Date: 2011-06-23
From: Bear's Den

To: Harpers Ferry, W.Va
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

we made it to Harpers Ferry!! Day 1~ Is there a better way to start the trip than to be in a rain. My body did great hiking 9 mils on the first day only things that held me back was sore feet and a slower hiking partner. I enjoyed the greenery of the trail, and seeing my fellow crew members out in the woods honking at me and cheering me on. Mom and me slept on the outside of Sky Meadows state park, which was really enjoyable. Day 2~ Started the morning hiking through the meadow, it was a sight to see. Only down fall to this day was the fact it rained the night so our packs were weighed by rain water. The trail was a sight to see, we were blessed with green tunnels, rain falling from the trees, birds chirping, nice American Cheasenut trees, and just peacefulness. I am also happy to say no blisters yet!Day 3~ Roller coaster day...it is not easy, and I had sore feet to. We did a good part of the of the Roller coaster up to Bears den, equaling our longest day on the trail. We enjoyed staying at Bears Den where we were blessed with a hot shower, comfey beds, whole pizzas, along with soda and ice cream(which was saved for the next day.) The best part of today was when I got to hang by a small waterfall and jump in the pool at the bottom to cool off. The same day we walked through a forest fire area, but don't know how it started. Day 4~ Roller Coaster DONE! Is there a better way to celibrate the finshing a hard part of the trail than to lug up a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream to enjoy on top of a mountain? Well I enjoyed it to the fullest! Also when I was walking down the trail I saw the biggest mushroom, i've ever seen before. The trail was also very flat and easy walking (after the roller coaster.) Day 5~ The trail was nice to me today! Flat ridge walking most of the day, what more can I ask for? We enjoyed the BRinner (dinner for breakfast)along with grilled egg bacon sandwhich from Blue Moon (trail magic.) Then we had a down hill climb into the wonderful HARPERS FERRY, one mile stone out of the way. I will say though I did have one BAD part of the day... we needed water and there a sign for a spring and a trail to get there. Well down I go to get water, I went from the tip top of a mountain and walked right to the bottom Then at the bottom was the spring well right before I got water I stepped on a rock and slid streight down the side of it. I have a bruised and swollen thumbed with a chunk of skin missing, and to put the cherry on top I still had to filter water and hike the whole way back up. Jamie WAS NOT HAPPY. But soon there after was when I got blessed with the trail magic, which brightened my day! After I made it to Harpers Ferry I went to the ATC and checked in, there I got one care package from Mr.Eisenman (thank you) and also had a little more trail magic, yummy nutty buddies and hunny buns. Then just to put the topping on the day I am getting free housing for the night from the Peck family, and got a shower, AC, computer use, and got to treat my hand. (Is there anything better?)tips: 1. When hammock camping in the rain set up your hammock and tarp first then put your pack cover on the ground and sit on it. 2. never hike with women on/ near there cycles. 3. only hike in one pair of clothes then in camp stop sweating and change into a differnt pair to lounge in. 4. Take your time and don't rush you will get there. 5. light weight summer pants and shirt in camp as you always have bugs, so put on your long pants and shirt so they don't bite as bad. Happy Hiking