Prep June 13, 2017

Prep, Tuesday, June 13

Getting Ready -  Only 3 more weeks before I start my 2017 AT Section hike.   This is the 3rd quarter of the hike which I started in 2015.   The plan is to hike from Knoxville, MD to Manchester, VT between July 7 to August 20. My preparation list is still lengthy including re-supply planning, food prep., and daily hikes to be physically ready.  I plan to maintain this simple blog again this year.  

Day 11, Sunday, July 31

Final Day - Blackburn to ATC Harper's Ferry to Maryland Border 13 miles.  We left Blackburn at 6:30 am.  The trail remained on the ridge before beginning its descend to Harper's Ferry.  We arrived at the ATC at 11:30 am and to my surprise there was Tracey and Lisa.  The plan was Danny and Tracey were going to give me a ride to Waynesboro to meet Lisa.  Surprise!!!   I registered my hike at the ATC then we jumped back on the trail for another mile to the MD border.  This ends my 2016 AT Adventures but plan to be back in 2017 for another quarter or maybe remainder.  

Day 10, Saturday, July 30

8 miles Bear Den to Blackburn Trail Center.  Danny "Eeyore" and his wife Tracey arrived at Bear Den at 9:30 a.m..  Danny and I were off hiking in no time as we expected mid afternoon storms.  We finished the last two climbs and descends of the roller coaster and crossed over into WV for one more climb for the day.   The rest of the hike was along the ridge which straddled the WV and VA stateline.  We arrived at Blackburn at around 2:00 p.m. and settled into the hiker cabin before the rains began.  Danny and I had the opportunity to share great conversation with Chris "Trailboss" and Sandy (Care keepers).  Sandy is the current board chair for the ATC.  

Day 9, Friday, July 29

10 Miles to Bear Den Hostel. I had a short day but not an easy hike.  I left Rod Hollow's Shelter this morning at 8:00 a.m. and immediately started onto the "Roller Coaster" which is a series of difficult ascends and descends over 13.5 miles.  The surprise to hike was the rocky trail.      Bear Den Hostel is ran by the Potomac ATC and is a large stone house built like a caste.  I stayed with 2 Northbounders and 4 Southbounders.  Bear Den is arranged location for a meet with my friend "Eeyore" from Richmond who will hike with me on Saturday and Sunday into Harper's Ferry.

Day 8, Thursday, July 28

23.6 miles today.  Really felt great today. Originally planned 15 but got there at 1:30 so I pushed on.  It was cooler today and was in a heavy thunderstorm this afternoon.  Saw two deer and a small fox.  Start the roller coast first thing in the morning (10 miles of ups and downs).   

Day 7, Wednesday, July 27

He is out of the Shenandoah park and in Front Royal. He is on his own again after going about 14 miles. He is at a hostel and they will give him a ride to town. He was there by about 12:30 so he was going to have a shower and a nap before going into town to do his laundry, I bet that smells nice, and to have dinner. The hostel is airconditioned. Yeah!

Day 6, Tuesday, July 26,

Oh my, more deer and another bear. I just hope the bear isn't  hungry. He is still with 10%.  They were able again to stop at a wayside concession stand for lunch of burger, fries, and two gatorades. Tough life on the trail. But they did go 14.5 miles today to get to Gravel Springs shelter. The weather was great, a little cooler and is feeling really well.  Did get a rain at the end of the day which just made the night really humid. They were with another hiker in the hut who kept them up most of the night. His plans are to go on tomorrow with 10% so he can keep up with the miles and be able to reach Half way point.