Date: 2017-07-02
From: PA Highway 16/Waynesboro, PA

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters Tent Site
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

7/2PA Highway 16/Waynesboro, PA to Rocky Mountain Shelters Tent Site 12.3 miles Total miles:  1079.5Ralph arranged a shuttle for 9:00 to first take Gravity and me back to the trail and then take him to his car in Harpers Ferry.  This allowed us to sleep in a bit, since last night was such a late one.  After a good continental breakfast at the hotel, we bid farewell to Ralph who may be able to rejoin us later, and arrived back at the trail.  The temperature was already rising, and it promised to be another warm, humid day.  As I talk to hikers, the universal concern right now is the heat.  The trail continues to often be rocky and rugged, but it is the heat and humidity that is making things tougher right now.  I have made a few adjustments.  I added Propel to my water today to help ensure I adequately replace the electrolytes I am sweating out.  I also slowed my pace a bit,  tied a bandanna to the shoulder strap of my pack to help wipe sweat from my face and to try to keep my glasses clean enough to see through, and I made sure to take a brief nap during the heat of the afternoon. Due to how late we were up last night and our late start this morning, as well as another day of warm temperatures and mostly challenging trail, Gravity and I opted to hike 12.3 miles to the Rocky Mountain Shelters area and not push on to the next possible camping area an additional five miles down the trail.  Availability of water also was a factor.  For some reason, most of the shelter areas now contain two mostly identical shelters.  They are very well maintained.  In fact, there was a vase of fresh flowers on the table at Tumbling Run. The structures here also provide a clue to why there are double shelters: one is labeled "Snoring," while the other is "Non-Snoring."  We were treated to one view today at Chimney Rocks.  The best part was the scramble up the large rocks that jut out from and above the trees. There are three outcroppings to choose from. I took the middle while Gravity opted for the one on the right. The sky was clear, and there was a view of mountains and a large reservoir, but no little towns and roads.  I ate lunch at the Old Forge Picnic Area, another well maintained facility, that features shaded picnic tables, a water faucet, and a privy. There were several hikers already there.  I decided to eat my lunch early, before I became too worn out from the heat, to try to avoid the afternoon sluggishness that I have felt the past few days. Today was also a day of reunions. I saw Redeye for the first time since Harpers Ferry. She had found a  bright red artificial flower that she was wearing in her hair.  I later found it on the trail and was able to present it back to her at Chimney Rocks.  Being from Canada, the heat is new to her, but she is gamely hiking on.  I later saw her playing in a stream.  She loves the water, and it was also helping her cool off.  I also saw Pirate today for the first time in a long while. He had been forced to take nine zeroes in Daleville after contracting Lyme disease.  We caught up with each other while getting water from the spring at Rocky Mountain.  He says he feels better now, and he looks great.  I just re-treated my clothes with Permethrin in Waynesboro and have been dutifully using my insect repellent every day. This will obviously continue.  I was setting up my tent by 5:30 this evening, and I enjoyed a laid back, unhurried evening. I helped some hikers I just met build a fire, and they shared their bacon (pre-cooked but reheated over the fire) with me. I was in bed early and plan on an early start tomorrow.  The forecast is for more warm weather (it is July in Pennsylvania, after all), and I hope  the adjustments I have made will continue to pay off.  If trail conditions cooperate, Gravity and I may reach the half-way point as early as tomorrow.  Exciting times continue on the trail.