I can think of nothing more asinine than a bunch of privileged white kids singing a rap song about oppression and the klan, yet that is what I heard when I walked up to get my food bag out of the bear box. I wonder if the little punks even know what the klan is. We got packed up as fast as we could to get out of there.
We have been through several bubbles up to this point. We had the weather bubble in Gatlinburg. We had the March fast hikers pass us around Hot Springs. We had the March bubble pass us just after Damascus. We are in the process of having the April fast bubble pass us. After these guys get around us in another week or so, we will have another lull on the trail for a couple of weeks until the big April bubble passes us. My the time we get to New Jersey, we should be behind the bulk of everyone still standing. We had hoped to get to the 100 mile wilderness by the third week of August so our friends, Peter and Marcia can join us for the last bit and summit Katahdin with us. We met Peter and Marcia in Scotland a few years ago and they both thru-hiked back in the 70s before the trail was so crowded.
We went fast, for us, but we still had our morning coffee before going. Chad and Shay got out about 15 minutes before us, so we didn’t see them at all while hiking. We are going to meet them at Mountainhome Cabbin and go into Front Royal for supper before Shay heads home.
As has become the norm, we started out in fog, high humidity, and heat. From there, it only got worse. Bunny’s hips were hurting so we didn’t go quite as fast as we had planned. The rain didn’t help her move fast, it it did help cool things off. I still prefer rain to heat for hiking. A hot, sunshiney day is the worst hiking weather for me. I’m more than willing to take rain and/or snow over the heat.
As soon as we stepped out of Shenandoah, the trail changed from smooth to rocky and steep. The trail maintenance wanted to emphasize the fact that we had really been spoiled in the park and they wanted to remind us that we were reentering reality (and maybe foreshadow a little of PA for us)
We were aiming to get to the hostel by 3 but we ended up closer to 4. Shay was already showered and Chad was showering. They waited for us to get cleaned up before we drove into town. First stop was the outfitter. Chad needed a few small things. We looked around but didn’t get anything.
It’s always best to eat before food shopping, so we headed to the Blue Winged Frog for supper. We all got the 1/2# burgers and a beer. Bunny couldn’t finish hers so I took care of it and her left over potatoes.
Last stop was a small resupply to carry us a few days into Harpers Ferry. As we were checking out, Bunny reminded me we were supposed to get some ice cream. I ran over to the freezer section. The prices for 1/2 pints were more expensive than getting a half gallon (which is only 3 pints) so I got 2 bigger containers instead. I’m always economical.
We got home and said goodbye to Shay. Chad had a couple beers and took a nap. I decided to open the ice cream since we had skipped dessert. To save dishes, I ate right out of the carton. Yada yada yada, I ate the entire container. Don’t forget, the half gallon challenge is coming up in less than 150 miles so I’ve got to be ready. Practice makes perfect.
EFG