Hiking Dude Blog

Scored a couple of really great deals today. We stopped at elk wallow campground and they have a store so we got hot egg muffin type sandwiches. I just arrived at this wayside as big black clouds are forming so I got to wash with HOT water and drink cold water that I didn't have to filter - plus I missed the rain! Only 3 more miles to the shelter but it's a tough Rocky climb. I won't be sending pics for awhile due to poor coverage.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.