Day 87 – Route 522 to Whiskey Hollow shelter 

“Keep a-movin’, Dan, don’t you listen to him, Dan.

He’s a devil, not a man.

And he spreads the burnin’ sand with water.

Dan, can you see that big, green tree?

Where the water’s runnin’ free?

And it’s waitin’ there for you and me?

Water, cool, clear water” – Marty Robins

Up at 6:15. Packed up and left the hotel at 7:30. Dana drove us to the trail and took our pictures. We got on the trail at 7:55. 

Very hot and humid. Got a heat advisory from home that the heat index will be near 110 today. It feels like we could swim in the air already this morning.

Stopped to get water and have a second breakfast at the Jim & Molly Denton Shelter 5.2 miles into the day at 10:20. We have 10 miles to go to our camp for today.

Back on the trail at 11:05. It’s 92 in the shade at the shelter. Really humid!

Stopped at a campsite at 12:20 for a break. Slight breeze on this side of the mountain. Still very hot. Back on the trail at 12:45.

Passed through a large meadow full of blackberries.

Crossed over railroad tracks and then under I66.

Took a break at 1:30. It’s stupid hot out here. 1.6 miles to the next shelter and water. Moving again at 1:45.

Got to Manassas Gap shelter at 2:40. Cinderella and one other female hiker are here. It’s ridiculously hot. The local weather service heat index is 107. At least there is shade and water. And a massive infestation of Spotted Lantern flies.

We hung out until 4:45 to let it cool off and generally rest up from the heat. We have 4.7 miles to go to reach our shelter for the night. The other hikers are going to wait a few more hours and night hike to avoid the heat.

My back started hurting after we left the shelter. Very frustrating. At least it was good 2/3 of the day. 

We arrived at Whiskey Hollow shelter at 6:50. No AT&T cell service. Very nice shelter and we have it to ourselves. Got water from a stream and set up camp. Ate dinner about 8:15. 

Plan is to get up early and hike as much as possible before it gets too hot. We have 18.5 miles to Bear’s Den and I want to be there by 6:00. I have a Planning Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. Want to unpack and shower before meeting.

Technical Notes:

• Pop-Tarts 370
• Pop-Tarts 370
• Skittles 100
• Crackers 190
• Turkey sticks 240
• Trail mix 200
• Skittles 100
• Ramen 740
• Dehydrated chicken 170
• Fritos 320
• Water liters 4
• Miles 15.4 
• Time 9 
• Elevation gain 3252
• Calories consumed 3000
• Calories burned 6750