Ponds Flat, Three Snakes

Post date: Apr 14, 2016 1:37:51 AM

I'm camping at a campsite called Ponds Flat at mile 424 with 5-6 others. Three are guys from Florida who work in IT for the railroad. They have been doing sections of the AT over the last few years a week or so at a time and hope to do the entire trail. They say they are "on the 15 year plan." Also here is T Rev, the guy whose fleece jacket I found and retuned to him a week or so ago. He is from Massachusetts. We plan to try to get to Damascus in two days.

I've had three snake encounters on the trail. The first was 2-3 weeks ago when I saw a hand written note in the middle of the trail that said, "Rattlesnake right ahead!" It was in a rocky area and looked like a place a rattlesnake might be. So, I proceeded very slowly and cautiously, watching the trail and where I took my next step with care. However, despite scanning the trail and area on both sides, no snake. I was a little disappointed. The second snake was about 2 weeks ago. It was about 4 feet, black, and curled up in the sun on the up sloping side of the trail. As soon as it sensed me, it quickly slithered across the trail and down the bank. I think it was a black racer. The third encounter occurred about one week ago. This time it was at the end of a long day when I did 20+ miles and I was very tired slogging my way to the camp for the night. As I was stepping over a rock, I saw something move and slither just where I was about to step. I actually was startled enough to jump back a bit. But there was no snake. I had somehow imagined it. I thought, "oh no, now I'm hallucinating!" At camp I quickly fell into a deep slumber and luckily did not dream of snakes!

Today did 18 miles and at mile 424.