Sunday, June 22

For the near future, when I write "we" it refers to Samson, Animal, and me. Samson has hiked with several people since Campfire left but recently struck out on his own because he needs to be in Harpers Ferry on the 27th to meet some family members. Animal and I ran into Samson at a trailside hamburger stand and I mentioned that we expected to be in Harpers Ferry on the 27th. Samson instantly endorsed our plan right down to the waking up at 5:30 AM. I'm glad to have him along. Samson loves doing this more than anyone I know, including me. He loves hiking, he loves being in town, he even enjoys the campsite work that I find tedious. He is a cheerleader when someone is having a bad day or talking about leaving. Plus he is a smart guy and a good hiker.

A Shenandoah View


We just beat a storm into camp. Everyday in Shenandoah has brought a late afternoon thunderstorm. My MSR tent has really proven itself. Not a drop has gotten inside. Today we went faster and faster as we watched the clouds stack up. Animal set a fast pace on the last uphill mile and we made it into Pass Mountain Hut just as the rain started to fall. We ate our dinner and watched it rain, hail, and thunder for two hours. Lots of hikers came running in soaked through. Its a full house in the shelter. I pitched my tent after the rain stopped and I'm out here doing some writing and reading. I'm working on No County for Old Men and liking it.

All's well.

Bear Pole and Privey


Pass Mountain Hut. Today - 18.8 miles, Total - 931.1 miles.

Monday, June 23

A short day today dictated by awkwardly spaced huts. It had to be 13 or 24 miles. Not to worry, the short day is accounted for in the plan. We will still hit Harpers Ferry for lunch on the 27th. Our PM storm came early today and made the short day seem even better. For the second straight day we just beat it it.

We will leave Shenandoah in the morning. I have mixed feelings about the park. Its horribly commercial, not at all what I think a national park should be. There were constant traffic noises, crowded huts, and overpriced gift shops catering to car tourists. I liked it anyway. The scenery was fantastic. Deer, grouse, and turkey stared at me like I was an intruder. The rangers and volunteers were friendly and helpful. While I complain about commercialization, I didn't miss too many hamburger stands.

Hiking through Mountain Laurel


I was excited to visit Shennie because I wanted to see if the park met my recollections of a childhood visit. Looking back on that first visit, what I remember most are the countless deer and the the hamburger stands. This time, my most vivid memories are of deer charging through our campground at 3:00 AM. I liked tailgating from Bo's truck at a road crossing. Shenandoah hasn't changed at all. Its still a city dwellers version of wilderness. I suppose some place like it should exist. I like it but I like leaving it also. Back to the empty woods and carrying my own food.

All's well.

Gravel Springs Hut. Today - 13.1 miles, Total - 944.2 miles.

Tuesday, June 24

Today could hardly have been better. We left Shenandoah in the morning. Temps were perfect all day and there was no afternoon storm. On gentle terrain, we did 13 miles by 1:00 PM. We were making such good time we decided to take a break and hitch a ride into Front Royal, a nearby town. We got a ride quickly and ate lunch at a good pizza and sub place. Of course we ate like pigs. The waitress, Tess, was friendly and kept our sodas filled. We did a quick resupply at Food Lion then Tess gave us a ride back to the trail. The old Vegas charm worked on her. Now I am in a cheesecake stupor in one of the nicest shelters I have seen. It is new and roomy and has a big porch. It is so nice I am sleeping in it instead of in my tent. Animal is sleeping on the porch under the stars. I'm sharing the shelter with Samson, Pixie, and Holler.

The Denton Shelter

Quick Notes:
- I have a new pair of North Face Prophecy trail runners. I highly recommend them to anyone contemplating a thru-hike. Make sure to get spare laces in advance through.
-Eight ticks in 5 1/2 days in Shenandoah. I'm trying repellent on my ankles.
- Trail rumor says that Donnie, who I last saw going into Urgent Care in Daleville, is back on the trail.
- Pegasus and Unicorn say they got some medicine that kills ticks on Ginny the dog quickly. Is there a people version?
- Trail rumor says that Gouda left the trail. Best wishes.
-Thanks to Tess. I don't think she knows the phrase "trail angel" but she is one.

All's well.

Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. Today - 18.6 miles, Total - 962.8 miles.

Wednesday, June 25

I'm trying to figure out where to stay in Harpers Ferry and how to get myself to Washington DC for a day of tourism. Normally I would do that in 15 minutes on the Internet. Here with no Internet and intermittent cell service its almost impossible. I guess I'll figure it our when I get there.

Meadow Hiking


Not much to report today.

All's well.

Rod Hollow Shelter. Today - 18.3 miles, Total - 981.1 miles.

Thursday, June 26

Tough day today. We did the Roller Coaster, a 13 mile section of steep ups and downs. It got hot so we did a short side hike to Bear's Den hostel for some AC and ice cream. Very nice place. It didn't fit my plans but it would have been a good place to stay. Instead we moved on to Blackburn Trail Center, another hostel. They served a great pasta dinner.

Roller Coaster Warning Sign


Bear's Den Hostel


All's well.

Blackburn Trail Center. Today - 17.8 miles, Total - 998.9 miles.

Friday, June 27

Into town for some R&R. Harpers Ferry is an attractive historic city and I am looking forward to exploring the area.

Almost Half Way!


State Line


Informal 1000 Mile Mark


All's well.

Harpers Ferry, WV. Today - 12.0 miles, Total - 1010.9 miles.