Date: 5/7/04
Starting Location: Thunder Hill Shelter
Destination: US 501
Miles: 14.6
Total Miles: 779.4
Beautiful night to be in a tent last night. No rain coming, so I left the rain fly off to be more comfortable. Every time I woke up, I opened my eyes to see a giant bright moon and a star-filled night sky. It was enough to keep me up a few times just to watch.
Hot day to walk, but the miles were easy and my original plan was to stay at the shelter 2 miles from the road crossing, but I decided to push on to the road and get a ride to nearby Wildwood Campground for some laundry and a shower. Greeted by excellent trail magic at the James River of oranges, cookies, and soda thanks to Foot Slogger! Had lots of time today to enjoy a forest floor covered in blooming white and pink trillium, the first rhododendron blossoms I've seen (finally!) since walking in thickets since Georgia, and the cool water of a nice stream I took a nap next to. Also, saw a little bark-colored lizard that had a neck and belly the color of sapphire blue. Pretty cool. Nice day for walking and another night under the stars at the campground.
