September 1st
From Calf Mtn Shelter to Loft Mountain Wayside
22 miles

I had not intended to hike this long today. My original plan was to go all the way to Swift Run Gap in the park. But realizing that I would soon be doing the very section with good friends of mine in just a few weeks, I decided to put in an extra long day and have my hubby pick me up at the Loft Mountain Wayside. It's amazing how you tend to get things rolling once you have a goal in mind. Today was no exception as I followed the green tunnel to my destination. I paused numerous times to try and reach my son as today is his 21st birthday but had to resort to leaving him a message. Thankfully I was able to talk to him later and wish him a happy birthday.
The day went quickly, but I was fairly exhausted by the time I reached the wayside, with just minutes to spare to buy a very pricey hamburger before they closed. But I credit this day with leading me to do my ultra marathon day hike the following week back up in Shenandoah when I hiked one whole section, 35 miles. I realize that this 22 mile day was the longest mileage I had ever done in the park, even with day hiking, up until my 35 mile day last Friday. I have seen a few personal bests done the past few weeks, and it helps to set my sights perhaps on some future goals as yet to be written. Time will tell.

Doing the Impossible

Whenever I heard of hikers doing some kind of long distance hiking in one day, I thought they were crazy. I'm not talking about the standard 20 miles one sometimes puts in (in fact I did it a few weeks back on my short section hike I will report on later this week). I'm talking long mega distances like over 30 miles a day benchmark. I thought it was crazy. I knew it would never happen to me. I'm middle aged. I've had health issues. Hip pain, Leg pain. Tendinitis that loves to creep up on me. It's for the younger crowd, I reasoned.

But then I saw these two hikers doing what is called the Crooked 100 to raise money for Shenandoah National Park Trust. Their plan - to walk all of Shenandoah National Park in three days. 100 miles. That averages 33 miles a day. I applaud their idea. Anything to help raise money (and avoid the broke federal government funding) should get multiple kudos these days.

But then this got me thinking - could I possibly do a 30 plus mile hike in one day? To do something beyond one's ability, or so they think? I began considering this long hike even more. And decided I would give it a try and hike all of the central section of Shenandoah in one day. 34.8 miles, from Swift Run Gap to Thornton Gap.

On Friday, September 9, 2011, I got my hubby to give me a ride to the trailhead at Swift Run Gap. It was still dark out at 6 AM. But I wasted no time. I got out my headlamp and knew I had to make a 3 mile an hour pace for a good chunk of the day if I was to have any chance of getting off the trail before late night. I headed out by headlamp. Immediately my hips started hurting. I ignored it. The daylight came, and I was able to switch off my headlamp. Then had some spurts of rain to dampen the morning until sunshine broke through. I also had to break through the multitude of spider webs trying to bar my way. But I trudged on. I stopped only a few times that day for ten minute breaks. I tried eating, but it was hard. My appetite was fairly quenched. But I made pretty good time, arriving at the Big Meadows campground area by noon. If everything held out, I had a chance to accomplish this feat.

But after the 20 mile mark, my feet started breaking down. I had brought several pairs of socks and changed regularly, but still the blisters came. I started getting general aches and pain and took my Vitamin I to keep things going. By the time I got to Sklyand though I was having major abdominal pain from eating an energy bar. I had to sit down for a time. My feet were killing me. It was going to take everything I had to finish this quest. Make no mistake. Mind over matter to the highest degree.

At Pinnacles Picnic Grounds my hubby was waiting for me with needed nutrition. When I frst sat down a the picnic table and he gave me orange juice and some snacks, I could barely eat, I was so sick. It's hard to describe. But once the juice infused into my system along with the bread and other food, I felt stronger. After 20 minutes I was able to shoulder my daypack and go on. The time was 5:35PM. Even though my feet felt liked chopped meat, I pressed on.

Blissful completes 34.8 miles in one day

I didn't stop now until I headed down off Mary's Rock and ran into hubby who came up to meet me. We hiked down the last mile together and arrived at Thornton Gap pakring lot at 7:45 PM, having met my goal of 34.8 miles, the most I've ever hiked.

Yes, there are hikers who have done this much and even more. But for a near 50- year-old woman to sneak out this kind of day was a big deal for me mentally and emotionally. And it showed me that it isn't impossible to set your sights on some impossible goal. Just go for it.

Not the Goal, The Journey

Everyone has their reasons for hiking. I go for relaxation. To accomplish a goal. To ready myself for that next BIG long distance hike in my future plans. These were all on my mind as I ventured out today on my weekly hike (I have been trying to go hiking up in Shenandoah National Park weekly to prepare myself for my upcoming hikes this April and July). Today I started out near Skyland, heading down some fire road until I hit Corbin Mountain Trail. I did a circuit hike to Nicholson Hollow Trail, past Corbin Cabin where I was hailed by those renting the cabin for a few days (I think they were lonely). And then back up to the Skyline Drive where I joined the AT toward Stony Man Mtn. By this time I was hurting as I had gone 12 miles. My head was killing me. But I decided I might as well go ahead and climb Stony Man for a quick view. And I saw the most amazing sight - of sunlight streaming through the clouds over the valley. Now to me, it looked like heaven. I felt a peace I hadn't in a long time. And tears, too, for its awesome splendor. And a sense that it was okay to be out hiking and enjoying this. To not get all uptight over my life right now. To believe God is there and to walk the walk before me and see what happens.

I hope you get to do some major contemplation as I do while out hiking. And discover the hike is really not about the goal, but about the journey. And always will be.

2010 SOBO Attempt

My life has opened up right now for me to try a southbound attempt at the AT starting at Katahdin in Maine, July 1 (I completed a northbound hike of the entire At in 2007). I am currently hiking all of Virgnia in the hopes of finishing this venture by mid November in time for my hubby's birthday. But everything is contingent on ankle and knees cooperating, along with the mental aspects, etc.

To follow the journey, please refer from now on to my trail journal which I will update with a future section hike of VA and my start on July 1 at Katahdin.

Appreciate prayers for this venture.

Three Years Ago...and Looking Forward

Three years ago this evening I was holed up in my tent near the Springer Mtn shelter, battling 40 mph winds, the first night of what was to be a six month adventure on the Appalachian Trail. See my trail journal entry that marked the beginning of the journey which tried spirit and soul, and yes, legs and back. Although I must say, we had a beautiful day to ascend the mountains to the southern terminus of this most famous footpath. This year the hikers are dealing with snow and cold unlike anything the southern Appalachians have seen in a while. This winter we received over 5 1/2 feet of the white stuff. So tonight I am feeling most fortunate to have had the day I did to begin my hike back in 2007, even though it was not without its trials.

And now I look ahead to the future. And with that, since some of my writing has not panned out as I thought and I am essentially unemployed once this last book is finished, I am looking to begin a SOBO (southbound) hike this year instead of next. The tentative start date is July 1st at Mt Katahdin in Maine. I am in the process of section hiking most of Virgina, so with that out of the way, it should be easy enough to complete a SOBO hike this year and return in time for the holidays and hopefully, new inspiration for writing projects to come.

Stay tuned to this blog for any news on this venture.

Section Hike - Rockfish Gap South to Crabtree Falls Road

I realized I had not yet updated my fall section hike on the AT to include the latter part I decided to finish a week later after recuperating from foot injuries. Here is the report of the hike, taken from my written journal.

October 21, 2009
From: Rockfish Gap
To: Campsite south of Humpback Rocks Picnic area
13.2 miles

I was going to finish the hike of this section on the weekend, but with bad weather on the way, I decided to do it a few days earlier then planned. A fairly uneventful hike, though I am having toe pain from crushed toenails and the right toenail is leaking fluid. My left ankle is showing signs of weakness also as I stumble over small rocks on the trail - will need to work on strengthening it at home. Saw fall views from Humpback Mtn - really pretty with fall colors. Saw a nice campsite too but decided to hike on closer to the picnic area. My water situation is not good (down to a mere pint) and may have to backtrack to the picnic area tomorrow in hopes the water is still on as it is very dry out right now. Found a small area to pitch a tent and a nice rock to cook on. Managed to get enough of a signal to let my hubby know where I am. Seeing lights from the Wintergreen Resort. Tomorrow is the notorious Three Ridges area.

My tentsite a half mile from the picnic area on the ridge

October 22
From: Campsite near Humpback Rock Picnic Area
To: Harpers Creek Campsite
14.2 miles (including a mile round trip for water)

Up early to backtrack to the picnic area in the hopes the water is still on. Thankfully it is and I fill up as well as take a nice, long refreshing drink. Hike on over some treacherous rocks slabs (pictured below) where the trail should really be rerouted into the woods, IMO. This is really ridiculous.

Hiked out to the Blue Ride Parkway and crossed over to be treated to nice views of the autumn colors on the distant ridgelines. And yes, plenty of rocky areas to climb over, reminiscent of my jaunts back in '07 in PA. Climbed to the Maupin Filed Shelter from Rice Gap and although I had been here several times, everything looks different in a new season. Began the climb of the Three Ridges to a splendid view of The Priest and the Tye River valley off Hanging Rock, and a view I also missed when I did this section last.

The Priest from Hanging Rock in the Three Ridges Wilderness

The hike down off the ridges is very long, steep, with many rock slides to negotiate, and really, too much on knees that are not used to such strenuous activity. Hence by the time I reach the campsite that night, I was having quite a bit of knee pain. Obviously I had done too many miles for the terrain, and also not enough rest stops. Lessons learned on this section hike.


October 23
From: Harpers Creek Campsite
To: Crabtree Falls Rd, Tye River Rd Intersection
12 miles (including decent down Crabtree Falls trail to the parking lot)

The day dawned cloudy with a promise of rain, but thankfully I got my gear packed up before anything fell from the skies. Knee is bothering me quite a bit from yesterday's hike, so have to take it really easy on downhills. For the first time, I'm glad for the steep uphill on the Priest as downhills are killing me. Cross over the Tye River and begin my ascent of The Priest when the rain falls. At the summit, the conditions deteriorate rapidly with rain, and wind. Feeling quite cold. Hard to see in the thick fog. Manage to make it to The Priest shelter for lunch, though it is hard to stay warm. I must admit I am glad this is my final day on the trail, between the wind and rain and my knee.

Begin descent down Crabtree Falls Rd and Crabtree Falls trail. The wind dies down which makes it easier to deal with. But the drought has taken its toll as there is not much water flowing over

the falls. A shame. Head down the trail until I hear my name called, and it is Skipper, ready to take me home.

Section from James River to Rockfish Gap is finally completed for the Fall. Have now done as part of a SOBO section hike - Chester Gap, VA to Catawba, VA. Much more to go!

Section Hike AT - James River North

At the start - James River, elev 735

Rocky Row area overlooking James River, elevation 2992

October 11, 2009

James River to Rice Mtn

13.1 miles

Okay, so I thought I could get away with another section hike on my pair of trail runners that I knew were close to biting the dust. Hoped to do James River to Rockfish Gap. Trip started okay Sunday, though being out of shape with hiking is quite evident when trying to hike miles and do elevation change. Plus a loaded pack with supplies for five days (ugh) and water since you don't know spring conditions with the dry fall we've had. The spirit in strong but the body weak. Thank goodness for Advil. Still made it to Rice Mtn for an overnight stay after seeing good views of the James River.

Cold Mountain, elevation 4022

October 12

Rice Mtn to Hog Camp Gap

15 miles

The next day dawned cloudy but still good views as I hiked around the reservoir and enjoyed autumn color. Had some hot spots so put on the customary duct tape. But noticed too on dowhills my toes jamming and some nail pain (didn't think really to tighten the laces more). Thought it would go away (that invincible streak). Climbed the nice long hike up from Rt 60 and was met with foggy and very windy conditions on Bald Knob. And continued aches and pains. Duct tape falling off my feet, not good. And just general feet pain. Did clear enough though for views off Cold Mtn, but again, the pain muted it. Arrived at Hog Camp Gap to inspect the feet and found one quarter size open and draining blister on the big toe - have no idea where it came from except it must have happened from loosened duct tape. Fixed my feet and set up camp. The rain held off though and had a quiet but windy and cool evening as I cooked by the tent. Later that night dew fell with condensation in and out on tent, and wind caused a stake to come out, so up at 4 AM to fix it.

October 13

Hog Camp Gap to Crabtree Falls Rd

13.7 miles

Tired today from the escapades of last night but awoke to a bright and beautiful morning with the autumn colors vivid in the sunlight.

Thought today would be a good day. Felt okay. Managed to bandage the big toe fine but to my dismay, found another blister forming, this time on the sole and the junction of one middle toe. As teh day went on, the blister proved impossible to bandage correctly as whenever I put tape on, it would fall off. And come to find out, a ridge that had developed in my runners because of useage had formed the blister. So day three I was met with constantly stopping and doing first aid. My big toenails were not good either. My gait was changing becase of these issues and then I was facing ankle pain from an old ankle injury. Stopped at Seeley shelter to dy out tent and do first aid. Spent over an hour there. But the hiking didn't go well after that with the ongoing foot problems. At Spy Rock Rd, I told my hubby what was going on and he urged me to get off. Now getting off is not what I wanted to do. I hemmed and hawed. But every step really hurt and I was not enjoying this time at all. Nor the prospect of climbing down the Priest with bruised toenails and then walking on the blister over the Three Ridges and beyond. I feared also the gait change could cause more ankle problems (and I was recently recovering from an ankle spain in Sept. after a tumble off the steps).So I got off at Crabtee Falls Rd and got picked up.

Lessons learned - don't use worn shoes and insoles, take better blister stuff to work with. Tighten your shoes and wear good socks.

AT Section Hike - James River to Catawba Part II

April 14, 2009
Cove Mt Shelter to Wilson Creek Shelter
13.7 miles
Overcast, mist

Had a pretty good night with only Signage and me in the shelter. Rained most of the night, so glad we were safe inside. Woke to overcast, foggy conditions with a light mist, but all part of the AT adventure as are the sunny and bright days too. Donned rain jackets and pack covers and trekked onward. Only had a few short bouts of real rain, but did miss some of the lovely views from the overlooks. Met a few NOBOs at Bobblett Gap shelter and a few more after that when we arrived in mid afternoon at Wilson Creek Shelter. They had all started in mid to late Feb and were enjoying their time, if coping with a lot of rain this season. It is interesting to hear of their adventures and encouraging them to make it all the way to Maine. Now I am looking forward to going to Signage's house tomorrow night for a shower and laundry. And Thurs. and Friday look good for our next section with my friend I met on Facebook, Beth.

April 15th
From Wison Creek Shelter to Daleville
11.2 miles
Cloudy to clearing

Rained during the night, so once again we were glad to be under cover in a shelter. Packed up and headed out in foggy conditions to find it soon clearing with views looking out to Daleville and the surrounding ridge. Ate lunch at Fullhardt Knob shelter then proceeded down the trail and through farmer's fields to reach Signage's SUV parked at the Kroger. She then took me to Salem and showed me her town and her little house. A shower never felt so good and it was good to have clean clothes. We then went to Mac and Bobs for a nice chicken parmesan dinner that proved too much on our fragile stomachs used to eating trail food. Had a good night's sleep.

April 16
From Daleville to Lambert Meadow Campsite
10 miles
Sunny

Went to a nearby coffee house for bagels where I had decaf blueberry brandy coffee - a first for me, I must say. We drove to Catawba where we met Beth for the first time and left one of the cars, then piled into Signage's car to drive to Daleville and our starting point for this leg of the trip. I had hiked one mile of the AT when I realized I had inadvertently left my insole in Signage's car. Jogged it back to the car through thick mud to retrieve it, then met up with the others to continue on. Thankfully we are not doing high stressed mileage! Beautiful views from the ridgeline, much different then when I had done this section twice before. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this. Nice, relaxed pace where we stopped to admire the views. Found a place to camp by a stream near the Lambert Meadow shelter. That night, Beth got her trail name Lucky as it wasn't too cold and she had not packed exactly the right clothing for a night out in mid April (no jacket, etc). So we decided to call her Lucky.

April 17
From Lambert Meadow Campsite to Catawba
10.2 miles
Sunny

Awoke to another bright and beautiful sunny day on the AT. Hiked the Tinker Cliff area for outstanding views. Lucky bothered by allergies and had taken Benadryl so she stopped often to snooze along the way. Again glad for a relaxed schedule. Ate lunch midway between Tinker and McAfee Knob, then went up the knob for the customary picture. Found a nice campsite down by Catawba Mtn shelter to set up, but were soon infiltrated by Boy Scouts and decided to hike out as our car was only two miles away. Unfortunately I hiked a bit too fast in the dark and ended up spraining my ankle, but managed to hike it out and back to Signage's house for ice and a night's rest.

Had a great hike on this section and great companions.