Day 63
Start: VA 52, O’Lystery Pavilion
End: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles Hiked: 11.5
Miles on AT: 570.0
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We got on trail at a good time today, probably around 11 or 11:30 am. The sky didn’t look like it was going to hold for long. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Luckily, we were able to stop at a shelter for lunch before it got worse. While there, we met a mother and son hiking the trail. They and the rest of their family had lived on a boat for a few years before deciding it was time for a land-based adventure. Chatting with them and learning about their experiences living abroad in an atypical situation gave us some ideas on how we could build an unconventional life.
After an hour or so of trying to wait out the rain, we finally decided to bite the bullet and resume hiking. Within 20 minutes, I was completely soaked from head to toe. With this kind of rain, I knew an umbrella wouldn’t make a difference so I didn’t bother getting it out. My pants, shoes, shirt, you name it, were sopping wet. On the brightside, with temperatures now on the higher side, I wasn’t cold at all. This was much better than hiking while wet and cold.
Eventually the rain let up and we came to a river crossing. Leading up to it, various signs had warned us about the bridge being washed out and the possibility of a dangerous ford. I expected a healthy flowing river at least a foot or two deep. What I found instead was just a creek that was maybe 2 or 3 inches deep. Very disappointing.
With feet and shoes already wet from the previous downpour, I forwent rock hopping and just walked through it. As we emerged from the dense forest, I could see blue sky and – gasp – sun! At the next road crossing, I took advantage of the break in weather to dry my shoes and feet out in the sun. I didn’t know if I would get this opportunity when I reached the shelter, so I had to take advantage of it right then.
The last few miles of the day were marked by ascent to the shelter. It was steady work but not too bad. Near the top, we came to a pond, the last good place to pick up water for the shelter. I filled up our water bags at the spring, then stayed behind while Janitor went ahead so I could dry out a bit more on the sunny, grassy bald. It was so nice being warm and dry!
After a bit more climbing, we finally arrived at the shelter and, boy, was the view beautiful. Looking down on Burke’s Garden, we could see the whole basin enclosed by dark green mountains. The clouds were starting to roll in with a fierce wind behind them. The view was disappearing quickly.
There were a few hikers staying at the shelter with us, including a No English, a German hiker I had heard about but met for the first time. As usual, we put our tent up despite the wind. Dinner and a view (while it lasted) were on the agenda. That is, until it got too blustery and cold to remain comfortably outside. Tonight will be a indy, but we’ll stay warm.
And that’s day 63.
A version of this post originally appeared on TheTrek.co.