I started out the day at Cove Mountain shelter and got a medium early start. I stopped briefly to enjoy an unmarked overlook.

It was hot even early, though the terrain was mild mostly following the blue ridge parkway. I stopped for a moment at the memorable named Purgatory Mountain, the Peaks of Otter, and other signage.

The construction on the parkway had a section closed which was nice for game. I spotted many turkey vultures, several deer, and my first ever bobcat sighting.

The mama darted across the road and the kitten went up a tree. While it was treed I managed to snag a pic, though of questionable quality given the rain and my phone cam. I noted it’s young paws were very oversized and it wore a nice set of chops on its cheeks.

I stopped for lunch at Boblets Gap shelter before pushing on to Wilson Creek, which was when the rain started.

Another traveller by the name of Bear Quota was occupying the shelter, which was a nice treat given that I’ve been camping alone for more than a week.

After eating I was having a smoke and managed to snag another low quality Pic in the rain, this time of an elusive owl.

I found a full ass phone in the shelter, which I will bring with me to troutville in hopes of finding its home.

I left it at the Beech Hill hostel.

Hoping the rain will move out by tomorrow morning since I’m nearly out of food and can’t afford to lurk here and wait it out.

I didn’t sleep well last night. The super friendly deer never left my side, snuffling and making noise in proximity of my tent. Even when I clapped and yelled and threw rocks, they just didn’t want to get the message.

After a quick breakfast of pop tarts and peanut butter, I made my way up High Cock knob. The ascent was nicely graded. The summit had no view but was loaded with nearly every kind of edible and medicinal plant I could identify: plantain, jewel weed, nettles, cat mint, cow poke, mullein, and more. It seems the knob is recovering from a fire very well.

I then made my way down to petite gap for a repeat of breakfast. Instead of taking the trail I hopped on the blue ridge parkway.i normally don’t like road walks but it was still early and cool enough. On the way I found terrapin mountain, not to be confused with turtle island.

I hopped back on the white blaze at Thunder Ridge overlook, and for the first time got to see it with no fog or rain in the way.

Thunder ridge shelter had me a nice lunch and found some baby salamanders in the spring before heading down another 5 or 6 miles to Cornelius Creek shelter.

On the way I found some insects doing what they do best.

I passed through the Guillotine on the way to Apple Orchard Mountain and a giant dome.

I didn’t take the blue blaze to the falls this time.

The flies and skeeters aren’t bad here but the bees are very curious and persistent, even with a smokey fire blowing in the shelter.

Supper was had. Now I wait for dark, alone again, except for the bees and the breeze.