30ish miles today. Today was a funky day. It’s the first, and will be the only day, I yellow blazed. Yes I cut about 20 miles off by road to visit Gettysburg. For those purists to whom this is anethema, GET OVER IT. Gettysburg was cool, but I couldn’t get into the visitor center...
Day 52 April 24 – Free State Hiker Hostel – 39.62774, -77.55762 –
20ish miles today. Woodstock and the Goodfellows got way ahead of me last night. We all had decided to go on in the dark and somehow they managed to do 4 miles an hour for a while. I just couldn’t keep up so I stopped and cowboy camped. I’m kinda dejected but ah well...
Day 51 April 23 – Harpers Ferry, WV – 39.32522, -77.73891 – Moving On –
20 miles today. I met Woodstock at the ATC headquarters and picked up my packages, including new shoes. We’re heading on to another shelter tonight. He’s a cool cat and should be a cool hiking partner. Th Goodfellows have shown up as well and are gonna head out as well. We’ll see what hapens...
Day 50 April 22 – Bear’s Den Hostel – 39.11098, – 77.85414 –
24 miles today. Today was a good day. I got up and moving by 7:30. The Goodfellows were at the shelter so I will see them again tonight maybe. I made good time, but kept it somewhat slow. The day was HOT and, to me, VERY humid. I got to the beginning of the...
Day 49 April 21 – Manassas Gap Shelter – 38.93063, -78.03278 –
45ish miles today. Scott got me moving today early and with a great breakfast and a promise to meet me with sandwitches half way. Again, it was a great day for running and I had some spectacular scenery. I even saw the rump of a black bear. I met Scott half way and chowed...
Day 48 April 20 – Skyland Campground – 38.59360, -78.38196 –
40ish miles today. I got moving realy quickly today. I was lucky. I made it to Loft Mountain last night and stealth camped. I was joined by a guy doing some overnighters on his vacation. He offered to slack pack me through the rest of the Shenandoahs. Needless to say I took him up...
Day 47 April 19 – Blackrock Gap Shelter – 38.21397, -78.74219 –
20 miles today so far. Uncle Ron got me back on the trail at 10. We said our good byes and I picked up my permit. I hit the trail and have taken my time on the easy terrain. It took me until 7:30 to get here. FedEx and Guthook are 13 miles ahead...
Day 46 April 16 – Rockfish Gap – 38.03141, -78.85780 –
30ish miles today. I decided to haul as far as I could today as the prediction is rain on the morrow. I made it all the way to Rockfish Gap despite the insanely harsh winds. The terrain wasn’t bad at all after the first major climb up at the begining. It was a long...
Day 45 April 15 – Dutch Haus Hostel – 37.85888, -79.12228 –
12 miles today. Well today was just as rainy, if not more, as yesterday. I got out of the shelter at 6 and booked it to the Tye River. Coming down the 3000 feet from the Priest to the river was great fun in the rain. I hitched a ride into Montebello after 15...
Day 44 April 14 – Seeley/Woodworth Shelter – 37.81902, -79.15503 –
26 miles today. Today was a good, yet miserable, day. FedEx got me up and on the trail at 6:15. We hit the road to Glasgow at about 7 and I hitched a ride into town. The guy giving me the ride took me to Buena Vista (pronounced boona by locals) where he droped...