Date: 2015-06-18
From: stealth camp close to jeremys Run Trail

To: Front Royal Hostel
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up just before 6am and felt great. I was determined to get up early so that I could meet my brother, on time, 8 miles ahead. I immediatly fell back asleept and did not wake up until 7:30. I had slept soundly through a pretty hard rain storm, as evidenced by the duff and dirt splash up 6 inches and more all over the bottom of my tent. Whatever animal had shown interest in my summer sausage grease smeared water bottle had moved it several yeards from where I placed it.I was packed out and hiking by 8 and made it to Elkwallow Wayside before 8:30. The wayside did not open until 9, and neither did the bathrooms. To add to my disappointment, the soda machine was "SOLD OUT". After some investigation, I found a spigot and filled one of my water bottles. Then I sat at one of the picnic tables and ate cheese, beef jerky, and twix bars. Hammer and Ghost drove up, the folks I met at Big Meadows. They had decided that they like circuit hiking instead of strictly white blaze hiking and I thought they were very smart to incorporate more on trail views into their experience. They gave me a gatorade and I said goodbye.There was a thick layer of slippery mud on parts of the trail and I had to work hard not to fall on my butt much of the way. The trail was mostly up this morning. Somewhere around North Marshall Mt view, the west part of the trail was closed. There was a Peragine Falcon restoration area built on the edge of the mountain. I witnessed a manmade feeding area that was full of these endangerd birds. How beautiful they were! Another hiker let me use his binoculors to see more clearly their intricate feather pattern around the stomach and legs.(see pics) I am so proud to be from a place that values the continuation of endangered species.Not long after the bird area, I came to the gap where my brother would meet me. I packed all of my stuff in my bag liner, expecting to slack pack the remaining 10 miles. Eventually, he pulled up with Mike- owner of the Front Royal Hostel. It was so great to see him,! His wife, Debbie, had packed mango (my favorite) and bananas for us. Hios daughters and debbie had drawn cards and pictures for me. I was so touched by their kindness. Steve and I hiked out and chatted happily. It was my best day in weeks and I was feeling good. About 3 miles into the hike, the sole of Steve's hiking shoe separated from the rest of the shoe, except for at the toe. It flapped with each step. He gamely hiked on. He stopped when a mother deer and a little fawn crossed the trail. Not sure if he got a picture, I didnt. Then he saw a bear. Very close. We did get pictures of that little guy. Then we saw more deer. Amazing. One day on the trail and he sees all this wild life! We hiked into Front Royal Hostel to retrieve my bag and his car. My brother Tom had reserved rooms at the Holiday Inn for us. I'm getting spoiled with all the rooms lately!I noticed while at the hostel how nice and clean and comfy it was. These hostel owners are really angels, to care about the comfort of hikers as they do.Tomorrow Steve hikes with me again. Im so happy about that! D.No and C.Shell are back on the trail! Maybe Iss see them at Harpers Ferry!Tummy is all better today. Thank you all so much for your encouragement and comments. It is very encouraging for us hiking and journaling to read your comments, so keep them coming!