Tag: 2024

  • Day 89 – Bear’s  Den hostel to Keys Gap

    Day 89 – Bear’s  Den hostel to Keys Gap

    Today’s Miles: 14.4

    Trip Miles: 1028.1

    “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.

    Morning view at Bear’s Den overlook

    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. 

    Crossing Route 7 at rush hour

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

    Goodbye to Virginia…finally

    Stopped at Raven Rock for a break.

    Chuck at Raven Rock

    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.

    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.

    Blackburn Trail Center welcome sign

    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.

    Gas station convenience store .3 miles down Route 9 from Keys Gap

    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.

    Day 89 Map – Bear’s  Den hostel to Keys Gap

    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
  • Day 88 – Whiskey Hollow shelter to Bear’s Den hostel

    Day 88 – Whiskey Hollow shelter to Bear’s Den hostel

    Today’s Miles: 18.2

    Trip Miles: 1013.7

    “But I would walk five hundred miles

    And I would walk five hundred more

    Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles

    To fall down at your door” – The Proclaimers

    Up at 5:10. On trail at 6:30. I was slow getting moving.

    Very humid even before the sun came up today. Gonna be another hot day. Really nothing much to take pictures of on trail in NOVA.

    Stopped at 7:30 for a break.

    Crossed US 50 at Ashby Gap at 8:40. Heavy traffic. Overkill got an 18-wheeler to blow their air horn for us. 5.2 miles down, 13 more to go.

    Stopped to fill up water and eat at 9:30 and 6.4 miles in for today. Back on trail at 10:00.

    At 11:20 we entered the southern end of the Virginia rollercoaster. It’s named that because abuse it is a series of ups and downs with no break. See map below.

    Entering the Virginia Rollercoaster

    We ran into self-service trail magic less than a mile before the 1000-mile mark. Sodas on ice. Cool! Hitting the 1000-mile mark is a big deal.

    Self-service trail magic
    1000 mile marker!

    Stopped for water at 5:00. We have 1.7 hard miles to go.

    Got to Bear’s Den hostel at 6:20. Got checked-in, unpacked, showered, and ready for the Poolesville Planning Commission meeting just in time for meeting start at 7:00. Meeting only lasted until 8:00. I ate dinner afterwards.

    Bear’s Den hostel

    We both bought the hiker package at the hostel: bunk, shower, laundry, frozen pizza, pint of ice cream, and a soda for $40.

    Read till 11:00 then tried to sleep. Hot in the bunk room and up at 5:00 a.m. 🙁

    Day 88 Map – Whiskey Hollow shelter to Bear’s Den hostel

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Beef Bites 300
    • Trail mix 170
    • Skittles 130
    • Beef Bites 250
    • Skittles 190
    • Trail Mix 210
    • Beef Bites 150
    • Skittles 200
    • Dr Pepper x2 300
    • Mug root beer x2 320
    • Frozen pizza 1200
    • Water liters 5
    • Miles 18.6
    • Time 12 
    • Elevation gain 4586
    • Calories consumed 4000
    • Calories burned 7700
  • Day 87 – Route 522 to Whiskey Hollow shelter 

    Day 87 – Route 522 to Whiskey Hollow shelter 

    Today’s Miles: 14.2

    Trip Miles: 995.5

    “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.

    Chuck and Overkill leaving Front Royal
    Chuck and Overkill leaving Front Royal

    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.

    Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

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

    92 in the shade and 90% humidity

    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.

    meadow full of blackberries

    Crossed over railroad tracks and then under I66.

    Crossing under I-66

    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.

    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. 

    Whiskey Hollow shelter

    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.

    Day 87 Map – Route 522 to Whiskey Hollow shelter

    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
  • Day 86 – Zero in Front Royal, VA

    Day 86 – Zero in Front Royal, VA

    Today’s Miles: 0

    Trip Miles: 981.3

    “I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand

    Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand

    Life is good today” – Zac Brown

    Up at 7:30. I went to the lobby and had coffee while Dana slept. Planned out the hike for the next week so that we can confirm supplies and timing for our next two meetups.

    Went to IHOP for my first real breakfast in over 2 months. Then got a much-needed haircut. Went to the laundromat and got all my clothes cleaned. Dana ran back to the hotel and gave Overkill a ride to the laundromat so she could do her laundry as well.

    Vicki arrived about 12:30 with our cousin Jeff. He came to visit. For the day. Very nice surprise. We had lunch together then hung out at the hotel for a bit while I worked on packing food and getting my pack ready. They headed out about 3:00. 

    Chuck and Vicki in Front Royal
    Jeff and Vicki viiting in Front Royal

    Overkill and I permethrinated our clothes in the motel parking lot. Very hiker trashy. We also made hotel reservations for Harper’s Ferry 3 nights from now.

    I worked on getting 8 days of blogs uploaded. I will have them done before I go to bed. 

    Spent some time reviewing documents and prepping for the Poolesville Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday night. We will be at Bear’s Den hostel and I should have a good internet connection to attend the meeting virtually.

    Went out to a late dinner. Then got all packed up for tomorrow. 

    We have 15.5 miles to go and want to leave the motel at 7:30. The only hard part tomorrow is a 2.5-mile climb to start the hike. It’s going to be hot so we want to knock that out early.

    I am sending a few things home with Dana:

    • schnozzle – does not fit my new sleep pad
    • Bad pump sack that came with the new sleep pad
    • rain jacket – have not used it in over a month 
    • ball cap – goes with the rain jacket to fill out the hood
    • Apple watch and charger – uses too much power 
    • convertible shorts – too heavy. Will get them back in New England 

    I added a 4 oz camp towel. We will have showers available at several camp sites in the future, and there are some swimming possibilities as well.

    Overall, it was a nice and much-needed day off. Wonderful to spend time with Dana. This may be the last full day we get together until Katahdin.

    Technical Notes:

    • Not tracking on town day.
    • Water liters: 0
    • Miles: 0
    • Time: 0
    • Elevation gain: 0
    • Calories consumed:  n/a
    • Calories burned: n/a
  • Day 85 – Gravel Springs Hut to Route 522

    Day 85 – Gravel Springs Hut to Route 522

    Today’s Miles: 13.8

    Trip Miles: 981.3

    “Well, I know Monday morning, I’ll be back on the fence-line,

    But it’ll be alright.

    ‘Cause that pretty little girl says she’s gonna be all mine,

    I’m gonna see her next Friday night.” – Chris Ledoux

    Up at 6:30. Ate breakfast and packed up. Topped off water and on trail at 8:00.

    Slept great without my rain fly. Clear, breezy, 70s going up to high 80s.

    Dana is picking us up about 2:30 to go into Front Royal. Will give her an updated ETA around noon.

    View at 9:00. Last good view in the Shennies.

    Last good view in the Shennies

    Stopped for second breakfast at 9:20. We have 10.5 miles to go.

    Stopped for water at 11:30. Texted Dana with our ETA.

    Nice piped spring

    Back is killing me today. Undid yesterday’s pack adjustments. Gotta figure this out as it’s impacting my hiking in a big way.

    Exited the park around 1:30.

    Leaving Shenandoah park

    Stopped at Tom Floyd shelter for a break at 1:50. Dana is on her way to meet us at Route 522 at 3:30. We have 3 miles to go.

    Tom Floyd shelter

    We arrived at Route 522 at 3:30. Dana got here about 5 minutes before us. Dana greeted us with cold Twix bars, Dr Pepper, Gatorade, and adult beverages. She also brought a set of “loaner clothes” for Overkill. This is awesome as we both need to take EVERYTHING we have to the laundromat after this past week. 

    We checked into the Super 8, showered, unpacked, figured out our resupply needs, and went to Walmart. We only need a few things from the store as Dana brought a ton of resupply items in the form of 3 resupply boxes that I skipped in Virginia. We mainly need Permethrin from Wally World to treat our clothes. 

    Super 8 motel in Front Royal
    Major resupply in Front Royal thanks to Pitcrew

    Had a nice group dinner at TGI Fridays (I wanted a steak), then back to the hotel and crashed early. I was exhausted. Guess the week and the heat caught up with me.

    Shenandoah was a great 7 days. It was nice to be able to get real food almost every day (other than day 1) at the waysides and camp stores. People watching ranged from fun to hilarious. Oh, those silly civilians out and about with Mother Nature:) It was nice to hang with the extended tramily for most of a week. Not sure how much the group will spread out going forward. Also, a few are making noises about stopping their hikes at Harpers Ferry. We will see who we run into after our much-needed zero.

    Shenandoah was also a major milestone both mentally and geographically. We are nearing the halfway mark, but leaving Shenandoah behind us just feels like we have moved on to a new phase in our trek. 

    For the next 10 days or so, we will be hiking in my backyard. I know the area and the trail quite well as this is where I  do my day hikes and overnighters. The terrain is pretty easy (relatively flat). Even the Virginia roller coaster is fairly easy compared to what we have already hiked. Once we get within half a day of Harpers Ferry and into MD and southern PA, we hope to knock out a lot of 20+ mile days.

    Our plan is to be in Harper’s Ferry in 3 days (2 nights), spend one night, then knock out Maryland in a little over 2 days (2 nights). Dana will meet us near Waynesboro, PA, to drive us to Walmart to resupply and have lunch. Then we will crush PA to Duncannon on the Susquehanna in about 4 days. We have not made concrete plans after Duncannon yet, but we plan to do big miles up to Lehigh, PA.

    Day 85 Map – Gravel Springs Hut to Route 522

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 740
    • Turkey sausage 80
    • Beef bites:  100
    • Mini payday: 100
    • Trail mix: 150
    • Beef bites: 200
    • Crackers with cheese: 350
    • Snickers: 250
    • Dinner: 2000
    • Misc: 500
    • Seltzer: 700
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 13.6
    • Time: 8
    • Elevation gain: 2207
    • Calories consumed:  6400
    • Calories burned: 6700
  • Day 84 – Pass Mountain Shelter to Gravel Springs Hut

    Day 84 – Pass Mountain Shelter to Gravel Springs Hut

    Today’s Miles: 13.6

    Trip Miles: 967.5

    “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.

    2023 wildfire burn area

    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.

    Lunch break at Elk Wallow Wayside

    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.

    View overlooking Skyline Drive

    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.

    Day 84 Map – Pass Mountain Shelter to Gravel Springs Hut

    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
  • Day 83 – Rock Springs Hut to Pass Mountain Shelter 

    Day 83 – Rock Springs Hut to Pass Mountain Shelter 

    Today’s Miles: 15.10

    Trip Miles: 953.9

    “I can’t hide it in a closet

    I can’t stuff it in a trunk

    I always know there’s treasure buried somewhere in the junk

    I can’t keep my roots from showing

    But I’m still dishwater blonde

    And I can’t keep my white trash off the lawn” – Miranda Lambert 

    Up at 6:10. On trail at 7:40. No surprise, nothing dried last night. Packed all my wet clothes in a Ziploc. We will be at a picnic area around 1:00. I’ll lay everything out to dry on a picnic table.

    Clear, 70s going up to los 90s, breezy.

    Day 83 morning view of Shenandoah valley

    Arrived at Skyland at 9:35 and 4.7 miles for Starbucks. Latte, OJ, muffin, and two sandwiches for lunch. Nice!

    Skyland Resort

    Overkill did a small resupply at the gift shop and I picked up some jerky. Our next resupply is Elkwallow Wayside late tomorrow afternoon. Got a second latte and sat at a table in the sun to dry some clothes … getting our hiker trash on this morning.

    Enjoyed a long break at Skyland. As we were getting ready to leave we ran into Glass, 23, Newt, and Polar who spent the night here. They were getting a real sit-down lunch before hitting the trail. As we said bye to them, the brothers walked out of the woods. We camped with them last night but we left over an hour before they got moving. 

    We got on trail at 11:15. We have 4.3 miles to the Pinnacle Picnic Grounds.

    Nice view and some rock climbers. 

    Nice view
    Rock climbers in Shenandoah

    We arrived at the Pinnacle Picnic Grounds at 1:20. Great potable water source, trash cans, and bathroom. Put some clothes out to attempt to dry, but the sun has gone behind the clouds for now. May rain in a few hours. Ah…the drying power of a hot rock and the sun. We will both have dry clothes to switch into tonight! Can you say hiker trash?

    Drying clothes at Pinnacle Picnic Grounds

    Chatted with Beast, the ridge runner for Shenandoah. Back on trail at 2:15. We have 6.9 miles to go to camp. 

    Quick food and water break at 3:00 on top of The Pinnacle. Nice views. It’s really hot and humid this afternoon!

    Next stop is US Route 211 at the Panorama parking area in 3.8 miles. Water and bathrooms.

    Chuck on The Pinnacle
    Overkill lounging on The Pinnacle

    Took a blue blaze up to Mary’s Rock to check out the view. Nice.

    Mary’s Rock

    YouTube video of Mary’s Rock 

    Chuck and an AT sign in Shenandoah

    Stopped at Panorama parking area at 5:30 to use bathrooms, top off water, and take a break before the big ascent up to the shelter for tonight. Nice place. Surprised how few cars for a holiday weekend.

    Panorama parking area

    Got to Pass Mountain hut at 6:45. We were the first ones here, so picked the best spots in the shelter and only two good places to hang our packs. Polar and 23 arrived about 30 minutes after us. An annoying guy from last night is here also. Snores like you would not believe. The brothers got here, and then Glass and Newt got here about 8:00. 

    I packed out a roast beef sandwich from Skyland and had that for an appetizer. Made spicy ramen for an entree with Skittles for dessert. A well-balanced meal!

    Overall, it was a very good day. I had almost no back pain and felt good all day. I really enjoyed hiking for the first time in several weeks. It was hotter than hell with the humidity today again. It felt like swimming through the green tunnel at times. 

    Day 83 Map – Rock Springs Hut to Pass Mountain Shelter

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Chocolate muffin 400
    • OJ 210
    • Latte 235
    • Turkey sandwich 400
    • Latte 235
    • Crackers 150
    • Skittles 100
    • Trail mix 200
    • Trail mix 400
    • Turkey sausage 80
    • Trail mix 100
    • Roast beef sandwich 400
    • Spam 230
    • Ramen 450
    • Water liters 6
    • Miles 15.6
    • Time 8:30
    • Elevation gain 3009
    • Calories consumed  4000
    • Calories burned 6500
  • Day 82 – Lewis Mountain campground to Rock Springs Hut

    Day 82 – Lewis Mountain campground to Rock Springs Hut

    Today’s Miles: 12.5

    Trip Miles: 938.8

    “Just about 200 years ago, they signed that declaration

    Tellin’ everybody in the whole wide world

    They’re gonna start a brand new nation

    From that day on, the Fourth of July has been a holiday

    To the rich man, poor man

    And everybody else but the cowboys in the RCA” – Chris Ledoux

    Up at 6:00. Out at 7:35. Glass, Polar, and Newt left about 7:15 and headed to pamper themselves at Skyland Resort today.

    Fun rock scramble this morning on Bearfence Mountain.

    Overkill rock scrambling on Bearfence Mountain
    Overkill at top of Bearfence Mountain
    Overkill descending off of Bearfence Mountain

    Stopped for a snack break at 10:30. And a random rabbit.

    Random rabbit in Shenandoah

    Mileage graffiti next to a parking lot. 925 miles down and 1269 miles to go. Well, close enough. Those numbers are a year or two old.

    Helpful Mileage graffiti

    Got to Big Meadow Wayside at 11:50. Time for food and blackberry milkshakes!

    Big Meadow Waysid

    Resupplied for the next 3 days. Not counting on quality resupply other than snacks at the next two waysides. The brothers showed up as we were finishing our lunch. They are headed to the same shelter as us for tonight.

    The rain got here at 2:00. We are just hanging out at the Wayside until the worst of the storm passes. Us and a ton of civilians. We have 5 miles to go to reach our shelter for the night. And it’s uphill the last mile again. 

    We left  in drizzling rain at 3:00. Stopped by Big Meadows Lodge just to check it out.

    Big Meadows Lodge

    Then hiked up to Blackrock Overlook for a great post-storm view of the Shenandoah Valley.

    Blackrock Overlook
    Chuck at Blackrock Overlook

    We have a relatively easy 3.9 miles to Rock Spring hut. Should be there about 4:45. Not sure if I will use the hut or pitch my tent. 

    Ran across Mom and two babies with no fear of people.

    Mom and two babies

    OMG is it hot! After the storm, the sun came out, and I can literally see the steam rising from the forest. 

    Got to Rock Spring hut at 5:50. One other person here, and the brothers are tenting here. One bar cell and good cold water. It’s ridiculously humid and has zero air movement. Everything we wore is soaked, and there is no chance of drying tonight. Welcome to July in the mid-Atlantic!

    Rock Spring hut

    Got settled in and made dinner at 7:00. It rained again, but it was slow and steady as opposed to the downpour this afternoon. I took an upper bunk in the shelter. It’s two-tiered and can sleep 8-10 comfortably.

    Day 82 Map – Lewis Mountain campground to Rock Springs Hut

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Hershey bar 210
    • Sausage snacks 300
    • Skittles 100
    • Sausage snacks 140
    • Skittles 70
    • Blackberry milkshake 400
    • Cheeseburger 600
    • Root beer 260
    • Fritos 370
    • Blackberry milkshake 400
    • Backpackers pantry: Santa Fe rice and beans 590
    • Pringles 300
    • Water liters: 4
    • Miles: 12.6
    • Time: 8
    • Elevation gain: 2219
    • Calories consumed:  4200
    • Calories burned: 5700
  • Day 81 – Hightop Hut to Lewis Mountain campground 

    Day 81 – Hightop Hut to Lewis Mountain campground 

    Today’s Miles: 11.6

    Trip Miles: 926.3

    “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.

    View from Hightop Mountain
    Black snake in Shenandoah

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

    Water at entrance station at US 33 and Skyline Drive

    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.

    South River picnic area

    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.

    Lewis Mountain campground tent setup

    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.

    Newt, Glass, and Polar joined us in the camp site
    Newt, Glass, and Polar joined us in the camp site

    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
  • Day 80 – Blackrock Hut to Hightop Hut

    Day 80 – Blackrock Hut to Hightop Hut

    Today’s Miles: 21.3

    Trip Miles: 914.7

    “Cause I love the long shots, and the left-out lost causes

    And hangin’ out in the back of the pack with the dark horses

    I ride the wrong road just as fast as I can

    And God knows there’s no one else to blame

    Sometimes I think I get off on the pain” – Gary Allan

    Upper 50s going up to mid-80s, low humidity, mostly sunny, nice breezes. Perfect hiking weather. 

    Up at 6:15. On trail at 7:20. 21.4 miles today with a camp store and a wayside at the 1/3 mark. Super excited.

    Ran into a massive rock field at about 1.5 miles. Glad I did not have to walk that…yet. That starts in northern PA.

    Rock slide in Shenandoah

    Took advantage of a picnic area at 8:30  for a snack, ditch trash, and use the privy. Nice picnic area and clean bathroom …for a pit toilet it was clean. 

    First picnic area in Shanendoah

    We road walked on Skyline Drive for about 2 miles to avoid a big trail climb. Only saw 3 cars. That will change in 2 days as July 4 approaches. We expect BIG crowds in the park for the long July 4 weekend.

    A damn bee stung me through my sock. Ouch. What did I do to him to deserve that?

    Shortcut by the amphitheater at Loft Mountain. It’s a beautiful day. Almost to the camp store for a break and resupply.

    amphitheater at Loft Mountain

    Arrived at the Loft Mountain camp store at 10:30. Did a 1.5-day resupply. Trying to keep it light. Picked up a Hershey bar and a fresh cup of coffee. Overkill took the opportunity to borrow an outlet and charge some electronics. Texted with Vick and she is going to join us for lunch in Front Royal on Monday. Sweet!

    Sat and drank my coffee and ate my Hershey bar with this view before heading to the grill at the Wayside. Nice!

    Coffee, Hershey Bar, nice view for breakfast

    Headed to the Wayside for brunch at 11:30. Easy walk downhill. Good food, not much resupply, hiker trash infestation.

    Loft Mountain Wayside

    This is lunch part 1.

    Loft Mountain Wayside lunch part 1

    And this is lunch part 2.

    Loft Mountain Wayside lunch part 2

    Saved the chips for snacks later in the day. Headed out at 12:50. We have about 13.5 more miles to go today. Hope to be to camp by 7:30.

    Stopped at an overlook on the BRP for a snack and a break at mile 11.8 for today. Nice view east to Grottoes. 

    Looking east towards Grottoes, VA

    Took a quick break at 3:30 at the summit of Weaver Mountain. We have 1.1 miles downhill to Simmons Gap Ranger Station where we can get potable water and take a good break. 

    We hit the 900-mile mark !

    900-mile mark

    At 4:10 we stopped for water and a break at Simmons Gap Ranger Station. It’s a beautiful afternoon.

    Simmons Gap Ranger Station

    Back on trail at 4:30. We have 6.4 miles to go to camp.

    Took a good break at 6:00. We have 3.4 more miles to go mostly up.

    Break and snack at 7:00. 1.8 more to go

    Last 1 mile was a real bitch of an uphill. Just what we needed to end the day.

    Got to Hightop Hut at 7:55. One bar cell service. Nobody else here so far.

    Camp setup and starting dinner at 8:30.  

    We ended up with the entire campsite to ourselves. Us and the RATS in the shelter. Yuck! Ate dinner and in bed in my tent at 9:45.

    Long day but good day. The stops at the camp store and the Wayside were great. Really broke the day up plus ….food! At one road crossing later in the day people stopped their truck and offered us water and snacks. Very nice. 

    In our last 6 hiking days we have 2 days in the 19 range and 4 over 20. We are feeling those miles. For the next 5 days we will be staying under 15 per day. Trying to actually enjoy the scenery and amenities in Shenandoah a bit and take it a little easier on the body.  We will reach Lewis Mountain campground in about 6 hours tomorrow…call it 2:00. More resupply and snacks there. Will be in our camp for the day by 3:00 or 4:00. Yey!

    We should start really seeing the crowds tomorrow. Tons of July 4th tourists.

    Day 80 Map – Blackrock Hut to Hightop Hut

    Technical Notes:

    • Pop-Tarts 370
    • Little Debbie oatmeal pie 240
    • Skittles 80
    • Turkey sausage 80
    • Skittles 40
    • Coffee 0
    • Hershey bar 360
    • Root beer 150
    • Italian sausage 500
    • Root beer 150
    • Hotdog 314
    • Skittles 100
    • Cheese crackers 250
    • Skittles 50
    • Turkey sausage 120
    • Skittles  110
    • Trail mix 270
    • Chips 150
    • Backpackers Pantry Santa Fe rice and beans 590
    • Chips 150
    • Fritos 500
    • Water liters 5
    • Miles 21.7
    • Time 12
    • Elevation gain 4824
    • Calories consumed  4750
    • Calories burned 7500