Date: 2003-06-14
From: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro

To: 0.6 miles past Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The Johnsons have a problem with moles. I slept in their yard and could hear them digging and chewing right under the surface of their yard. Apparently, their two cats couldn't hear them, though. They were quite content sleeping on and next to me. The Johnsons prepared breakfast for us. A couple of us cleaned up the kitchen afterwards for them. I made the changes to my gear that I planned. Soon we had a jam session and we sang Rocky Top with accompanying guitar and banjo. We are not ready for any record deal yet, but it was a blast. There were people getting gear and mail drops ready everywhere. I walked with some of the others to the post office. This is where I'm making changes to my gear. I sent home my boots and my winter sleeping bag. The boots will be used again in PA. They are great for the rocks and they already have 395 miles on them. They seem to be holding up well, but they are tearing up my feet. So I will tear them up on the PA rocks to get even in a couple weeks. The sleeping bag is rated for 15 degrees and was completely overkill now that it never gets below 60 degrees. I replaced it with a 1 pound fleece one I bought in Damascus. For a more dramatic change, I sent ahead to Fort Royal my stove and pots. I have been thinking of doing this or a while. Every time I walked into town, I would have half my dinners uneaten in my pack. I like to hike in the evening; it is when I hit my best stride. To stop and cook a pasta meal takes forever by the time everything gets cleaned up. It also means I have to either carry a bunch of heavy water or camp near water. This doesn't fit my style because I prefer to hike until it's dark and then pitch up when I stop. Not only that, my meals really aren't that good for me anyhow. There really isn't much nutritional value from pasta or instant potatoes. Two snickers bars really are better for me because I will also get protein. I will pack some good bagels and cheeses, which I enjoy much more anyhow. If this works well, I will ship my stove and pot home until it gets cold again. Hot meals are not necessary and are hikers trying to make the outdoors like home. I want to be more one with nature rather than try to change it. It also means I don't need fuel, spices, olive oil, and my Spork. The weight savings are partially negated because cheese and fresh fruit are heavy. It is mostly the convenience of not having to cook and clean up. From the post office, I split from everyone else. I went to Krogers and got some bagels, cheese, apples, pepperoni, and some Turkey Hill green tea. I feel like I'm getting close to home since I can buy tea imported from Lancaster County. I got my head buzzed to keep me a little cooler and I've noticed my shadow had hair that was sticking straight up. From the hairdresser, I went to a burger joint. It wasn't very good but I got 3 burgers to go for dinner tonight. Next, I went to the local outfitter. Here I bought new shoes, socks, sock liners, aqua mira, and rope. A sales clerk gave me a ride the 4 miles to the trail. I hiked trying out my new shoes. It is too early to tell how they will be. I did feel a little pressure on my toes of my right foot. I wish I could try a shoe out for a week for a test drive. I do think these will do well, especially for the terrain coming up. I am going to try to really pick up the pace for the next couple weeks.The radio told me there was really bad thunderstorm heading my way, so as soon as I saw the storm clouds I set up camp. It mostly blew over but there were a few very close lightning strikes. It will probably rain tonight but I am all set up and have the hatches batten down. I ate my cheeseburger, which seemed to make my stomach very talkative. My pack is really light. It weighs, with food and water, only 22 pounds. I will have to re-supply often to get food, but it will help make big miles. I am glad I got out of town. I had scheduled a zero day, so walking 7 is a bonus. Plus, I am waking up in the woods, which will give me a head start tomorrow. Next I enter the Shenandoah National park. Goodnight.Peace,Dutch