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.