Training Log Archive: dlevine

End of annual AT hike. Campbell Shelter to US 220 (Dalevillle).

Early morning departure to Tinker Cliffs. Passed by five ultra runners who we caught at the cliffs. Then down to Lambert Meadow Shelter for water (should have gone another quarter mile to the campsite where the water was better) which we completely refilled - which proved to be a very good idea. Then the surprisingly long slog down to the highway. About 0.5 miles before the highway, we got the only trail magic of the trip, a bottle of water that Theresa and I split. Then Pizza Hut with Dragon before Sharon arrived and then quick car trips to drop her and him at their various destinations before heading for a hotel and showers (and a mattress!)

Pickle Branch Shelter to Campbell Shelter

What a day! Struggled up the hill to Dragon's Tooth only to discover that we could have camped there last night if we brought our own water! Saw several day hikers and a pair of section hikers (Courtney and Leah, from James Madison U.) Descended Dragon's Tooth (wow!) passing many day hikers. Stopped for noontime dinner at a washed out creek crossing and filled all our water. Passed by a quick moving hiker (Dragon) and then by Courtney and Leah while we ate/resupplied. Caught the latter two and hiked with them to Rte. 311, about half way in the steady rain that started at about 3 p.m. Saw a steady stream of water and hikers coming down from Mcafee Knob to 311. Stopped briefly at Johns Spring and Catawba Shelter - where we left the two women for the night and climbed Mcafee Knob. It was wet and foggy when we got there, but we got some views before descending to Campbell Shelter. Shared shelter with Dragon and Sharon (who arrive at 8:15, a bit over an hour behind us) and a family of four Mormons, two of whom took about 2/3 of the shelter between their tent (in the shelter!) and hammock (slung diagonally across the shelter).

Niday Shelter to Pickle Branch Shelter

Easiest day of the trip. Got to the shelter by 2 and waited for Sharon. We debated moving on but a concern about threatening clouds got us to stay put and rest up for the next day. In 20-20 hindsight, we should have moved on; also it didn't rain. Shared shelter with "Just Jim" as well as Sharon.

Laurel Creek Shelter to Niday Shelter

Reasonably short day with reasonably good weather. Again, joined by Sharon.

Bailey Gap Shelter to Laurel Creek Shelter

Started out wet, but dried up as we went. I had problems with heat regulation on the hill between War Spur and Laurel Creek and ultimately hiked the last section shirtless - which worked out much better than I expected. Made camp early enough to dry out much of our gear. Sharon joined us later.

Rice Field Shelter to Bailey Gap Shelter

Started raining at 4 a.m. Left during a break at about 7:30 a.m. but it started up again soon. It stopped briefly while we ate at Pickle Branch Shelter (where we couldn't stay because it was closed) and resumed as soon as we did. Despite the rain, we once again had to load up on water just before the shelter. Shared the shelter with one other person (Sharon) for the evening.

Annual AT hike. Lane Street in Pearisburg, VA to Rice Field Shelter

A short day to start, climbing in humid weather. No water at shelter, but fortunately we'd been warned and filled up at a trickle 0.5 miles sooner.