Morning Glory...

Monday, June 21st

This morning started with a grueling 3,000 foot climb, to the top of Cold Mountain. Once I reached the summit I was met by a spattering of wild flowers, including this Morning Glory.

Happy Trails,
Yahtzee

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The Priest...

I've had very spotty cell service lately - sorry for the delayed posts. Yesterday (Tuesday, June 22nd) was super hot. On the upside, it was only a little humid ... thank goodness for small favors!

I hiked through unremarkable mountains on a rocky and steep trail, with few views. The huge "down" was called "The Priest" and I thought, jokingly, that tomorrow's "up" (coming out of the gap) should be called "last rites." Alas, it's not. It's called Three Ridges, which sounds like some kind of subdivision with quarter acre lots, ranch style homes and a community swimming pool. Don't ask me why ... it just does. Maybe I'm longing for a pool.

Anyway, this kind of hiking gets most thru hikers annoyed since we climb 3,000 feet for little visual reward only to drop back down on the other side of the mountain ... just to do it all again with the next. We like our vistas!

I, as well as almost everyone else I encounter, was misinformed. We were under the impression that Virginia was "flat." Whoever started that rumor should be shot! Sure Virginia has longer stretches of moderate ridge walking ... but it certainly ISN'T flat.

I don't want to give the wrong impression though ... the day wasn't all bad (they rarely are). I finally got to experience something that I've been waiting for since I started the trail ... I saw my first AT bear!

I'd just finished a long uphill climb and was walking quietly along the trail. My trekking pole struck a rock and startled the bear, which was about 75 yards in front of me. It didn't even turn to look at me ... but took off running (away from me) at full clip. I was neither startled or scared ... but very thankful that I finally got to see my first AT bear!

Unfortunately I didn't get to snap a picture, since he ran away so quickly ... hopefully next time!

It was a good reminder that even on a hot and seemingly lousy day that good things can happen in a heartbeat and we simply need to be alert and ready to appreciate the gift ... whatever it may be.

Happy Trails,
Yahtzee



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How cool is this tree??!!

Monday, June 21st

I hiked 17 miles today and found this unique tree around mile number 14 (near the north fork of the Piney River - which was more of a stream). From the trail it looked as if this tree were growing straight out of the top of this boulder and, to be honest, it basically is! Check out the other picture (below) to see what it looks like from the other side.

Rolling On...
Yahtzee

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From the other side...

Monday, June 21st

This is what the tree looked like from the other side...

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Cold Mountain...

Monday, June 21st

While near the summit of Cold Mountain, two USAF F-15's flew overhead. They were LOUD and gone in a flash ... But I had my camera out and was able to snap this shot. Note the fighter jet on the right hand side of the picture...

Roll On,
Yahtzee

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My new buddy...

I found this box turtle on the trail today and couldn't help but pick him up for a quick picture. I set him down where I found him (okay, well maybe I advanced his cause a little bit) so no harm, no foul.



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Today's Lunch Spot...

It was HOT today, so when Koopa, Big Ooh and I came upon this swimming hole we couldn't help but to stop for lunch. Of course we cooled off a bit in the cold, clear water... Where small fish nibbled on our toes and feet.

Apparently a garter snake needed a bit of cooling off too, since one slithered into the stream and swam to the other side. Who knew garter snakes could swim??!!

Happy Trails,
Yahtzee

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Mountain Beauty...

The trail passed this mountain reservoir today. In fact I got to walk along side of it for a couple of miles, just enjoying the beautiful view through the trees (you see, the AT was up high on a mountainside).

Eventually I spotted a steep access trail, which led down to the water. I didn't regret adding the extra distance to my day's mileage. The lake was stunning!

Rollin On,
Yahtzee

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The James River Foot bridge...

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