VA AT hike #1, day 8

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!

VA AT hike #1, day 7

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.

VA AT hike #1, day 6

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.

VA AT hike #1, day 5

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!

VA AT hike #1, day 4

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.

VA AT hike #1, day 3

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!