Journal
| About Downunda | Trail
Facts | Hiking the Trail
State Guide | Elevation
Map | Fun Facts
Gear | Photos | Guestbook
| Mailing
List | Home
|
|
Journal
| About Downunda | Trail
Facts | Hiking the Trail |
 |
2nd May 2002 From:
Whitetop Mountain I was hoping to take a photo of the beautiful view from my campsite this morning but unfortunately I am socked in by clouds; visibility is around 100 feet. Just after I scrambled into my tent last night the thunderstorm came through. It must have keep up for about three hours, and then I got solid wind and rain all night. This was a good test for the new tent…. it didn't blow away and I didn't get wet. I got an early start and hiked to Thomas Knob Shelter just below the summit of Mt. Rogers. Not much to see along the way, as the clouds haven't lifted. The trail was strewn with rocks for the most part so I'm glad its over. When I arrived at the shelter, Tigger and Prairie were just preparing to leave. I told Prairie of my T.P. problem and she gave me a small bundle. There's also a guy here named Brian. He's a photographer with Backpacker Magazine and is doing a special shoot on privies. Just as I arrived at the shelter he was taking a photo of a small deer that was about three feet from him. I'm going to have a short break here and move on to the next shelter as its blowing a gale up here and not very pleasant. By the way, Mt. Rogers, at 5729 feet, is the highest point in Virginia. As I left to head off to the next shelter, Brian, the photographer, left with me. He must have taken 50 shots of me as we hiked north toward where his car was parked. Who knows, maybe a photo of me will appear in Backpacker!
In contrast to the morning, the hiking this afternoon offered superb countryside and views. It was mostly downhill and took me through The Grayson Highlands Park where lots of wild ponies roam. At the shelter when I arrived was Second Shift. He was about to leave and mentioned he thought he saw a ghost of a redheaded woman in the shelter last night. He was the only person in the shelter and had assumed she was a late arrival, but when he woke up in the morning, no one was there! There are four high school boys tenting here who are out on a four-day hike as an assignment for school. Also here are Salamander and Driftwood Dog, a father/daughter southbound team. Birch, Crankin', and Movin' have also arrived. Tonight I will sleep in the shelter for a change. Bye for now. |
|
