VA 42 to VA 632 (7.5 Miles)

We hiked this section on June 17, 2012.

The plan for today was to drop Python and Dirigo at VA 42 (Sinking Creek) so they could hike south. Then Sir Grunts A Lot would drive the car to VA 632 (Johns Creek) and hike north.

Unfortunately, the “Check Engine” light and several other sensors warning lights came on right after we got gas. We decided not to leave the car at VA 632 just in case the car wouldn’t start because this parking lot was so remote and there was no cell signal.

Dirigo and I prefer to hike together for safety and companionship. Since Sir Grunt A Lot only wanted to hike north, we had to split up in order to do a key exchange hike. One of us would have to hike alone today.

The Appalachian Trail is a special place for us – we go there to escape from the real world. Yes, there are parts of the AT that are really hard and some days the hiking is just plain tough. And Mother nature always reminds us who is really in charge. But, when we are on the AT we are happy!

Well, neither us of really wanted to spend the day hiking with Sir Grunts A Lot. Even though he is our friend it was clear that he was not in a happy place.

We each tried to “politely” persuade each other that the other one should hike with Sir Grunts A Lot. We both saw through each other’s BS and got a little testy.

In the end, Python dropped off Dirigo and Sir Grunts A Lot on VA 632 and then drove back to VA 42 to start hiking south.

Python
I was relieved to find the trail head on VA 42 since I am directionally challenged. I left the car at 8:35 and crossed VA 42. I walked a short distance before seeing a stile over the fence. I climbed over the stile and walked through several pastures while slowly ascending.

The trail was soft and the temperature was nice and cool. The trail got a bit muddy as I got closer to the creek. I passed 2 young ladies backpacking.

I reached the Laurel Creek Shelter just before 10 AM. Thru-hiker Mountain Guard was taking a break at the shelter. He said he did 17 miles yesterday and the shelter was packed last night.

The climb right after the shelter was long and very steep – my calves were burning. I thought I would never get to the top of the ridge. Once the trail started to level off, I ate a snack because I was spent.

I finally met up with Dirigo and Sir Grunts A Lot at 10:30.

They were both worried because they expected to meet up much earlier. Dirigo told me that there was no view at Kelly Knob so don’t bother going out there. They told me that there was trail magic at 601.

I made good time after this because the trail was pretty flat. I reached Johns Creek Mountain Trail at 11:12. This section of trail was very wide and looked like an old fire road.

I made good time descending to Rocky Gap (601) and met “Litter Guy” – we gave him this name because he leaves his trash on the trail. I looked inside the plastic container which contained trail magic from the Roanake Appalachian Trail Club – there was soda, beer, and grape fruit.

The trail right after 601 was eroded, kind of slanted, and at times rocky. The valley right below the trail contained lots of beautiful pink rhododendrons.

The trail eventually got back onto soft level ground and I made good time again. The descent to VA 632 was long but gentle. I passed several thru-hikers that I met yesterday.

I crossed over a stream and there was a nice campsite to the right. The fire pit was very large and the fire was still smoldering.

I got to VA 632 at 12:29 and there was a single crutch next to the trail head.

The car was no where in sight so I took off my shoes and socks and just waited. Finally, Dirigo drove up around 1:30 and told me that she had been delayed because a tree had fallen over 658! I am so glad we never have to come to this trail head again!

Dirigo
No comment on the day, as the clouds have cast a spell over the land. Ok, I have one comment – Pythons scheme. :)-