May 11, 1981 - Mount Rogers Visitor center to Big Walker Mountain Shelter-
Glad I stayed! It rained cats and dogs last night. Around 9:00 P.M. a man came inside building and saw me outside
on porch. He just went on not saying a thing. Made 10 miles by 1:00 p.m. and got into Atkins. Got supplies. Got a
ride into store, 1½ miles, and had to walk back. Ended up walking 18.3 miles on A.T. and 1½ more on road. That’s a
total of 19.8 miles for the day. I didn't even feel too bad considering the miles and long day. Made it to Big Walker
Mountain lean-to about 6:30 p.m.
Glad I stayed! It rained cats and dogs last night. Around 9:00 P.M. a man came inside building and saw me outside
on porch. He just went on not saying a thing. Made 10 miles by 1:00 p.m. and got into Atkins. Got supplies. Got a
ride into store, 1½ miles, and had to walk back. Ended up walking 18.3 miles on A.T. and 1½ more on road. That’s a
total of 19.8 miles for the day. I didn't even feel too bad considering the miles and long day. Made it to Big Walker
Mountain lean-to about 6:30 p.m.
Big Walker Mountain Tower
Sign at Big Walker Mountain
May 12, 1981 -Big Walker Mountain Shelter to rest area near crossing of I 77
Got a late start. Very windy and cold. Everything that I own is damp or wet. There has been no
to Monster Rock shelter. Sun came out while I was there and I stayed l½ hours and dried every thing out. I even dried
out my shoes. Left at around 3:00 p.m., hoping to make it to Big Bend recreation area. Got to Big Walker Lookout at
3:30 and discovered immediately that I was here as a child. It was a place I went on a ski lift ride and the damn thing
stopped with me on top. This is a very beautiful place. Talked to lady who has owned and started the place 35 years
ago. I always wondered where that place was. I delivered to the Wytheville Sanitarium within 15 miles of the place,
while working for Loma Linda Foods as a truck driver. I made it to Big Bend recreation area at 5:39 p.m. Very cold
and windy. Going to get very cold tonight I am camping in a no camping area. Hope I don't get caught. There is NO
WHERE else to camp. Had to set up tent even though it is very clear outside and will not rain. It is too cold and
windy. This is a picknick area opened from 7a.m. to 7 p.m., out in the booneys. I don't think anyone will even see me
unless they walk 100 yards off the dirt road. I did 13 miles today.
Got a late start. Very windy and cold. Everything that I own is damp or wet. There has been no
to Monster Rock shelter. Sun came out while I was there and I stayed l½ hours and dried every thing out. I even dried
out my shoes. Left at around 3:00 p.m., hoping to make it to Big Bend recreation area. Got to Big Walker Lookout at
3:30 and discovered immediately that I was here as a child. It was a place I went on a ski lift ride and the damn thing
stopped with me on top. This is a very beautiful place. Talked to lady who has owned and started the place 35 years
ago. I always wondered where that place was. I delivered to the Wytheville Sanitarium within 15 miles of the place,
while working for Loma Linda Foods as a truck driver. I made it to Big Bend recreation area at 5:39 p.m. Very cold
and windy. Going to get very cold tonight I am camping in a no camping area. Hope I don't get caught. There is NO
WHERE else to camp. Had to set up tent even though it is very clear outside and will not rain. It is too cold and
windy. This is a picknick area opened from 7a.m. to 7 p.m., out in the booneys. I don't think anyone will even see me
unless they walk 100 yards off the dirt road. I did 13 miles today.
Appalachian Trail Over I-77
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