Date: 2018-05-08
From: Rocky Mountain shelter

To: Quarry Gap shelter
Miles today: 5.6

I love being awakened by the birds and that happened around 6. I lay there for a few in the warmth of my quilt just being still. Then I practiced my morning yoga with Rebecca from Prana Strong Yoga. Yes, I brought her with me...in recorded version. This morning was the first morning I have been able to do my tent yoga. There was no room in the tent when Brian was with me. I'd practiced in bed back in Harper's Ferry and have been looking forward to this time. I love the comforting sound of Rebecca's voice. She was so kind to make these recordings for me. She and her cat that is, who wanted in on the action. I can hear him in the background and it feels like home. This morning I had to use my earbuds because the 2 young guys were up and laughing and loudly throwing around their f- bombs at 6:30. Perhaps they didn't notice my orange tent?I fetched my bear bag after yoga and hastily made my oatmeal. I skipped the coffee because I wanted to get packed up and out. At 7:50 I headed up the hill back to the trail. The beginning of the section was of large green rocks, reminiscent of the section near Pen Mar Park. It's easy to lose your way in these parts. I stowed my trekking poles and used my hands to scramble over and keep my balance. It's different with the pack weight your balance is not the same. After this though the trail opened up and it was easy cruising to Caledonia State Park. I stopped to just enjoy the sounds, smells and visuals of the forest and how they felt to me. It was a beautiful few moments. I hustled along to the park where I'd heard I could buy a shower. I'm a sucker for a shower obviously because I paid $4 and had to walk a mile and a half away to get to it. Part way there I thought of how ridiculous that was and almost turned around for a refund...but I continued on, showered, charged my phone and emptied my trash bag. I saw only 1 other hiker this morning. I was at the park, showered, back down to the trail and having lunch at 12:30. After lunch I made my way up the climb to the top of the ridge. A pretty section of trail before me developed into a beautiful tunnel of rhododendron trees. Almost fairy garden like. At the end of the tunnel I came upon a gate and the Quarry Run Shelter to find Ambassador already set up on one of 2 tent platforms. I grabbed the other and took a look around this beautifully maintained site with hanging flower baskets on the 2 impeccably maintained shelters. Nearby the shelters is a covered picnic table, fire pit and sitting swing all located across from a little babbling brook. An adorable space and most enjoyable. I filtered water and set up camp. A few day hikers arrived and we talked about hiking the AT and their dreams and goals. Great conversation. As evening set in a handful of young loud hikers arrived and settled into the shelters hanging all the gear and spraying permetherin. Bite Me arrived and we welcomed the familiar face and conversation. He hiked over 12 miles today to catch up with us. I had my dinner of chicken and mashed potatoes and wished I'd had more. So I washed it down with a cup of coffee and started preparing for bed around 7pm. 2 more hikers arrived, friends of the group in the shelter and they decided to uncover the fire pit and have a get together while roasting hot dogs. They're very loud. It's 7:40 now, my bear bag is in the bear box and Ambassador and I are both in our tents for the night with ear plugs in. I wonder how the night will be for Bite Me who opted for the shelter tonight.