Date: 2015-11-05
From: Tom Floyd shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept very well last night and got up early. I was looking forward to entering Shenandoah N.P. today.The park self registration station is just .7 miles from the shelter. There is a huge kiosk explaining all about the backcountry permit and how to fill it out. There is also a big metal box with blank permit forms, a slot to insert part of the permit form once completed, and booklets explaining the park backcountry rules - including LNT. Unlike in the Smokies, there is no charge for the permit. But there is a fine if a hiker is caught in the backcountry without the required permit.At every trailhead and whenever the AT leaves/crosses Skyline Drive there are signs consistently telling hikers about the park's backcountry requirements, including the requirement to have a permit. The free Shenandoah map/brochure, which is available throughout the park also mentions the backcountry rules and the permit requirement. Under the circumstances I was glad I had my permit. Because rain was coming within the next few days I tucked the permit into the zip lock bag with my AT guide pages to protect it rather than attaching it to my pack.It was an absolutely beautiful day for hiking. Unfortunately the trail was rocky and the leaves were wet. I quickly also discovered that brown oak leaves, which have a smooth satiny texture, are very slippery even when dry. Fortunately the ups and downs of the trail were more rolling than steep.The AT crisscrosses Skyline Drive in several spots. Sometimes the AT is deep in the woods, and sometimes it runs parallel to the road. This time of year there is very little traffic on the road. At least 80-90% of the leaves are off the trees, and many of the tourist amenities in the park are already closed for the season, so there is little to attract most folks to the park. I enjoyed the quiet and solitude.Early afternoon I stopped at a rock outcropping with a beautiful view and ran into 4 park rangers taking their lunch break. I always enjoy talking with park rangers. I have consistently found them to be professional, friendly, and hard working. As a volunteer crew leader for AHS (American Hiking Society) doing trail work in various national parks I have always enjoyed working with rangers and other park staff.I reached Gravel Springs Hut by early afternoon. (In the park overnight shelters used by backpackers are called Huts. Similar structures for day use only are called Shelters.) The next Hut was another 13.1 miles, too far for me to make it before dark. So I called it a day early.The water source is a great spring close to the Hut. In addition to 2 bear poles there is also a bear box, which is great because it keeps food dry while also protecting it from bears and other critters. I tucked my tent into the shelter and then made TWO bag dinners, both lasagna. The dinner tastes good, but the cheese really sticks to my long handled titanium spoon, making clean up really tough. So I decided to eat 2 of them to deal with the mess all at once and help reduce pack weight. Each bag supposedly has 2.5 servings, with 250 calories per serving. The bags lie, at least as far as servings are concerned. I ate 2 bags, or 5 servings, and still had room for cookies.My food was secured in the bear box and I was getting ready to turn in early when Graham, a young SOBO section hiker arrived. (I met Graham at the hostel in Front Royal just before I headed back out to the trail.) Then three 30-something guys, also SOBO and out for just a few days, arrived.I talked with the guys while they made their dinners. Graham recently walked the Camino in Spain and is now hiking just the southern half of the AT. The 3 guys met at church, have 12 children all together, and 2 of them are boy scout leaders. They claimed to be very familiar with LNT, but they knew nothing about bear poles or bear boxes.The two boy scout leaders joined me in the shelter. Graham tented, and the remaining guy hung his hammock.The AT is calling. I hope the good weather continues.