February 15, 2008

Today’s miles: 16.8

Today, there was some uphill climbing - nothing major. I heard on the radio that visits to state parks were up last year, probably because people didn’t have the money to go on cruises, etc. But visits to lakes were down 50% (drought) and visits to Mt. Mitchell up 10%! One big problem with today’s hike is that there was no water for a long stretch, and I didn’t fill up this morning at that little stream by camp. The water situation climaxed with my knocking down two icicles from a rock ledge to add them to my water bottle. Soon afterwards, I came to a couple springs that I had to dig out with my hands, under all of the leaves. Another problem was that there were deep piles of leaves and lots of fallen trees and branches. Most of the trees I could climb over or through, or around (with some effort), but three times I actually had to get down on all fours and crawl under branches.

I reunited with and crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway for the first time in a while, surprising a biker when I burst out of the forest in a cacophony of leaf-crunching. He was from Marion, and said, “I’m not used to seeing hikers out here.” Apparently he mountain-bikes on the MST around here. I think I saw an owl today. I read lots and ate chocolate covered pretzels (from the Natural Food shop yesterday) to my heart’s delight. I’ve been thinking a lot about what it would feel like to be able to read people well and flex yourself to make them happy in your presence. On the morning radio show a few days ago, the hosts read a “fact” that said that “more-socially awkward couples stay together than extroverted people because the extroverts are “acting” or playing a role, not necessarily being themselves”. Very interesting…

The weather was gorgeous today – blue skies and sun and up to the 60s for most of the day. I am camped (accidentally, actually) right smack in the middle of the trail. I was getting tired, hadn’t seen the “flat area” that I thought I remembered reading about, and the sun was sinking lower. So when I saw a flattish spot down the hill, I left the trail and set up my tent on it. And lo and behold, I’m all moved in when I realize that there is a white blaze right next to my tent.
Tomorrow, up to Mt. Mitchell!