Troutville, VA, mile 729.3
I’ve taken a 0 day here in Troutville, VA to get a shower, fresh grub, do laundry, re supply, and rest my feet. I’m at the Troutville Fire Hall. They have a wonderful facility here that’s spacious, warm, and dry. There’s free camping across the road in the town park. However, the heavy train traffic wakes one several times a night.
Since my last post nothing bizarre has transpired except lighting. Apparently, AT hikers experience a lot of it. It only makes sense because the trail absolutely always goes along the highest mountain crests available; for countless miles. Three days ago I was hobbling along in the usual torrential downpour when I happened upon a High Tension Power Line crossing over the mountain crest. Just as I was stepping into the clearing lightning and thunder occurred simultaneously. Stunned by the extraordinarily loud bang I looked up at the power lines to see a blinding bolt of lightning strike the nearby tower along with another defining roar of thunder. Paralyzed by indecision I didn’t know whether to proceed or run back into the forest. While I stood there trying to remember facts about lightning two more bolts exploded above my head. After gathering my wits I decided that I should be safest under the power lines. So, I went a few dozen paces directly under the power lines. The storm seemed to be moving past so I began to continue along the slippery lichen covered rock slabs forming the trail. Just as I gained the cover of the forest again another bolt struck the power lines again. So, it was four strikes in less than ten minutes. Then back to the usual rain and cold. “No rain, no pain, no Maine.” the mantra goes.
The other thing hikers are beginning to complain about is PUDS. It’s an acronym for “Pointless ups and downs”. I had no idea the trail could be so frustrating with up up up down down down, and my aching feet don’t help.
Another thing I’ve noticed at this point is that virtually everyone I’m hiking with is one third my age. Most all the people over 50 have called it quits at this point. Two exceptions are the Canadian women “Unhinged” at 58, and “Ever Ready” at 60. Turns out that they are hiking to raise money for the Alzheimer Society. Their website is www.2015appalachiantrail.jimdo.com
Unhinged’s husband is the fellow I met at the foot of Roan Mountain that’s from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. I found out he’s a specialist in satellite technology. His wife “Unhinged” has a graduate degree from University of Ottawa in sport physiology. Unhinged and Ever Ready are a day or so ahead of me.
All I can do is try to keep walking. The massive blood filled blister I developed on my left heal seems to be healing slowly. I keep it covered with lots of polysporin and hockey tape. Three nails are gone, but they don’t hurt for some reason.
Tomorrow it’s up at 5 and walking by 6. Maine doesn’t come easy.
Best to all,
Long Stride
Light heart, painful pace.