Category: June 1 – June 28

Day 69 Gravel Springs Hut to US 522 (13.4 miles) 969.7 miles total

Both knees and right hip have been sore last 2 days. Hoping they’re just working back in to shape.

Finished Shenandoah’s today. I was a bit disappointed as views were somewhat limited and similar. Many more views driving on Skyline Drive. The AT was rerouted for Skyline Dr. Someone told me there are 77 viewpoints on Skyline and 22 on AT. If you ever come here for the views, I’d recommend driving!

Of all hikers I’ve talked with in Shenandoahs, only 2 had not seen a bear here (Grumpy Old Man and Just Pete). Some had seen 8 and up to 13. Bam Bam and Little Bad Ass even had one that blocked the trail and snapped his jaws at them!

One mile past Shenandoahs I saw my second bear. It heard me before I saw it so only caught a glimpse as it ran off. It was only about 40 yds away. Rich Enright…that would be about 4.85 seconds away!

Weather has been good last 2 days. Light rain late today. No rain forecast for next week. Going to be mid 90’s for a few days beginning Sunday.

Should hit 1,000 miles Friday and be in Harpers Ferry Saturday.

Happy trails!

Day 68 Pass Mountain Hut to Gravel Springs Hut (13.1 miles) 956.3 miles total

Think I lost a bit of conditioning during break. A little more sore in legs than normal after not a big distance.

Good weather today. Mostly cloudy and about 60 degrees.

Met a mom (Bam Bam) and her 14 year old son, Little Bad Ass. They started hiking mid-March. Husband/dad at home. He’s a very polite and bright young man. Had been attending a private school. Dropped out of school to do this. Bam Bam said “We’ll figure that out after we get to Maine.” I am sure he will do well in life.

Also met a mid-40’s Aussie named Shepherd. He’s previously hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. When he completes the AT, he will have completed the Triple Crown of hiking. When he’s not hiking, he bikes. Currently working on pedaling from Alaska to Argentina. Started in AK and bike now in Cancun, Mexico. He’s put on 15,000 miles so far! Said he has a couple sponsors and is frugal. Hasn’t been home for 3.5 years.

Excited to hit 1,000 mile mark in 2-3 days!

Happy trails!

 

Day 67 Thornton Gap to Pass Mountain Hut (1.2 miles) 943.2 miles total 

Had a great 4 days off highlighted by the Ashley and Zack Bosh “Bash”. Awesome family time.

Flew back to Baltimore last night. Got a ride to Harpers Ferry, WV from a friend (Snappy) then took a shuttle to Thornton Gap.

By the time I got to trail (1:30) it was raining. Shocker, right?!! Had to go either 1.2 miles or 14. Decided to ease back into it.

Hopeful for a nice day tomorrow.

Happy trails!