Date: 2004-06-10
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal, VA - KOA 
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

When we had dropped off Adam at Gravel Spring, we agreed to meet at the parking lot at seven, with or without TreeFrog. Upon arrival, TreeFrog was in the parking lot with Adam. He was in rare form. I do believe he was excited with the modification of our plans, slackpack to the highway to Front Royal. We checked in with each other. TreeFrog had already been at the Hut when we dropped off Adam. We had gotten a couple Big Macs for him last night. TreeFrog had already started fixing supper but was glad to change menu plans. Water, snacks, filter, first aide kit. Check. Coordinate a time for pickup with Paul. He would be moving out of the Mathew Arms Campsites in the Shenandoah while we walked. The walk today was our last day in SNP. Mostly smooth downhill. Meaning, fast time for us older folks. The path was wide and nicely graded for a fast clip. I believe Adam¢s pace was decidedly faster then usual. I think the new shoes are doing him a favor. We passed the northern boundary of the park, TreeFrog took a picture. I was wondering how much change in the trail condition we would see after leaving the park. The PATC keeps up their standard outside the park, looks like. We made great time. The best part besides the slackpacking, came at the end. The last mile of the trail walks besides the National Zoological Park. This place was a World War II prisoner-of-war camp. It was interesting to be walking in the woods and there's this eight foot fence line along the trail. The easement along the fence opens up out of the woods going down to the highway. I could peek into people's backyards on the right and wild pasture through the fence on the left. After awhile, the right side had ripening raspberries. I had to sample them. Another one of those special bonuses of the trail. Grazing along the AT. Adam and TreeFrog joined in one munching. We got to the highway in good time. Paul and the dogs were already there, which I knew he would be. And then into Front Royal to find a hotel for Adam and TreeFrog. We dropped them off at the Scottish Inn. I went into the lobby with them to find out which room they would be in. While in there, I noticed a picture of the proprietor in front to the hotel parking lot, beside a row of motorcycles. I asked her about it. She shared that for twenty years, an annual motorcycle event used her hotel to stay in each year. She was all smiles. Good for her. Paul, the dogs and I headed for the KOA in Front Royal. Once again, my priority was a shower. I used the campsite showers, larger then the trailers. And supper. Paul had gotten steaks and potatoes, done on the grill. Another great day. While he was fixing supper, I played with the numbers to figure out what our plans would be for the next leg of our journey.   Will present them to the guys when we meet for lunch. We're doing good. We're making time and miles. I think the plans I have to offer will be exciting for them both. Evening is cooling off. We've got the AC off of the trailer and opened the windows. My little dog is sitting next to me under the picnic table. Paul and I review the menu planning and my calorie requirements. We think we've got more of the kinks out of the supply end. We have a plan. We have made some agreements for the next legs of the trip. I think having Paul and the dogs visit will hold me up for the next leg of this adventure.Namaste'