Date: 2016-05-26
From: mile 941.2

To: front royal hostel mile 965.3
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: few clouds

Today is Friday, day 64. I am currently at mile marker 965.3. I covered 24.1 miles today. I slept well last night at the Open Arms Hostel. I was the first one up so I made a pot of coffee and cooked myself some pancakes .. I even did the dishes!! I have not washed dishes in 2 months. It actually made me feel a bit normal-- I was smiling washing dishes!!My shuttle ride brought me back to the trail head at 9:30. Later then I wanted... But it was all good. My goal was to cover 9 miles and stop at Elkwallow Wayside (store in the SNP). I got there around 12:15 and promptly had: a blueberry milk shake, grilled cheese sandwich and fries. Then I was off heading north at 1. It briefly rained but nothing serious. I was walking along and noticed hundreds of little grasshoppers all over the trail. So I stopped to try to take a pic. I was not having any success so I was putting my phone away and I looked to my right. Not one but TWO bears (larger Cubs) were watching me! One was standing on his hind legs and the other seemed to be hiding in the tall grass. I said aloud /-- finally-- I get to see a bear on my hike. When they realized I was looking at them... The one standing took off running and the other attempted to climb a tree... And promptly fell. Seeing them was a special treat for me. Shortly after that I saw a fox!! I thought WOW.. Today is my day to see the animals!! Thirty minutes later..... I was looking at what I thought was a down tree with part of it black from fire. I was literally 4 feet from it when I realized it was another bear!! Just sitting there but looking in the opposite direction of me. When it turned and realized I was there it took off running. Very very cool!!! Three bears in 1 hour.   I also saw one of the largest wild turkeys I have ever seen. I was not sure how far I wanted to walk today but as I continued on my trek... I could see the clouds rolling in and then I began to hear the thunder. Not that I can't camp in the rain.... It just sucks!! So, my mind shifted to... How far is the next hostel ? And that is how and why I walked further then I really expected today. Oh well, I am here now (Front Royal Hostel) .. Showered, clothes washed and a bunk. I even had a small pizza and ice cream . Bunk, towel, load of laundry , small pizza = $30!! What a deal. I met a hiker yesterday who told me his name was : IFLH. I could not figure it out... And asked what it stood for. You guys guess... I'll give you the answer tomorrow. The clue is... When he told me what it stood for... I called him a lier.I have been asked if I am having fun. That's a tough question. I like challenges... So that part of it... I like. But no kidding.. This is kicking my ass. I do think I tend to do too many miles but I plan on changing that. I am also taking a zero or two ... Sunday and possibly Monday. I am blessed that Chrissy is able to come see me again this weekend. I am looking forward to seeing her and NOT walking for a day or two. Back to the "fun" question. This hike is a bit like a job... Logistics, get up every day.. Walk, cover miles, set up camp... Sleep... Break down camp.. Eat... Walk.. Etc, etc, etc.. The things I like-- meeting different people, hearing their stories, seeing the views, doing something that not everyone has the opportunity to do, sharing my day (through the journal), looking forward to special stops/-- usually connected to FOOD.   I have received a few emails from hikers who I met but have since gone home. I spoke of Farrell in a previous journal entry. Turns out he has injured his back... And will need to have medical treatment. Another one, Jul injured her knee and will have an MRI next week. Rich actually got hurt in a hotel.. When he fell in the shower !!Back to the hostel... I decided I wanted some ice cream so I asked the owner, Mike, where I could find a bowl to scoop some ice cream into. He said... Do you have a spoon. Yes I do... Mike said.. Just use your spoon and eat it out of the gallon container. But I don't want the entire gallon. That's ok... Just eat what you want. Hummmm. Ok. There are 8 people in the bunk house... 5 guys and 3 gals. I'm glad I have ear plus because I know there will be snoring tonight. Ok... Good night.