I arrived at Bryant Ridge Shelter on the evening of Memorial Day. I had been hustling to get there as it was starting to rain. My trail guide said the shelter held up to 20 people, so I knew there would be room. It was pleasant to find that the shelter was not just spacious, but beatifully designed and built as well.
Most AT shelters follow a relatively cookie-cutter design. They have a wooden platform to hold six to eight hikers, walls side and back, and a rectangular slanted roof. Usually, there is a picnic table for cooking and eating in good weather. Architected for simplicity and utility, the Bryant Ridge Shelter is a palace by comparison. It has two levels for sleeping plus a large porch area to cook and commune out of the weather. There are pegs and hooks everywhere to hang up packs and gear. Everything a hiker needs!
Exploring the upstairs, I found a plaque containing the poem tucked up under the eaves. The next morning, as I hiked up out of the valley, it occurred to me what an extraordinarily fine memorial this is. Sitting right on the AT and also accessible by a short side trail, this shelter must provide comfort to thousands of hikers. Nelson, I don’t know your backstory or what you did in life, but you have the gratitude of this weary thru hiker.
A few days ago, I had my first sketchy water crossing. So far, I’ve had to trudge through several creeks with water up to my calves, but nothing dangerous. My trail guide said, “Cross Wilson Creek by stepping across the rocks.” On this day, Wilson Creek was a torrent of brown, boiling water. It had rained hard about an hour earlier. I searched up and downstream and finally found a log to cross.
Bridge across Wilson Creek
I tossed my trekking poles across javelin-style, then scooted partway across on my butt, and then the rest of the way on hands and knees like a wounded squirrel.
Back at the trail crossing, I found a hiking couple strategizing their crossing. I directed them to my log and walked back there to offer assistance if needed. Apparently, I am a male chauvinist, as I expected the woman to be the one needing the help. As it turned out, her partner had some difficulty, but she scampered across like a real squirrel.
I resupplied and stayed at a hostel in the town of Glasgow, VA. I love these small mountain towns. With about 1000 residents, Glasgow is about half the size of my home town of Germantown, NY. It has two small groceries and seemingly one of everything else (one restaurant, fire department, auto garage, rec park, post office, and so forth.) Unlike Germantown which boasts a single red light, Glasgow has none. They do have a dinosaur, though…
The weather of late has been foggy and overcast. There has not been much to see from the overlooks, but the plants seem to like the damp weather.
View on Apple Orchard Mountain
Managed to survive “The Guillotine”
I was beginning to think that the rhododendrons were done blooming. Most of the blooms had wilted or had fallen to the ground. Yesterday, when the trail climbed back over 4000 feet elevation, I was pleased to find the rhododendrons were back in all their glory. The photos don’t do them justice, but I can resist posting a few samples from my “rhododendron gallery”.
I see quite a few mockingbirds, but only in the pastures or in town, never in the forest.
Northern Mockingbird
Other flora and fauna…
Galax
Black Snake lounging in the shrubbery
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