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| View from Riga Shelter |
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| 1500 miles from Springer Mtn |
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| Rands View |
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| Due to bridge construction, there was a detour |
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| View from AT parking area |
Sunday, September 27th, 2015
Start: Hertline Campsite
End: Port Clinton
Mileage: 18.5 (+0.2 for missed turn on AT)
I fell asleep relatively quickly last night, considering the noise at the campsite. I was asleep by ~9:15pm and then was up at 6:20am. Many of the Boy Scouts were already milling about, waving their flashlights every which way. I was packed and on trail by 7:15am.
Today's terrain was rocky but relatively flat until the descent into Port Clinton. The rocks added insult to injury for my poor bruised up feet. Today, I went by the Fort Dietrich Snyder Monument (1424'), Eagles Nest Trail (1580'), Eagles Nest Shelter (1593'), Phillips Canyon Spring (1500'). I made good time, descending into Port Clinton (426') by 2:15pm.
Since today was Sunday, there were a lot of day hikers out and about. Unlike yesterday, I didn't see anyone with open carry. I'll be honest and say that, given the odd oppressive flavor of the locals, this worried me a great deal. I think that worry drove me to hike more yesterday than I initially intended. Everyone today was also friendly; many day hikers yesterday were not. It was a nice way to end my hike - shorter day, easier terrain, and friendly day hikers.
When I arrived in town, I checked the bus schedule (and called the bus company) and found out that the local BARTA bus doesn't run on Sundays. I ended up calling for a taxi to take me to the Reading bus station. I'm now on a bus for NYC, where I'll stay overnight with a friend, and then continue back home in the morning. It will be a whirlwind tour of humanity, for sure.
Saturday, September 26th, 2015
Start: camping beyond Yellow Springs Village Site
End: Hertline Campsite
Mileage: 26.8 (+0.6 for water)
Last night, I didn't have cell service. As soon as I finished dinner, wrote up my blog post, and got horizontal, I fell asleep and slept very soundly (for backpacking) until 5:30am. I snoozed until 6:30am. I then was up, packed, and on the trail by 7:20am. I made really good time today.
Today, I went over Second Mountain (1357'), unnamed overlook (1382'), Fisher Lookout (1286'), Kimmel Lookout (1335'), Round Head (1500'), and unnamed overlook (1402'). I passed by Rausch Gap Shelter, William Penn Shelter, and 501 Shelter. I got water at both William Penn and 501 Shelters.
I arrived at the 501 shelter by 4pm and left by 4:15pm. I decided to press on, both because I had a lot of day left and because I didn't much care for the people hanging out at the shelter. It's Saturday night on a nice weekend in September; everyone is out camping. I arrived at Hertline Campsite by 6:20pm.
I chatted with some locals and they gave me a canned IPA beer they had found that the previous night's campers had left behind. It was cold and not too horrid for an IPA. After filtering my night's worth of water, I set off to find a camping spot. I wandered the entire campground and didn't find a quiet and flat space. I ended up in a very small, 1-person-tent sized stall, right on the AT, near the water source. There are at least 19 different tents set up, including a large group of boy scouts, as well as a group of late teen/early twenties local boys. There are at least 4 fires going as well.
We shall see how my sleep is tonight. But tomorrow, I only have 18.5 miles into town!
Friday, September 25th, 2015
Start: Duncannon/The Doyle
End: camping beyond Yellow Springs Village Site
Mileage: 25.3 (+0.3 for water)
I started out of Duncannon at 7am sharp. After some road walking, I entered the woods and climbed. I passed over unnamed view (1346'), Table Rock (1347'), Kinter View (1320'), past Horeshoe trail (1650'), and Rattling Run (1533'). I passed by Clarks Ferry Shelter and Peters Mountain Shelter.
Water was hard to find today; I had to ration myself. A number of springs on the map were bone dry. The terrain got more rocky than it has been the entire trip. I couldn't get a rhythm going; every time I almost had one started, the trail would get intensely rocky and interrupt it. The rocks made my feet hurt beyond belief; the ~25 miles took me until 5:45pm. I stopped numerous times to rest my feet in the hope the pain would lessen.
I keep telling myself - it's only one more night and two more days after today. So close and yet so far. Tomorrow I head to the 501 shelter and some takeout dinner.
Thursday, September 24th, 2015
Start: Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse/Boiling Springs
End: Duncannon/The Doyle
Mileage: 25.6 (+0.4 from Allenberry)
This morning, I was up and on the road by 7am. I enjoyed a sticky bun for breakfast before leaving. I was on the trail by 7:15am. The first ~13 miles was flat, predominately walking through farm fields which, while easy, ended up soaking my boots with dew.
Today, I passed by Scott Farm Trail ATC Crew Headquarters, Darlington Shelter, and Cove Mountain Shelter. I climbed up to Darlington Trail (1271'), an unnamed view (1335'), and down Hawk Rock (992'). I had a section of 6 miles that were pretty rocky which made it more challenging to make quick miles.
I arrived in Duncannon at 4:30pm. I made the (perhaps questionable) choice to stay at the Doyle since my feet hurt and I couldn't imagine hiking anymore. One of the owners gave me a ride to the grocery store to resupply. My room is... a room the size of a walk-in closet with a bed. I'm chosing to believe the sheets were washed since they were last used. The one bathroom/shower... has water constantly dripping from the ceiling directly into the shower stall. The owners also make me feel on - edge; because of that, I decided to eat elsewhere in town. Regardless, it's a resupply, shower, bed, electricity, and roof over my head.
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015
Start: Pine Grove Furnace State Park/Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
End: Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse/Boiling Springs
Mileage: 19.2 (+0.4 for Allenberry)
I had a relatively good night sleep at the hostel, though the exit sign glowed very brightly. I was mostly awake by 5am but made myself drowse until 6:20am. I was up and ready to go by 6:30am. One of the caretakers came downstairs at 6:45am to set out breakfast. I ate and hit the trail by 7:15am.
Today's terrain was mostly flat and gentle. There were some sections with rock scrambles but overall, it was easy. Water was readily available. Today, I climbed Pole Steeple (1300') and Center Point Knob (1060'). I passed by James Fry/Tagg Run Shelter and Alex Kennedy Shelter.
I arrived in Boiling Springs at 3:15pm. I visited the ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office and then headed to Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse, only 0.4 off the AT. Allenberry had space for me and housed me in a nice double room for only $40, hiker rate. I got dinner at their restaurant; they kindly made me a veggie pasta dish, despite having nothing on the menu that was veggie other than a side salad.
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015
Start: Rocky Mountain Shelters
End: Pine Grove Furnace State Park/Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
Mileage: 22.8
I was up by 6:30am this morning and on the trail by 7:15am. It rained until around 2am this morning, providing a nice white noise for my sleep. I was alone in the shelter, with two fellows hammocking nearby. It was a peaceful night's rest, all said and done. On the trail in the morning, there was residual rain falling off the trees and bushes for a while. The sun peaked out from behind clouds by mid morning and quickly dried everything out.
Today, I went over several unnamed 2000'+ points on the trail, as well as the official 2015 mid point of the AT. Today's trail was very smooth and had very little in the way of elevation, which allowed me to get to my destination by 3:50pm.
My encouragement for the last few miles was the Pine Grove General Store, which I was told closes at 4pm, rather than 5pm like the guidebook says. On the recommendation of a passing SOBO, I called up the store and asked them to wait for me, in case I arrived past 4pm. The woman was very kind and since the grill closes down at 3:45pm, offered to make me something while I hiked to her. She made me a delicious veggie wrap (with lots of avocado!) and was full of helpful advice. Her kindness made my day. Additionally, a father and his ~10 year old daughter provided me tips on water sources from here to Port Clinton. The hostel here will be open tonight, even though they are set to be closed on Tuesday nights; I called from the shelter last night to check. I'm looking forward to a shower and clean clothes.
Monday, September 21st, 2015
Start: Ensign Cowall Shelter
End: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Mileage: 24.7 (+0.4 for water)
I was up and getting ready at 6:30am; I was packed up and on the trail by 7:15am. I passed by Raven Rock Shelter, Deer Lick Shelters, Antietam Shelter, and Tumbling Run Shelters. I went over Raven Rock Cliff (1297') and Chimney Rocks (1900'). I also crossed from Maryland into Pennsylvania, crossing the Mason - Dixon Line. I arrived at Rocky Mountain Shelters at 5:15pm.
It's been overcast all day; it began raining off and on around 1pm. Early in the day, I was stung by a wasp on my left shin. Shortly after that, I was bit by a black fly on my left upper arm. They both hurt about equally, though the wasp sting has more staying power.
Tomorrow night, I'll be staying at a hostel; I'll get to shower, do laundry, charge my elrctronics, and eat hot food. For this, I am grateful.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Start: Ed Garvey Shelter
End: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Mileage: 24.8 (+0.2 for view and 0.2 for water)
I started out on the trail this morning by 7:15am. In the morning, I still didn't feel like walking the 0.8 miles to the shelter's water source. So I snagged some water from my shelter mates and hoofed it to Gathland State Park, the next source of water. Over the course of the day, I passed by 3 shelters and 3 official tentsites. I climbed White Rock Cliff (1606'), Lambs Knoll (1751'), Washington Monument (1550'), Annapolis Rocks (1820'), and Black Rock Cliffs (1821').
The terrain today was relatively easy, though a bit rocky in places. In my travels, I happened upon no fewer than 2 flush toilets, on trail. There were dozens upon dozens of people day or weekend hiking on the AT. I'm looking forward to less people on the trail as the weekend draws to a close.
I arrived at my destination at 5:30pm. I made the executive decision to set up my tent, rather than risk share a shelter. While putting my food and smellables on the bear pole, I ended up chatting for half an hour with the shelter's only occupant, Chuck, who is section hiking. I'm now happily curled up in my tent, and looking forward to sleeping however I want in the quiet (as quiet as it can be, given a busy road is only 0.2 trail miles away).
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Start: Harpers Ferry Amtrak station
End: Ed Garvey Shelter
Mileage: 6.9 (+~1.0 to ATC from station;+0.2 ATC side trail; +0.1 shelter side trail)
My train arrived late into Harpers Ferry, arriving at 5:35pm rather than 5:20pm, going me 15 minutes less daylight. I quickly hiked my way to the ATC regional office, taking a left to follow the blue-blazed side trail back to the AT. Once I got to the AT, I decided to extend my poles, which had been packed away for travel. I had to fight with them for 10 minutes before they both would extend. Breathing a sigh of relief, I hiked out at pace.
Most of today's miles were flat; many were on the C & O trail. I hiked up Weverton Cliffs and arrived at the shelter at 8pm. As I was hiking in, I saw DOZENS of tents. Apparently, there are many Boy Scout groups camping here, along with locals out for the weekend. I was welcomed by a few local folks who told me water is 0.4 miles from the shelter and down a steep trail, not a particularly good idea in the dark. They kindly gave me a full water bottle full of their water to tied me over for the night. The shelter is relatively empty; it has two levels (ground and loft) and there are two people on each level. I decided to go with loft level, as it's more private and I was hoping no one would be up here.
I made a wicked fast clip for today, (greater than 3 MPH), considering I was in the pitch dark for at least 30 minutes of it. The podcast This American Life was a good choice for night hiking. If the terrain holds, these miles will be gentle, comparatively. Hopefully, I'll get a good sleep and feel energetic in the morning!
Start: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
End: Stratton Motel
Mileage: 13.5
We started out from the lean-to around 6:45am. We climbed over Spaulding Mountain (4,000'), Sugarloaf (3,540'), and then down to South Branch Carrabbasett River (2,100'). From there, we climbed South (4,040') and North (4,228') Crocker Mountains. After that, it was ~5 miles downhill to Maine 27.
We were able to get a ride into town with a trail angel who dropped us off at the Stratton Motel. The new owner, Shane, wasn't at the motel when we showed up but we made ourselves comfortable at the hostel. We ate some food from the small grocery store across the street and showered. Once Shane showed up, we were let into a motel room, which we were all sharing. We ate a hearty dinner at the White Wolf Inn and then hung out in the room until bedtime.
I'm glad for the miles I've done but my body is weary and ready to go home.
Start: Piazza Rock Lean-to
End: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to
Mileage: 16.9
Today, we did the most miles we've done in a day so far. They weren't easy miles either.
We left the shelter aeound 7:15am. We climbed from Piazza Rock Lean-to (2,080') to Saddleback Mountain (4,120') down into a dip and then up to the Horn (4,020'). We got a good trail family picture on Saddleback's summit with all four of us. We then went down past Reddington Stream Campsite (rumored to have giardia [sp] in the water source) (3,170') up to Saddleback Junior (3,655'). We stopped at Poplar Ridge Lean-to for lunch and much needed water, as we skipped over Reddington and it was the first water source since Piazza.
From there, it was down to Orbeton stream (1,550'). We spent some time there, as the water was cool and the stream had some deep pools to swim in. From there, it was up Lone Mountain (3,260'). We made it to Spaulding Mountain Lean-to by 5:45pm and there was once again space for all four of us in the lean-to.
Tomorrow, it's 13.5 miles to Maine 27 and Stratton! It's been an adventure, over what I hear is the harshest section of sustained difficult terrain on the Appalachian Trail but me and my knees are ready to go home!
Start: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
End: Piazza Rock Lean-to
Mileage: 11.2
Today, we started around 7am from the Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to. We had a lot of fairly flat miles today as we went around Little Swift River Pond and South Pond.
We arrived at Maine 4 at 11am; within 10 minutes, a shuttle driven by Stacy, one of the owners of the Farmhouse Inn, stopped and asked us if we'd like a ride into town. She kindly brought us into town, giving us the lay of the land. We had Thai food for lunch, followed by ice cream. We resupplied at the IGA and then the hostel provided us with a free shuttle back to the hostel.
There, we did laundry and some of us showered. The hostel had a lovely set-up, with beds for ~30 guests, with two kitchens and many living room areas. There were multiple TVs with DVD players and a large movie collection. There were plenty of power strips and charging stations. They also had a nice little store with hiking supplies and food stuffs.
We spent the afternoon there, getting a ride back to the trail head at 7pm. We arrived at Piazza Rock Lean-to at 7:45pm and found only Shadow at the lean-to. She was at Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to yesterday evening as well. We have plenty of room in the shelter tonight!
Tomorrow, it's on to Saddleback Mountain and the Horn. ~30 miles to Stratton from here. I expect to be into town by Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
Start: Beyond Old Blue Mountain Summit
End: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Mileage: ~12.6 (+1.2 walking to sandy beach)
I woke up this morning around 6:15am and took my time getting packed up. Backtrack and Stretch came by around 7:45am, expecting Towanda to be with me. It turns out she'd followed me off the mountain the night before but hadn't seen my campsite. We met up with her at Bemis Mountain Lean-to amd continued on together.
Today, we climbed Bemis Range (3,580'), down to Bemis Stream (1,495'), and then around Moxie Pond (2,400'), and Long Pond (2,330'). At Maine 17, Stretch had friends meet up with her and bring sandwiches for all of us! After we settled in at the shelter, we went swimming down at the pond's beautiful sandy beach
Overall, it was an easier day than the ones we've had so far. Tomorrow, we're hiking to Rangeley to get a resupply and then on to Piazza Rock Lean-to for the night. From Rangeley, it's 32.2 miles to Stratton! I expect to be in Stratton by Thursday at the latest.
Start: Pine Ellis Hiker Lodge, Andover
End: camping beyond Old Blue Mountain
Mileage: ~14.4
Today, we started our day at the hostel. We got a shuttle out to the trail head and got on the trail by 7:15am.
We hiked up Wyman Mountain (2,920'), down into Sawyer Notch (1,095'), up over Moody Mountain (2,440'), down to South Arm Road (1,410'), and then up Old Blue Mountain (3,600').
We arrived at the summit of Old Blue by ~4pm. The companions I was traveling with wanted to stay the night at the summit and camp out under a tarp. Due to a number of reasons, I decided I'd rather spend the night below the tree line. I hung out with them at the summit until 5:45pm and then went ~1.5 miles to the first water source, where I found a previously used camping spot.
I quickly set up my tent as I could hear thunder in the distance. I put myself and my things inside just in time to avoid a massive downpour. I enjoyed a relaxed dinner and dessert (Flipz dark chocolate pretzels and a homemade woopie pie - delicious) in my tent. Tomorrow morning, I'll be waiting for my companions to hike by so I can join them. Which means I can sleep in for a bit tomorrow!
Start: Frye Notch Lean-to
End: East B Hill Road, Pine Ellis Hiker Lodge
Mileage: 4.5
Today, we got up at 6:15am and headed out by 7:30am. We all hiked to the road and got there by 9:45. We then spent the next 30 minutes trying to get a ride. We ended up flagging down someone headed the opposite way to make the phone call to the hostel for us once they got service. We got into the hostel by 11am and they just had enough room for us in the bunkhouse. We then spent the rest of the day relaxing, doing laundry, eating food, and resupplying. We celebrated Backtrack's birthday with time in town, a few beers, and a drinking game.
Start: Full Goose Shelter
End: Frye Notch Lean-to
Mileage: 15.5
So the original plan for the day was to see how we felt and either go 12.0 to Baldpate Lean-to or the 15.5 to Frye Notch Lean-to. Towanda started a few minutes after me but needed to go back for her rain jacket so I didn't see her until maybe 11am after I left the shelter at 6:45am. We hiked together until we hit Maine 26, when we met up with Stretch, who is a thru hiker who stayed at Full Goose last night. All three of us agreed we were exhausted and would stay at Baldpate Lean-to. Towanda took the lead after the road crossing, heading for the shelter. Unfortunately, she missed the sign and ended up over the next large mountain before realized the mistake. She ended up continuing on the Frye Notch Lean-to. Stretch and I were confused;we had dinner at the shelter and decided to push on to Frye Notch. We made the two peaks by 7:15pm and hoped to make the shelter by 8pm. Unfortunately, we thought we'd missed the side trail to the shelter so we ended up backtracking quite a ways and then had to turn back around again and continue onward. We made the shelter by 9pm. Thankfully, there was just enough space in the shelter for us.
Today, we hiked over Fulling Mill Mountain (3,395'), through Mahoosuc Notch, up Mahoosuc Arm (3,770'), Old Speck [just shy of peak] (3,985'), Baldpate Mountain West Peak (3,662'), and Baldpate Mountain East Peak (3,810').
On my way down Fulling Mill Mountain, I fell quite hard. There were two folks watching and they were frightened for me. I was surprisingly alright, despite slipping on a log ladder and plummeting ~15 feet down into a crevasse with a sharp rock ridge sticking up in it. I strained my knee and bruised my leg but overall, it turned out shockingly well!
Start: Gentian Pond Shelter
End: Full Goose Shelter
Mileage: 9.6
We started out at 6:45am from the shelter; it was raining when we left though it stopped within a few hours. We ended at the shelter by 3:15pm. We were both tired and decided we'd rather do the Notch tomorrow morning when we're fresh. Time at the shelter also gave us time to set our clothes out to dry.
Today's mileage was rough. There was a lot of steep, wet downhill rocky sections between mountains that were extremely slippery and dangerous. And then the uphill portions were also wet which added difficulty. We hiked up Mt Success (3,565'), passed over the NH-ME state line, hiked up Mt Carlos (3,565'), Goose Eye Mountain East Peak (3,790'), and Goose Eye Mountain North Peak (3,675').
Start: Gorham/US-2
End: Gentian Pond Shelter
Mileage: 11.8
I met up with Beth/Towanda at the White Mountains hostel around 12:30pm. We were out on the trail headed north by 1pm. We hiked until 7:30pm to reach a shelter. It poured buckets of rain until the last hour or two of our hike. We climbed up Mt Hayes (2,555'), Cascade Mountain (2,631'), and Wockett Ledge (2,780'). We also passed by Moss Pond.
Thankfully, the shelter had space. Since the rain had stopped, some hikers had moved to camp outside since the shelter was crowded. Towanda and I found space to sleep for the night. Tomorrow, we'll head into ME and perhaps Mahoosuc Notch, often called the toughest mile on the AT.
Start: Blackrock Hut
End: Rockfish Gap
Mileage: 20.7 (+0.8 side trail and around town)
I woke up early (5:15am), since I went to bed early (8:30pm). I slept pretty well, all things considered. I was packed up and on the trail by 6:15am. I made really good time and arrived at Rockfish Gap/I-64 at 3:15pm.
Today, I hiked over Little Calf Mountain and Bear Den Mountain. I saw a third bear as I was crossing Skyline Drive; it was going north and I, south.
When I arrived at Rockfish Gap, I debated going into Waynesboro. I'd been told they had an AYCE buffet that was tasty. While I debated, a truck pulled up and out came two AT hikers. The fellow offered me a ride into town so I took it. He dropped me off at the CVS where I got a few things before heading to the buffet. My friend picked me up from the buffet around 5:15pm. And thus my hike was complete!
It was an adventure and I seem to have found some modicum of moderation. I met many amazing people while hiking the trail. I encountered many small bits of trail magic and one big act of a trail angel in giving me a replacement trekking pole. I enjoyed many amenities along the trail during this trip and was happy for them. I'm looking forward to my next AT hike!
Start: Smith Roach Gap
End: Blackrock Hut
Mileage: 20.2 (+0.2 side trail)
This morning, my friend dropped me off at Smith Roach Gap at 8am. I made Loft Mountain Campground by 12:45pm and Blackrock Hut by 4:15pm.
Today, I climbed Little Roundtop Mountain, Loft Mountain, and Blackrock. I stopped by Loft Mountain Campground's camp store since it was maybe 50 yards off the trail and ate lunch there.
Today's miles were quick and relatively painless. The mountains flew by. Sadly, I saw no more bears though I saw two deer with antlers.
Tonight, I'm tenting uphill of the shelter. The water source is a piped spring which is running strong. There are three thru hikers (Colonel, Cheese Steak, and another fellow) and four folks vacationing in SNP. Two of the vacationers were playing card games, including Spit and Egyptian Ratscrew.
Since I didn't stay at Loft Mountain Campground but also didn't cancel it, I offered the reservation information to an older thru hiker hoping to stay there tonight. I'm not going to use it and it was already paid for; perhaps they'll let him stay for free.
Start: Big Meadow Lodge
End: Smith Roach Gap
Mileage: 21.6 (+0.2 side trail)
I slept in this morning a bit, getting up at 6:15am. I chatted with my friend and we got breakfast in the dining room when it opened up at 7:30am. I was on the trail for a later start by 8:30am.
Today, I climbed up Hazeltop and Hightop Mountain. My original miles were 17.0 but I made some quick miles and arrived at my final destination by 3pm. I decided to push on and hike 4.6 miles further to the next road crossing and arrived at 5:15pm.
Today's miles were a bit dull compared to the past two days. It was fairly cool (70s and 80s) but it was overcast and muggy. I encountered two thunder storms with turential downpours between 4pm and 6:30pm, as I waited for my friend to arrive to bring me into town.
Start: Brookside Cabins/US 211/Thornton Gap
End: Big Meadow Lodge
Mileage: 17.6 (+0.8 for side trail)
This morning, I was able to get a hitch from a forest ranger out to the trail, arriving by 7am. Unfortunately, one of my water bottles fell out on her car. Thankfully, I have a spare platypus bag which can act as my second water bottle. One of my poles also broke as I was bring it out this morning. I hiked for much of the morning with one pole but around 10am, I met a few women who were just finishing up an overnight hike through part of SNP. We chatted for quite a while and at mentioning I only had one pole, one of them insisted I take one of hers. It was the sweetest trail magic I've ever received. She was truly a trail angel.
I also saw another black bear today. This one growled at me to let me know it felt crowded when I happened upon it so I backed off and gave it space to mosey away.
Today, I climbed Mary's Rock, The Pinnacle, and Stony Man Mountain. The mileage was quick and easy. I arrived at the lodge by 5:15pm. I've had lots of lovely food, showered, and put my clothes on a line to dry. One more day until my zero day and my friend from Charlottesville took my tent and sleeping system so my pack will be lighter!
Start: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel
End: Brookside Cabins
Mileage: 23.9 (+0.5 side trail)
This morning at the hostel, I was up and out by 6:30, getting to the AT by 6:45. I had wonderful sleep last night and started my day in a good mood. The weather was cool (70s) and sunny. Sadly, that changed by 8am when it began to rain. It was rainy, overcast, hot-ish (mid-80s), and humid for the remainder of the day. Thankfully, the hike itself was very smooth.
Today, I went over 8 peaks today, for a total of 6 different mountains, 5 of which were over 3000'. Those included: Compton Peak, North Marshall Mtn, South Marshall Mtn, Little Hogback Mtn, Hogback Peaks 1, 2, & 3, and Pass Mtn. And while I huffed and puffed my way up some small parts, overall it was the smoothest, easiest elevation I've ever done. I finished my miles by 5pm, including an hour break for lunch at the Elkwallow Wayside. I also saw a black bear.
Though some creative manuveuring, I arrived at Brookside Cabins around 7pm. I've eaten at their restaurant and I'm all ready for sleep! Here's to hoping tomorrow will be less rainy.
Start: Dicks Dome shelter
End: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel
Mileage: 19.0 (+0.7 in side trails)
I headed out from the shelter at 6:30am. It was much cooler and less humid than the last two days. I went by Manassas Shelter around 8:15am with a very nice piped spring for water. I took a half hour break around 11am at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter (which was very nice!). After I hit US 522, I climbed for ~4 miles, finally ending within the SNP boundary. I took the Compton Gap side trail to the hostel.
Today was a much easier day than the past two. While the elevation gained was similar, it didn't feel like it. The weather was nicer; humidity less; and more breezy, especially as I climbed higher. I ate lots of food here at the hostel, did laundry, and showered. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, as I begin to hike through the Shenandoahs!
Start: Bears Den Hostel
End: Dicks Dome shelter
Mileage: 18.3 (+0.8 for water and side trails)
I woke up and ate breakfast with one of my hosts. She then took me to Bears Den where she hiked with me for a little while before turning around. The morning that followed was very difficult.
I was on the trail by 7am and it started raining by 7:30am and rained off and on for the next 4-5 hours. This made the humidity even worse than it already was. The actual temperature was around 88-90, but the felt temperature was much higher. It was hard to get my breath and I was climbing a lot. The humidity also made the bugs worse. Thankfully, the rain stopped by 1pm or so and the weather shifted. I escaped the Rollercoster amd headed up into Sky Meadows where I got my first breath of non-humid air in two days.
On my way down to the shelter, I passed by a spring that had dried up. So a local PATC member had brought water to the trail from a nearby parking lot. She had a cold Gatorade and offered it to me. The trail magic was very much appreciated. I arrived at the shelter at 4:50pm. Shortly after, Twanda and Jingle Butt (NOBO thru hikers) arrived and we shared the shelter for the night. We had good conversations about OITNB. Another NOBO thru hiker (Paperclip) tented nearby.
