“My Journey Is My Destination...” Day 103

Day 103 19.6 miles Mary’s Rock

Today I hike for Clayton Massey. I thought of him today when I saw all the motorcycles on Skyline drive. I’ve always known Clayton as a no nonsense guy with a great sense of humor. I hope he's still riding, even if it's not his classic BMW.

Today I feel fast on my feet and started out seeing another bear in a tree. I had lunch at the Elkwallow Wayside with one of those blackberry milkshakes I’ve been hearing about.

I climbed up one side and down the other of many mountains. I stopped for water at Pass Mtn. hut, no water. I stopped a few miles later at the ranger station and looked up at the mountaintop and cliffs. They were called Mary’s rock. I knew I wanted to camp up there. I watched the sunset and saw a spot just big enough for my tent. The wind was blowing and a little cooler at 3,500 feet.

Day 104 23.7miles Bearfence Hut

The wind blew all night. I stopped at Big Meadows where my parents stayed a few years ago. I stopped by the campground and listened to a guy play guitar for a while. It was good to hear music. I always have a song going in my head. I have seen countless deer, most are not timid. I hiked the last 8 miles in 2.5 hours. At dark I was happy to go to sleep.

Day 105 24.6miles Campsite on Loft Mtn.

Started out the day kind of sad, not sure why. It passed after a few hours though. The advantage of hiking so far in a day is that I have more chances to get water. Water is the talk of the trail from the section and day hikers. I didn’t talk much else with them. I got my water today from a picnic area then a ranger station. Springs were dry.

I booked a trip for my dad and me to go to Bridge Day in WV and later raft on the Gauley River. I’ve been missing my parents strongly lately; this will be good to catch up with my Dad.

I found a great place to camp on Loft Mtn. I like hiking alone, but being alone in the evening is getting harder.

Day 106 29.2miles Waynesboro, VA YMCA

I knew I had to hike today at 3mph to make it out of Shenandoah. I walked by the Loft Mtn. campground and a woman said, “coffee and doughnuts”. I didn’t miss a step and turned right into their campsite. It was a couple celebrating their anniversary. It was their first night away from the kids in two years. I sat and talked for 40 min. or so, then headed off. I hiked the

next 21 miles on 2.5 liters of water. I was thirsty, but no water to be found. At the last shelter I found a slow trickle from a spring. Perfect! I filled up, drank two liters, and hiked on into Waynesboro.

I made it right before sunset. I saw a guy in the parking lot. I asked him which way to Waynesboro. He offered a ride. We stopped by the Mexican restaurant and had dinner. I found out his name was Ron. He rode bicycles most of his life. He was hit by a car a while ago and his hip had to be replaced with a “replacement”. He is only 37 and walks with a stiff gait. We talked music most of the time. He used to make guitars and is a talented musician. He ended up paying for dinner and dropping me off by the “Y."

Another great experience.

I have completed another section of my journey, The Shenandoah's! I'm moving on, closer to TN.

Day 107 0 miles Day Waynesboro, VA

Had a very relaxing, very good 0. The day was long, the food was good, and the people were good. What more could I ask for. Last night 'Appleseed,' 'Sugar,' 'Puck', and 'Cat' showed up. We had a good time catching up. I got an offer this morning to go to the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association “gathering." It was a very hard choice, but I need to keep moving.

Day 108 20.8 miles Maupin Field Shelter

I had a slow start to the day. I went to breakfast with everyone at Weasies. Good pancakes! I got a ride from a woman who had a day off back to the trail. I walked about 15 miles and I heard someone yelling at me. It startled me. It was 'Pyro.' He had stayed a few nights in Waynesboro after taking a side trip to Katahdin since he didn ’t get to climb it in June. He talked non stop to the shelter. We ran into some weekend hikers who had some MRE’s (Meals Ready To Eat). I had the leftovers. I haven’t slept in a shelter for a while and didn’t prefer it. more>>