Refuge Baptist Church in Walnut Cove to Danbury Public Library, westbound
September 16. My main goal for this hike was to try to finish before it started raining, so I kept up a pretty good pace for 16.4 miles.
7am start on Oldtown Road near Walnut Cove–just enough daylight for traffic to see me easily.
My first snake on the MST! This tiny guy quickly dove into the grass when I stopped for a photo. I think about snakes–and chiggers and ticks–whenever I step into the grass on the shoulder, but it’s an unavoidable risk with so many miles of roads.
So far, I’ve just gotten wet feet.
Threatening skies!
I was, however, prepared with rain gear in my backpack.
Second breakfast.
I decided to add some protein to my hiking snacks, which otherwise is Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars and Jelly Bellies.
This was the beginning of a mile on a gravel road, which was a nice change of pace.
From the Dan River crossing it was steadily uphill for three miles to Priddy’s General Store.
Normally I would have lingered here on the front porch for a good 15-minute break at this point in a hike, but I was still hoping to finish before it began to rain.
The Moratock furnace was built in 1843 and supplied iron to the Confederacy.
My end point was the Danbury Public Library. I sat on the front steps and connected with their WiFi while waiting for Trail Angel Jimmie in his Winnebago.
IT NEVER RAINED!
I found this cute fake rose.
I’ve now completed over 350 miles, and I think I’m ready for a Trail name.
Ramblin’ Rose-Mary?
My.Bird.Walks. 
I have had some experience here in Cypress, expecting it to rain, but on a much shorter walk. I hope that I can be braver about just walking, and not worrying too much about the outcome. I bought a new raincoat – need to try it out. So far, the rains have been warm (in the 80’s).
Sharing in God’s creation,
Lorraine Boyd
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