Date: 2012-06-02
From: Jenkin's Gap - Skyline 12.3

To: Manassas Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

SOS got his earliest start in a long time..he was on the trail by 8am. On the way back down the mountain, I decided to stop at the visitor's center. It was very nice. I looked at all the displays and watched a short movie about the Park. Back in town, I parked downtown, walked around, and visited some of the shops. I had an interesting experience in a shop. Just as I came through the door, the lady was announcing that there was only one minute left to get your name in the drawing for a $10 gift certificate to the store. I wasn't going to do it but the lady insisted that I sign my name on a slip and put it in the basket. Two minutes later, they drew a name and announced the winner..ME! What a shock as I never win anything of this nature. There was a young mother with two small children in the store so on my way out I gave the gift card to her. She thanked me over and over. So I went on my way with a smile on my face. I wandered in and out of stores, bought 2 buttons for 63 cents to put on my head band, and then drove back to our room to eat leftovers from last night's meal. SOS called to say that he was right on schedule and got to pass out some of Tommy's candy bars to two hikers! (Since there is no one at the start and stop spots, I sent extra candy bars with SOS in case he saw anyone...and he did!) After lunch, I found the Front Royal library. It was a WOW and a 10 on my rating scale. It had everything I think a library should have and was very well planned. The young adult and children's sections would make you want to come in and stay awhile. There were lots of comfortable seating for adults in several different locations. There was even a glass enclosed special study room for complete quiet. Lots of computers, lots of huge windows letting in lots of light, lots of information about special events, and lots of tables/chairs for working were some of the other features. I stayed for several hours until time to pick up SOS. He was only 7 miles away but on a new road that I hadn't been on previously. It was similiar to being on a roller coaster...up and down and way up and way down! I found the spot and he came very soon...in fact sooner than I expected because I was in the process of changing my shoes so I could hike a little when here he was. I convinced him to hike back a little with me. The path was beautiful running beside a small stream and then there was a wooden bridge over the stream. We heard a train whistle so hurried up the trail where SOS knew the tracks were. We got there just as the train went by. (see picture in photos) I took him to get a treat at a diner/ice cream spot and then took his picture "being a bear". (See photos) Back at the room, it was time to do laundry so we went to one close by. This one cost $3.00 a load to wash!...the most ever on this trip. Drying was expensive also and we got tired of putting quarters in so we brought the laundry back to the room...some dry and some damp. The damp things are now hanging all over the place! After SOS takes a small nap, we are going downtown for their annual "Dancin' in the Street" event. We are both tired but want to see what this is so will stay a little while at least. More from SOS later...no interesting roads today...didn't drive much again!SOS here:Trail Mama has been supplying me with Trail Magic to distribute on the trail as I hike. Attrition has taken its toll on the trail and it is harder for Trail Mama to give out trail magic when dropping me off at my starting point or picking me up at my destination because of this she has been stocking my day pack with trail magic to give away as I meet hikers as I hike. The hikers are just as appreciative to receive magic on the trail as at a crossing as you can see.Trail Mama and I find we are missing hikers we have met. Because of my shin splint in my right leg, many of those we have met are two to three days or more ahead of us. We are hoping to make new friends as we hike north or catch up with old.We plan to be past Harper Ferry WV before we head back to Indiana for annual conference in Indianapolis. It looks like we will be in Maryland before we head back to Indiana.