Sunday, April 27, 2025. Sunny, low 46, going up to 70.
Up at 7:00. Had coffee with Ed at home and took care of a few chores. Drove to my favorite diner in Frederick. I got a big breakfast. Headed to Harper’s Ferry at 9:15. Said goodbye to Dana (aka Pitcrew) and hiked on the trail at 9:50.
Nice, cool, breezy day. First several miles is a good solid uphill climb. Took a mid-day break at 12:50 and mile 6 at Route 9 Keys Gap. Ed made a furry friend while we rested.
Stopped at David Lesser shelter for a brief break at 2:35. Ed enjoyed the view and the big swing.
We arrived at Blackburn Trail Center at 4:45. Nobody else here so far. Ed and I took one set of bunk beds in the hiker cabin for tonight.
Got our beds made up, hung up a clothesline to dry out our sweaty shirts and bandannas, and got nice, cold potable water from the well. Relaxed in the rocking chairs on the porch for a bit.
We made dinner at 6:30. It was a little early, but it’s getting chilly. Met the caretaker and chatted for a bit. She also thru-hiked last year.
Headed to bed to read and stay warm at 8:30. Good first day on the trail.
Technical Notes:
- Steak, eggs, and toast – 954
- Smoked sausage – 120
- Trail mix – 160
- Curry noodles – 450
- Dehydrated chicken – 170
- Payday – 250
- Water liters: 1.7
- Miles: 13.28
- Time: 6:37
- Elevation gain: 2764
- Elevation descent: 1629
- Calories consumed: 2104
- Calories burned: 2780
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