Day 81 – Hightop Hut to Lewis Mountain campground 

“You know what, Stuart? I like you.

You’re not like the other people here, in the trailer park.” – The Dead Milkmen

Mostly sunny, windy, 67 going up to low 80s.

Up at 7:45. Ate, packed, and hit the trail at 9:20.  Nice lazy morning as we only have about 12.5 miles today. 

Starting the day with a .7-mile steep climb to the top of Hightop Mountain. This will be the worst climb of the day.

Crossed US 33 and Skyline Drive at 10:45. Went to the entrance station to get water and have a second breakfast.

Stopped at the South River picnic area at 12:40. 6.5 miles down, 5.2 more to Lewis Mountain campground. We watched 4 different women walk up to the pit toilet building, open the door, look in, shake their heads, and walk away. We used the same toilet and thought, this is pretty nice for a park toilet. Damn civilians.

Stopped to get water at 2:30. We have 2 miles to the camp store. 

Got to Lewis Mountain campground at 3:40. Got some trail magic from a fellow hiker and his family. We got a campsite for $30 and were all set up by 4:30. Picked up some small resupply at the camp store. Need a few things. Will do a big resupply tomorrow at Big Meadow Wayside.

We had 3 other hikers ask to share our camp space tonight. Folks we have spent time at shelters with on and off for the past week or so: Glass, Polar, Newt. One tent and two cowboy campers.

YouTube video of Lewis Mountain campground.

Technical Notes:

• Pop-Tarts 370
• Mini donuts 450
• Little Debbie oatmeal pies 240
• Turkey sausage 120
• Cheese crackers 250 
• Trail mix 300
• Sausage 150
• Cupcakes 400
• Root beer 220
• Sandwich 360
• Sandwich 360
• Seltzer 600
• Cupcakes 400
• Pringles 400
• Water liters 2.7
• Miles 11.6
• Time 6
• Elevation gain 2768
• Calories consumed  5300
• Calories burned 5400