5/23/06 Tuesday: Thunder Hill Shelter to Punchbowl Shelter (25.1mi)

PICTURES:
1. Vista from Thunder Tidge Overlook BRP
2. Fields of blooming Trilium
3. Path through blooms of rhododendrums are becoming more frequent...
4. These wildflowers are beginning to line the trails through the Blue Ridge...
5. What can I say...Mountain Loral...and they are fragrant too...
6. Vista from my ascent of High Cock Knob
7. While crossing the James river bridge I noticed these turtles sunning themselves...
8. Vistas from Fullers Rocks, on the north side and looking back on the James River
9. Sunset views from Punchbowl Mtn
It was actually a little warmer when I woke, 0645, and I was soon on my way. I have found the easiest way to warm yourself in the morning is to hit the ground running...;)... It was a beautiful morning, again... and temps were soon in the 60's with plenty of sun...The mornings walk was uneventful and passed by quickly and by 1215, after 12mi, I had arrived at Matts Creek Shelter for lunch and stock up on more water for the afternoon... The afternoon flew by with some nice vistas and really beautiful weather... Late in the afternoon I was startled by a grouse... I apparently was invading her territory and there were probably chicks about... She ruffled her feathers but apparently didnt like the flash on the camera, which sent her running off... Soon thereafter I arrived at my final destination around 2000, and what a beaautiful setting it was with the shelter by a pond with an adjacent grassy camping area.... About 2100, when I was tucked away in my bag, in my tent for the night, a whole bunch of owls began arguing... Must have went on for about 45min...LOL... I had heard the calls before, but not by so many, from so many different directions... It really made you feal you were in the wilderness...