Mile 861.9
Elevation 1,296
Miles Hiked 5
Thursday, June 1, is the day I head to Stanimal’s for a little R&R. The hike was a gently sloping climb for the most part until I came out of the woods at Rockfish Gap. I called Stanimal’s for a pickup, but then some old guy in a car pulls up and offers me a ride, and away we went. There are a lot of trail angels in this area who like to help hikers.
After checking into the hostel, I took a shower and did some laundry. Then Joe, the hostel caretaker, gave me a ride to an outfitter. I desperately need a new pair of boots but no luck. Then on to Walmart where I got some shorts to replace the pants I shredded when I fell and slid down a boulder. A few other odds and ends at Walmart and then back to the hostel.
Later, Flash Daddy, his daughter, Lady Bug, and a few others went to dinner at a small pub. A theater was just down the street, so I finally got a chance to see Guardians of the Galaxy. A good day.
Friday, June 2, was a zero day. It was a time to clean up my backpack. I sent more stuff home to lighten the load, but then I bought a ton (almost literally) of protein bars and candy to eat on the trail. I started my hike weighing 152 pounds and I’m down to 134 pounds. No wonder my energy level is almost zero.
So far, I have traveled 330 miles, which is further than my first hike last April and May. Furthermore, I did it in less time. My goal, Harper’s Ferry, is about 160 miles more on the trail, and I hope to have it completed in two to three weeks.
Tomorrow, Saturday, it’s back to the trail
