Day 74
Start: Campbell Shelter
End: Daleville, VA, US 220
Miles Hiked: 15.4
Miles on AT: 730.5
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It’s town day today! At the shelter this morning, I met a section hiker and we chatted over breakfast. I wasn’t in a rush this morning, so I enjoyed the company and conversation.
When I got on trail, I quickly passed an older gentleman. As he stepped aside, he mentioned that he had seen me on trail before. Since I had just started hiking, I was in moving mode and just acknowledged his comment with an “Oh, cool,” and kept walking. A few minutes later, I regretted not engaging further with him. I felt bad about being seemingly dismissive, but I had one goal on my mind at that time and I didn’t think to stop and talk until I was a bit further down trail.
Luckily, we got another chance to talk about 3 miles in while I stopped to see the view. Turns out, he was a hiker I had seen going SOBO before Wind Rock a few days ago. We chatted and I learned more about his story. He was finishing up his 3rd AT hike by completing a few sections he had missed. His wife had also hiked the AT twice and was back in town supporting him. We chatted about trail experiences and life.
I was so happy to have gotten a second chance to connect with Giddy-Up instead of having to continue with regret. Community is so big on the AT and while you may not like everyone you meet, there are a lot of gems out there. Soon, the sun started to come out and warm things up, so we parted ways and continued hiking.
A few minutes later, I came upon a small meadow and, lo and behold, a huge black bear stood in the middle of it. He or she was very nonchalant, looking around, seemingly waiting for something. I yelled at him to announce my presence, but he paid no mind. That was my cue to keep moving. As I climbed, I heard more movement in the woods to my right, so I yelled a few times to make sure the bear knew not to come in my direction.
The main attraction for today was Tinker Cliffs. The climb was a bit steep in a few areas, but it was well-worth it. The views from the cliffs were amazing! I could see McAfee Knob off in the distance and I was amazed by how far I had already come just in the past few hours. I decided to take my second breakfast up on the cliffs and enjoy the view.
A few minutes later, Giddy-Up showed up and joined me in a snack break. We talked about his past career and all of the experiences he had traveling through Latin America for his job. I really enjoyed his company and conversation.
After Giddy-Up left, I finished up my second breakfast and then continued on. The next section was a half-mile walk along the cliffs and it was breathtaking. There were views every few feet as the trail wound back and forth between the cliffs and the forest. This was one of my favorite half-miles on trail so far.
The day was starting to get warm, but I stupidly passed up water at the next water source. I had about half a liter for the next 6 miles and had just drank half a liter with hydration mix during my break. I thought I would be okay, but the day continued to get hotter and hotter.
This section was full of views and I ran into Giddy-Up again at the next one. He was sitting and taking a break. Now it was really getting warm. I hiked a couple more miles before I had to stop for another snack break since my energy levels were fading. Giddy-Up joined me at this one, too, and we commiserated about the heat. He was red and sweaty, and I could tell the heat was starting to get to him, too.
I had 4 miles left and I just wanted to be done, so I made a final push to make it through to town. It was rough, though. The heat was at an all-time high and it was getting to me. At a few points I felt a little dizzy and I even turned my shirt into a crop top. I sipped my water a little at a time, hoping to make it last. I couldn’t even enjoy the views that I got during the last few miles because it was absolutely too hot to stand out in the sunshine. I literally felt like I was in an oven.
I took the small breaks that I could when the breeze was blowing so that it would cool my body down a little bit. I felt like I could’ve easily gotten heat exhaustion out there if I was moving more slowly. I had to steel my mind against weak thoughts so I could stay strong and keep moving.
I had a tenth of a mile of exposed trail near a powerline that was super hot, but after that, it was downhill and I was in the home stretch. I put some music on for motivation to keep me moving quickly and that did the trick. Soon, I was at the trailhead. A woman said, “Are you Princess? Do you need some water?” I turned to look and replied, “Yes, how did you know that?”
Turns out, it was Giddy-Up’s wife there to take some water up to him on trail. I thanked her for the water, but forgot to get their information. I think today was Giddy-Up’s last day to complete his hike, so I don’t think I’ll see him on trail again. I really regret not getting at least an email address.
I was just a few steps from civilization, but I was not ready for what I encountered when I stepped out of the forest. With absolutely no buffer, I emerged right onto a busy 4 lane road right off of a highway exit. The cars were zooming by and it appeared there was no better way to get to the other side of the road other than running across. I crossed two lanes, waited on the median, and then crossed the other two. What a dangerous crossing.
Soon, I got my ride and was reunited with Janitor. I ate at Three Lil Pigs BBQ in Daleville and it was sooooo good! My stomach was happy and full.
And that’s day 74.
A version of this post originally appeared on TheTrek.co.