Day 79 – Rockfish Gap to Blackrock Hut

“Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah River –
Life is old there
Older than the trees
Younger than the mountains
Growing like a breeze” – John Denver

Sunny with a high of 78. 

Up at 6:15, on the road at 7:35. Got to the trail and did some stretching. Researched back stretching. Will see if any of it helps. 

OMG does my pack feel heavy after slackpacking several days. Carrying 2.7 liters of water does not help. 

We are off at 7:52 on our next big leg of this adventure. The Shenandoahs beckon us.

Stopped for a snack at 8:55 and 2.4 miles. Breezy and low 70s…actually chilly!

Stopped for a quick break at 10:20 and 5 miles on Bear Den Mountain. We are at the big communications towers and weather radar installation and the famous tractor seats. Great place to sit.

Crossed over Little Calf Mountain and Calf Mountain around  11:45. Stopped for water at a spring .2 miles off trail at 12:05. Had lunch at the spring before getting back on trail at 12:45

Took a break at 3:15.

Took a break at 4:30.

Had an interesting encounter with a doe. She has no fear of people.

YouTube video of deer 

Took a break for water at 5:45.

Low bridge.

Got to Blackrock Hut at 7:30. There are a dozen of us here. No room in the hut. Set up tent and finalized camp by 8:00. One bar cell service and good water supply at camp. Made dinner and got settled into tent by 9:05. 

Long day without much to see. At least the weather was nice. Another even longer 22-mile day tomorrow. But we have a wayside at mile 7 for resupply and a hot lunch!!! Will be eating at waysides and camp stores almost daily starting tomorrow. Hope to leave camp by 7:00 so we can get to shelter by 6:30  tomorrow evening. Easier days after tomorrow.

Back hurt a bit later in the day, but not as bad as the last few days.

Technical Notes:

• Mini donuts 190
• Half a waffle 400
• Little Debbie oatmeal pie 240
• Payday mini 90
• Skittles 120
• Turkey sausage x4 160
• Payday mini 90
• Payday mini 90
• Turkey sausage x4 160
• Trail mix 200
• Fig bars 200
• Trail Mix 170
• Fritos 500
• Dehydrated Beef 165
• Ramen 740
• Water liters 4.7
• Miles 20.9 + .4
• Time 11:30
• Elevation gain 4888
• Calories consumed  4000
• Calories burned 7500