Date: 2007-07-28
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: NY55
Miles today: 13.6

Sporadic thunderstorms and heavy rain continued into the early morning today, but somehow I managed to stay dry and catch some decent sleep. I went through my usual morning routine and was on the trail by around 7:15 am. I was dry when I started, but due to the heavy wet vegetation from all the rain as well as the humidity, my boots and clothes were soon soaked. No problem, since I was on an exciting two pronged mission today. #1 At about halfway through todays short hike, I would arrive at RT52 and have the opportunity for a second breakfast at a deli just .3 miles from the trail.#2 I would be meeting my brother John at RT55, for a pickup and a brief stay at his house about 20 minutes away in CT.About a mile from the campsite I encountered the RPH shelter / cabin. After seeing it, I kind of wished I had stayed there last night. It was a cinder block building with comfortable looking bunks, floor carpeting and an attached covered porch. A nice one by shelter standards. I saw 2 thru hikers; Brisk and Philmont there and chatted briefly. I hike with a purpose until I reached RT52 and then walked the short distance to the deli. I left my pack outside and purchased an egg and cheese sandwich, a cup of coffee, orange juice, and honey bun. I sat in one of many chairs set up outside the store and relaxed and slowly ate this second breakfast. With mission #1 accomplished I walked back to the trail. As I did, I saw Brisk and Philmont walking on the other side of the road and waved to them, and gave them the thumbs up sign when they inquired about the deli. I was planning to meet my brother at about 1pm and knew I would have to pick up the pace for the last 7 miles to meet that time. This was more a mental challenge as I needed to overcome the physical problems of feet hurting from worn out shoes, a sore achilles tendon, and slippery rocks and mud. I was getting close but knew I'd be a little late. I met a couple of day hikers a mile out that confirmed my brother was waiting at RT55. When I got within sight and sound of the road, I spotted his car parked to the left of the trail. As I walked closer I realized his wife Keli and two twin daughters, Maura and Mckenna had also come to greet me. My "little brother" John who towers over me came around the car and gave me a bear hug that lifted me clear off the ground. Boy was I happy to see him and his family. He put a cold drink in my hand and we took a couple of trailhead pictures. We then headed back to his house. To make a long story short, when I got there I was treated like a king. It was kind of embarassing after a while and I certainly didn't think I deserved all the royal treatment. Yet at the same time I was enjoying it.Other nearby relatives came over later and we had a fantastic BBQ and overall great gathering. My sister-in-law, Linda gave me a nice bag of high energy goodies I am interested in trying when I get back on the trail. My wife could not make it since she was visiting overnight with her mother and brother from Texas, but my daughter Kerrie and son David came to see me and I really enjoyed spending time with them for the afternoon and evening. I had a fantastic day and will be planning a zero day tomorrow to buy a new pair of boots and take care of the usual "in town" business.It's good to be in the company of friends and family again after 3 months on the trail!