Tag: WV

  • Day 2 – Blackburn Trail Center to Sam Moore Shelter

    Day 2 – Blackburn Trail Center to Sam Moore Shelter

    Monday, April 28, 2025. Up at 7:10. Sunny and 45 degrees going up to the mid-70s.

    On trail at 8:20. We have 11.4 miles to go with a few side trips. The hike UP to the trail from Blackburn is .3 miles very much uphill. Gets the blood flowing.

    We entered the northern part of the Virginia Roller Coaster at 10:10. I love this area for day hikes, but hate it with a 34lb load.

    Entering the Virginia Rollercoaster

    We crossed from West Virginia into Virginia fairly early in the day. We stopped at Raven Rocks, Virginia, at 10:55 for a break. Awesome views and perfect weather.

    Ed at Raven Rocks, VA

    Crossing Rt 7 is always a challenge. Four lanes of traffic to play Frogger with. Not too much traffic crossing Rt 7 today as we were nowhere near rush hour. Unlike when Overkill and I crossed last July.

    Ed at Raven Rocks, VA

    Got to Bears Den at 1:40. Stopped for snack, water, and a long break.

    Bear’s Den hiking center
    Chuck at Bear’s Den cliff

    The last 1 mile into camp SUCKED. Steep uphill and my hips and thighs are yelling at me. I am more out of shape than I thought. Had to stop about 10 times on this last ascent. We made it to Sam Moore Shelter at 4:40.

    Took an annoying fall right before camp. More embarrassing than anything else. 

    We got camp set up by 5:15. Ed on the left and me on the right. 

    Camp at Sam Moore Shelter

    The one thing I forgot to do before leaving home was to test my water filter. It had zero flow initially. I got it to work marginally. Poor throughput. I’ll try to get another in Front Royal in 3 days.

    Ed and I made dinner about 6:30. Had a good conversation with a young man doing a flip-flop starting from Waynesboro last week. Trail name is Strider.

    Got my food hung and crawled into my tent and in bed at 7:20. Worked on blog and notes. Talked to Dana. Read until 9:30.

    Day 2 Map – Blackburn Trail Center to Sam Moore Shelter

    Technical Notes:

    • Honey stinger waffle – 150
    • Hazelnut nut butter – 200
    • Lance crackers – 190
    • Smoked sausage- 120
    • Lance crackers – 190
    • Payday – 250
    • Mountain House teriyaki rice – 440
    • Dehydrated chicken – 170
    • Lance crackers – 190
    • Trail mix – 180
    • Water liters: 2.7 
    • Miles: 13.9
    • Time: 8:16
    • Elevation gain: 2844 
    • Elevation descent: 3307
    • Calories consumed: 2080
    • Calories burned: 3334

  • Day 1 – Harper’s Ferry to Blackburn Trail Center

    Day 1 – Harper’s Ferry to Blackburn Trail Center

    Sunday, April 27, 2025. Sunny, low 46, going up to 70.

    Up at 7:00. Had coffee with Ed at home and took care of a few chores. Drove to my favorite diner in Frederick. I got a big breakfast. Headed to Harper’s Ferry at 9:15. Said goodbye to Dana (aka Pitcrew) and hiked on the trail at 9:50. 

    Nice, cool, breezy day.  First several miles is a good solid uphill climb. Took a mid-day break at 12:50 and mile 6 at Route 9 Keys Gap. Ed made a furry friend while we rested.

    Ed and a friend at Key’s Gap, WV

    Stopped at David Lesser shelter for a brief break at 2:35. Ed enjoyed the view and the big swing.

    Ed on the swing at David Lesser shelter

    We arrived at Blackburn Trail Center at 4:45. Nobody else here so far. Ed and I took one set of bunk beds in the hiker cabin for tonight.

    Cabin at Blackburn Trail Center

    Got our beds made up, hung up a clothesline to dry out our sweaty shirts and bandannas, and got nice, cold potable water from the well. Relaxed in the rocking chairs on the porch for a bit. 

    Blackburn Trail Center

    We made dinner at 6:30. It was a little early, but it’s getting chilly. Met the caretaker and chatted for a bit. She also thru-hiked last year.

    Headed to bed to read and stay warm at 8:30. Good first day on the trail. 

    Day 1 Map – Harpers Ferry to Blackburn Trail Center

    Technical Notes:

    • Steak, eggs, and toast – 954
    • Smoked sausage – 120
    • Trail mix – 160
    • Curry noodles – 450 
    • Dehydrated chicken – 170
    • Payday – 250
    • Water liters: 1.7
    • Miles: 13.28
    • Time: 6:37
    • Elevation gain: 2764
    • Elevation descent: 1629
    • Calories consumed: 2104
    • Calories burned: 2780