Day 89 – Bear’s  Den hostel to Keys Gap

“Up like a rocket ship

Down like a roller coaster

Back like a loop-the-loop

And around like a merry-go-round” – Freddy Cannon

Up at 5:15. Out at 7:00. We were both slow this morning. Great weather, low humidity. We have 20 miles to go today.

Getting across Route 7 at 7:30 a.m. during rush hour was a challenge! I did not time it, but it was close to 10 minutes before we finally made a break for it. Did not help that the crossing was in part of an S curve. Overkill got an 18-wheeler to blow their air horn again. All good since nobody died. 

Goodbye Virginia. The last 5 weeks have not exactly been fun, but it has been an adventure.

Stopped at Raven Rock for a break.

Not many water options today. Stopped at a spring about 6 miles in for the day and topped off water. 

Finally exited the northern end of the rollercoaster.

Stopped for a snack and to rest my back at 11:30.

Very nice visit with caretaker at Blackburn Trail Center. Thanks for the Dr. Peppers and ice cream.

Called it early at 15 miles at 4:10. Road walked to a gas station convenience store .3 miles down Route 9. Got some food and texted Dana to pick us up there instead of Harpy’s Ferry. We were going to go to this store either way for water and snacks, but Overkill’s feet hurt and we would not get to our intended pickup until near 8:00. We will just change our plans for tomorrow to pick up where we left off today. This works out better in some ways. The ATC  office in Harper’s does not open until 9:00 on weekdays so we would just have had to kill time tomorrow anyway. We both want to stop at ATC office to check in and get our photos taken for the yearbook. Plus we will get to our hotel by 6:00 tonight which is much better as we also need to go shopping for supplies for our next 3 days hiking.

We went to Walmart to resupply then to the hotel. Dana, Overkill, and I had a nice dinner. Back to room to get food packed for the next 3 days. We want to head out at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow. 

I’m exhausted and asleep by 9:30.

Technical Notes:

• Pop-Tarts 370
• Pop-Tarts 370
• Sausage sticks 120
• Skittles 100
• Trail mix 300
• Dr. Pepper 300
• Ice cream sandwich 200
• Hot dog 341
• Chips 400
• Body armor 15
• Body armor 15
• Hershey bar 300
• Misc 4500
• Water liters 5
• Miles 15
• Time 9
• Elevation gain 3100
• Calories consumed 6200
• Calories burned 6000