5/10/06 Wednesday: Chestnut Knob Shelter to Helveys Mill Shelter (24mi)

Brrrr. Got up and out by 0730 with the wind blowing and temps in the 30's... The first order of todays business was to get off the top of this mountain and get into one of the valleys, protected from the winds and maybe some of this cold air. This cold weather does help get you going faster though... It took me about 30 min to go 2mi to the valley below where I caught up with skunk, briefly with Steve off getting water somewhere. I continued North and stopped for lunch after 10mi at Jenkins Shelter. The weather had changed and the sun was out so I stripped down to my skivies and sunned myself for an hour while waiting for Steve. After snacking on an energy bar and getting more water, I decided to leave Steve a note in the Shelter log as to my where abouts and proceed. As I was leaving, Steve limped in. He had aggrivated his shin splint considerably and felt he had to stay at this shelter and get into town tomorrow. I understood and told him that we could probably hook back up again in Troutville if he got better since I would be taking a few days there with Jackie. We parted, knowing I had not seen the last of "Only Steve".... The day was a long mostly easy ridge walk but with little water along the way. We were lucky enough to be blessed twice on this day by the same individual with some Trail Majik. I passed Skunk, Sven, and Tailwind about 1500 and proceeded to a perch over the 21/52 Hwy's for dinner and a call home. I had great reception at this location and was joined for dinner a litter later by Skunk with the 2 guys heading into town to resupply. After dinner, Skunk and I headed to final destination for the day, the Helveys Mill Shelter which is up a 400ft rather steep climb. I really dont enjoy those, especially at the end of the day.... Well I really dont enjoy them at all...and often find myself humming Queens Another One Bites the Dust repeatedly... LOL

PICTURES:
1. Some nice views from Brushy Mtn
2. Pics from the ridgewalk on the way to Bland, Va
3. A bright red bird caught on film.
4. The Laurel Creek Bridge was out, been out for a couple years, so we were rerouted on another trail and used a road bridge to get across.
5. Just after getting back on the trail, I came across this trail majik, an ice chest full of apple juice and a card with the weekly weather report on one side and this info on the other. Well appreciated by all...:) This same gentleman provided more Trail Majik 7mi further down the trail in the form of water. There was no water on the ridge....If not for his water I couldnt have cooked supper... Thanks again...
6. Dinner on this secluded peak between a local road and Hwy's 21/52. With just a nice breeze and plenty of sun I was able to fire up my stove and cook supper while chatting with Jackie, and other members of my family. Skunk joined me a little later and she called her Mom who will be joining her in the Shenandoahs for a bit of hiking/bonding. Really kool....