Date: 2007-06-23
From: Hightop Hut

To: Lewis Mtn. Campground
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

June 23, 900 Miles!Slept in my tent for the first time since Dismal Falls last night - I remembered immediately how much I love it in there. I slept like a rock until around 5:30 a.m. when the birds came alive with the sound of music. It was a cold night and was 48 degrees in my tent when I got up.Did my morning routine and I started hiking around 8:15 a.m. Ronin had already left and Melk was in a tizzy because she had slept until 7:45. The hiking was not too bad this morning, a few climbs but I managed it okay. I think I saw a bear on the side of the trail today. I say "I think" because I just heard a loud rumbling and then running and when I looked over I saw black. Pretty sure it was a bear. There have been lots of sightings in the park so far.The plan for the day was to meet at the Lewis Mtn. camp store and then hike to the Big Meadows Wayside and taproom and camp there...I hiked alone for most of the morning and met up with Melk when I took a break at a fire road. Shortly after that, we celebrated the 900 mile mark! It was very exciting. I can't believe it. I think it's about time for an oil change on these feet.After that, it was a little over a mile to the camp store. We got there quickly and met Ronin. He informed us that the campsite we were headed to had no more space. Bummer. We had to come up with a new plan which is hard to do in the Shenandoahs due to the spacing of the shelters.We were all concerned because Young Eagle was struggling with foot pain from his new shoes (which we all tried to convince him not to buy). He arrived shortly after Melk and I finished some lunch and let us know that he needed to go into town and get rid of his shoes. So, he made a bunch of calls to try and locate new shoes, a ride to town and possibly a rental car should he need one.After sitting outside of the camp store for about two hours, we decided we should head into Luray, get Young Eagle some new shoes and then head back out tomorrow. I was pleased with this decision because my achilles was sore and could use some rest.We had quite a nice break out on the lawn in front of the camp store while we waited for the shuttle. We were there with Mayo, Cobweb, Sweetwater, Rosie, Tuna Bag, and Slick. Very nice and relaxing.So, we got a shuttle from the owner of the new outfitter in Luray. We had a personal shopping experience at the shop since they'd already closed. We checked into the Budget Inn and then had dinner at Artisan Cafe - portabella mushroom sandwich with roasted red peppers..mmm.Glad the day went the way it did.- Sound of Braveheart on TV, Melk clipping her toenails, the AC.Post Trail Thoughts:I had almost forgotten about Melk getting stressed out when she was the last one up in the morning. It was sort of a riot! But that went away Sitting near the camp store at Lewis Mtn. Campground was super nice. All of the hikers that came through (and who happened to be some of my favorite trail friends) sat for a while and we all just relaxed. It was a great group! Cobweb and Mayo were trying to convince us to paddle the Shenandoah River with them for the next two days. At that time, I didn't think it was the best idea though it sounded like a blast. Knowing what I know now, I wish we would have gone!