Date: 2015-06-05
From: Pinefield Hut, VA

To: Lewis Mountain Campground, VA
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

All the hikers were up and moving around the shelter by 6:30am. We were greeted with the first blue sky after 3 days of continuous rain. Although the clear skies would soon disappear behind a thick blanket of fog for the remainder of the morning, spirits were high was Moosehead, Burnsides, and I took to the trail by 7:30am.The morning would gradually pass by as we hiked alone in a staggered line, separated by 100-200ft each. Through Pinefield Gap, up and over Weaver Mountain, and through Simmons Gap, Powell Gap and Smith Roach Gap, I hiked along hoping the sun would burn off the fog and finally make an appearance. With wet socks and boots, as well as a soaked tent from a day before, the thought of the the sun's warm rays consumed my mind as drops of water fell from the treetops above, pelting me as I hiked along.Eventually we reached Hightop Mountain and were finally rewarded with what we'd been waiting for over our first few days on the Shenandoah's - a rock outcropping drenched in sun, complete with a view. We immediately spread our soaked tents and clothing among the rocks and collapsed to enjoy the view as we ate lunch. China Rock joined us for lunch as well. Looking towards the west, the valley below was hidden under a thick layer of fog and clouds, allowing us to literally sit above the clouds. Occasionally a clearing would appear, revealing the tops of the adjacent ridge floating above the clouds as well. It was a much-needed hour of relaxation as our gear dried out and bodies recouped from 3 days of being constantly drenched. I enjoyed a lunch of sardines, oatmeal mixed with Gatorade-flavored water, miscellaneous chocolate, and an orange.Continuing down into Swift Run Gap, we'd eventually experience pur first 2 decent climbs of the Shenandoah's in the forms of Baldface and Lewis Mountains. Though not particularly challenging, you quickly lose your mountain legs so the climbs felt much worse than they actually were. We passed the last few miles by playing another improv game by rotating turns rhyming lines in order to create a random story/song out of scratch. Anything to take your mind off of the miles is sufficient enough.Our goal was originally to reach Bearfence Shelter, but we decided to detour into Lewis Mountain Campgrpund, just over a mile short of the shelter, and would not return to the trail. It was a strange feeling strolling through the campsites dotted with campers and tents full with weekend warriors enjoying the oudoors, yet still within arms reach of modern conveniences. I wandered into the camp store where I refueld on a muffin, 2 apple pie slices, a bag of a Cheetos, a 6 pack of Budweiser, a Coke, as well as a banana and bag of grapes given to me by the store manager, Randy. I also took a 5-minute shower for $1.00. The 3 of us, along with another 3 hikers, sat on the porch of the store, enjoyed our beer and snacks, and enjoyed good conversation. One of the hikers talents is the ability to name all FBS school mascots. I drilled him for the next 30 minutes and was unable to stump him; it was impressive. He returned the favor by asking me some of the countries of the world.A fellow thru-hiker, trying to recover from foot issues, offered us the other free spots in the bunkhouse he rented - without the need to pay him back. A small, wooden building consisting of 4 bunks and a small wood stove is home for the night. It's cozy and will do the job for the night. A fire is going and the small room is toasty, hopefully helping to dry out our boots and socks overnight.Tomorrow we'll cross over the halfway point of the Shenandoah's as we continue to cruise towards Front Royal, VA and the start of the true flat land following. Spirits are high, my feet are fine at the moment, and I'm right where I'm supposed to be.Here's to the return of the Sun, lunch above the clouds, and 85 miles til 1K.