Date: 2009-06-12
From: Side Trail to ATC

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I wanted to get out early, but that didn't happen. When I went to check out the continental breakfast, I found Single Speed reading the newspaper there. He seemed at peace with his decision and said he was already thinking about how he was going to spend his time when he got home. I made a belgian waffle, had a little container of yogurt (my first taste in a long time!) and part of a doughnut while I chatted with Single Speed, Dancing Wolf, and an older woman guest who was very inquisitive about our hike. She had a lot of questions for us! She reminded me of myself, back at Pinkham Notch in September of 2007, asking Sweet Water all of my questions about his hike. This woman was in the same stage as I was back then. She already had the spark of interest, but was constraining herself with doubts.    I finally headed out at 10:40- back to the part of the trail that I had already hiked coming into Harpers Ferry, before taking the sidepath to the ATC. It was already hot out and by the time I got to the town center, I was feeling very tired! I drank the carrot juice that Erik had left with me (he is always trying to get me to eat healthier) and then decided to buy a chocolate milkshake! Finally, I was ready to leave town, head over the bridge and get back on the trail. I wanted to make a new start. Catching up to any of the people ahead of me was hopeless, so I tried to pretend I was starting over and would meet new people, just like I did in the beginning.    I didn't realize that I would be walking on a flat bikepath along the Potomac for a long stretch. I kept wondering if I was missing the turnoff to the trail. It was a bit unsettling and my pace felt slow for such flat ground. I was much happier on the climb up to Weverton Cliffs. This was the kind of trail that I liked and was used to! I met Hulk and T-Suds before we got to the Ed Garvey Shelter, which was a nice, new one with a ladder to the loft. While Hulk napped, and some section hikers decided to stay the night, I headed out. My pack was once again extremely heavy, which made the hiking more difficult. I was surprised to come across a historical site in Gathland State Park, in the form of a walking tour. I took a look at the different points of interest, used the restroom, and enjoyed a snack on the bench. My feet were hurting and they enjoyed the break. After nearly an hour, at 5 pm, I headed out with the goal of making it to Rocky Run shelter for the night. The last couple of miles seemed to take a lot longer than they should have. Just after 7:30, I saw the sign pointing to the shelter path. Through the trees to my right, I could see tents and hear voices, but the path continued down the hill for quite aways. It lead me to the old shelter, where T-Suds was set up, and enjoying her dinner. I told her that the new shelter was over to the left and that everyone was up there. I collected water and tried out the bench swing before heading up the hill to the new shelter. It was nice! The pine floors were laminated just like in a house and they gleamed! There were 2 levels, a picnic table on the porch area, and a metal set of chairs and cafe table! I think that in about 10-20 years, hiking the AT is going to be the lap of luxury!    I met Yak while I ate my dinner, as well as a nice father and son, Jim and Nate, who were out for a five day stretch (and Nate's first backpacking trip!). They all tented, so T-Suds and I had the shelter to ourselves. It was rather nice!