Day 84 – Pass Mountain Shelter to Gravel Springs Hut

“Almost ablaze, still you don’t feel the heat.

It takes all you’ve got just to stay on the beat.

You say it’s a livin’, we all gotta eat.

But you’re here alone, there’s no one to compete.

If Mercy’s a business, I wish it for you.

More than just ashes when your dreams come true.

Fire! Fire on the mountain.” – The Grateful Dead

Up at 7:20. Out of camp at 8:40. 8.6 miles to Elkwallow Wayside.

Clear, breezy, upper 80s going to mid-90s.

Slept poorly last night. We had a pair of night hikers come by at 2:30 a.m. and get water from the spring behind the cabin.

It’s amazing we can smell day hikers. For example, a group of 8 day hikers walked by us and we both stopped and sniffed the air….deodorant, soap, shampoo. And the smell lingered for a while. 

I have not showered in 6 days and been hiking in the high 90s with crazy humidity. I can just imagine how I smell.

Hiked through last year’s wildfire area for over an hour.

Stopped at 10:40 for a snack.

Having a painful back day again 🙁

Got to Elkwallow Wayside at 12:30. The extended tramily is here. Got a burger and fries. Dried out clothes from yesterday. Took a nap under a tree.

Back is hurting. I shortened up my pack to see if that helps. Rearranged pack contents a bit. Headed out at 3:00. 6.2 miles to camp.

Stopped for a snack and water at 4:10. It’s very hot out here and humid in the green tunnel. We have 3.5 mostly easy miles to go. 

Stopped for a view at 4:30.

Got to Gravel Springs hut at 6:10. Sleeping in tent tonight as I expect a full shelter. Hoping for more airflow in my tent without a rain fly tonight. Two other folks we don’t know are also tenting. 

Camp all set up and changed into camp clothes and got water by 7:10. With the heat and humidity, I have very annoying chafing issues. Will treat that tonight but really looking forward to a bath and a zero day starting tomorrow afternoon in Front Royal. Been 7 days since a shower… ick!

The entire crew is here at the shelter tonight: 23, Polar, Glass, Newt, Puzzler, six-pack, the brothers, me, Overkill. Our mini-bubble. 

Still frustrated about my back. It’s not just the backpack that makes it hurt. Sitting at a picnic table makes it act up as well. Gotta spend time in Front Royal researching this whole back thing.

Technical Notes:

• Pop-Tarts 400
• Fritos 320
• Turkey sausage 120
• Fries 200
• Cheeseburger 600
• Root beer 260
• Candy bar 230
• Chips 150
• Cupcakes 400
• Skittles 100
• Fritos 240
• Ramen 370
• Pulled pork 130
• Slim Jim 390
• Water liters 3.4
• Miles 13.6
• Time 7:30
• Elevation gain 2690
• Calories consumed  3990
• Calories burned 5750