Day 2 On Boone Trace Ends

Day two comes to a close with an unexpected treat.

1:07 p.m.

Here we are at Moccasin Gap and Clinch River that runs through it. When I stood on the bank of the river in October it was low and docile.  Today it’s well beyond it’s banks.

Walk on,

Curtis

Photo Credit: Curtis Penix

7:47 p.m.

What an unexpected treatI had said I wouldn’t sleep under roofs, but I never imagined this roof would be offered to me. Tonight I’ll be sleeping inside the Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park. The Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association built and maintains it, here in the park, to educate visitors. On occasion, they allow re-enactors to bunk here. I am very grateful to Joan Boyd Short for her offer to sleep here and get a touch closer to the experiences of Grandpa Joshua.

Photo Credit: Curtis Penix

As for the day I just finished, it was a grueling 11 miles (not positive on mileage) which seemed to be up hill most of the day. Seems like Virginia is being a little selfish with their mountains. Why not let Iowa or Nebraska have a few?

Got several honks from passers-by with a, “Hey dude, I saw you in the paper. Rock on bro.” Followed by a logging truck dousing me with road spray. A good analogy for life I guess. Ya start thinking you’re on fire and someone will be there to put you out.

Well tonight I’ll fall asleep with the sweet smells of hand hewn lumber and hardwood smoke. The crackle of the fire blends well with the sound of rain high above me on the roof. Good night Grandpa.

Walk on,

Curtis