May 1, 2007

I awoke this morning and built my first successful campfire at Holcomb Crossing Trail Camp.  It was a chilly morning so my campfire kept me warm as I slowly broke camp.  Andy from Team Golite hiked up and he kindly went through my gear piece-by-piece to make recommendations for me so I can lighten my load.  His pack weighed no more than 25 pounds.  I am always eager to see what's new on the market.  Andy is a mere 26 years old so he can hike lighter than a 50 year-old mother of three.  My heavy gadgets keep me connected to my husband and children.  It's additional weight, but worth it to me.  I will follow many of his helpful tips and appreciate the time he worked with me.  Andy hiked on speedily and I finished packing my pack with a little extra inspiration.

Ed and I began our hike together and took turns leading.  Ed was in the lead when he stopped.  A huge black rattlesnake had just fed on something and was blocking the trail.  I took photos and we agreed on our plan.  We tossed rocks in the rattlesnake's direction to encourage him to move.  Instead, the snake fired back by using his rattler.  Damn, that's a scary sound!  I hurled more rocks hoping to kill as Ed threw hoping to move him along.  Together we had the rattlesnake covered by layers of huge rocks.  I ran past him screaming all the way with Ed following.

Whew!  We hiked several more miles, together and apart when Ed called, "Ladybug, get ready.  There's another rattlesnake."

Geez!  This was was angrier than the first with its rattler buzzing constantly.  This time I bushwhacked around the rattlesnake as Ed kept guard.  I decided to lead since I use trekking poles and Ed does not.  Just minutes into the hike, another rattlesnake crossed the trail and into my path.  I hiked backward where Ed and I could assess the new danger.  We had one angry rattlesnake behind us and another angry rattlesnake ahead.  It was creepy being on a narrow ridge between two venomous snakes.  Ed and I again tossed rocks and the snake moved along, but kept his rattler buzzing.  I again raced up the trail screaming.

Ed and I took a brief recovery break and I gave him one of my trekking poles so any other snakes could feel the vibration and be fairly warned. We hiked the remaining miles to Deep Creek Spring where I enjoyed a long hot soak in the spring.  My feet hurt but my spirit is not broken.  Ed and I are camping in Deep Creek Spring which is known for its au natural regulars.  A naked guy toting a purple raft keeps passing by my tent.  Ugh!