Hiking Trail Journals

Appalachian Trail 2003 - Chelsea's Journals

Entry #63 - June 1, 2003

What a day. Woke to no rain, but cold temps. The thermometer read 42 degrees when we started out around 8 am. Had some pretty wicked stream crossings to deal with right away, but luckily made out alright. After that it was up into the Mountain Laurel - the hilltops are covered with it in this area, and it's all in bloom. Lots of muddy pastures after that, and then up a mountain. At the top was an old homestead called Sarver's cabin, from the 1800's. Unfortunately, it and the rumored-to-be-haunted shelter bu it were a quarter mile off the Trail, so we didn't take the time to check it out.

At the 12 mile mark was Niday Shelter where we took a break for lunch. Tuna & mayo with cheese on tortilla shells - Yum! It was early still, around 3, so decided to get a big day in and move on to the next shelter. Had to climb another huge hill, at the top of which was the Audie Murphy Monument. He was the most decorated soldier of WWII. He was in a place crash on the mtn & died there in 1971. Down after that to a road crossing & a stream where we found Cokes waiting for us - Yippee! Took one for later. Made it to Pickle Branch Shelter around 8:00. Only 2 other thru-hikers are here - a surprise. Weather turned out fabulous today - clear blue skies so we decided to tent.

A great walk today. Rocky, rocky ridge walk after Sarver Hollow, with cool views. Lots of pine forests to remind us of the North Woods. 22 miles today - should get us to Troutville on schedule.

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