Hiking Dude Blog

I walked 49431 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 21 miles today.
Left the comfort of Stanimals this morning for another day of hiking. It was forecast to be pretty hot today and the next few, but didn't get too bad today. That turned out to be important late in the hike. After lunch on humpback mountain (honest), the guide books listed 5 water sources over the next 10 miles, but they were all dry. We got to Maupin Field shelter and were so excited to see a tiny trickle running behind the building! Twix has joined our little band today and we saw Barred slackpacking - I expect to see him again. Tomorrow brings me to 'The Priest' - a 3000 foot climb with no flat or down.

I traveled about 0 miles today.
Just a slow, relaxing Saturday to rest the body for the coming week. We visited the local outfitter where some guys picked up a few needed items. Then, a long leisurely lunch at Ming's Chinese restaurant followed by a grocery stop for food for the next few days. Now, I'm just watching movies with my feet up looking forward to continuing on tomorrow. I just weighed my pack and it appears to be about 22 pounds with the new food. That seems to be on the low side, but I've been very comfortable and don't feel that I'm missing anything.

I walked 50580 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 21 miles today.
Well, this was a wonderful, eventful day. Bears on the trail, many nice miles, new hiker friends, and a great place to sleep tonight. This is Stanimals hostel in Waynesboro and it's a wonderful escape from the trail for a night (or two). There are 6 guys here tonight and it's been great fun hearing all their stories. Dana made us a super spaghetti dinner and there's a selection of movies. Now I'm just hoping the bed is as comfortable as it looks. I finished the shenandoah park so we'll see how the trail changes. But, tomorrow is a zero day to resupply and rest.

Check out my current location on the map. I ran into Jeff and Gracie the Amazing Hiking Dog on the trail. They were out doing trail maintenance and are Scouters from Charlottesville. We had a nice chat and walk, and he gave me a coke. Thanks for the snack and all your efforts for the trail community!

A hiker named Barred the Changeling killed a huge rat in the shelter last night! Very exciting battle.

I walked 54496 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 21 miles today.
Vanilla Thunder and I hiked today. Another $$$ hamburger at wayside restaurant for lunch - probably the last since the park ends tomorrow. At the end of day, just 100 yards from the shelter, we watched a bear pulling down brush to eat berries - very cool.

I walked 43135 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 17 miles today.
Hot Shower! At Lewis CamPground, we got showers for $1 for a generous 5 minutes. Randy, the campgRound manager was great! We've hooked on to Hightop shelter and joined Bloodblister for the night. She is yoyoing the AT. The hope is to push a tiny bit and get to Waynrsboro Friday night. The weather continues to be unseasonably cool which works well for me.

Have been seeing lots of deer but only that 1 bear the other day. The trail had been pretty nice through the park so I hope it remains that way heading south. Nothing to report except lots of climbing up and down. !

I walked 44975 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 17 miles today.
Just a guess at the miles because we're camped out in the forest rather than a shelter - just too far to the next one. It was a great day! Sunny and lower humidity so my underwear were actually dry at the end of the day. TMI Had lunch of a $$$ hamburger at Skyland lodge and then more reasonable drinks and snack at Big Meadow wayside. The trail had 3 long climbs today, but they went well. My legs are staying to feel worn so a zero or nero soon would be nice.

Entered the shenandoah park. No bears yet, but saw a huge deer. Coverage is getting worse so I may not be able to get posts out. Met a scout and his dad doing their 50-miler hike. They might make it to the shelter I'm staying tonight.