Date: 2014-06-26
From: Hazeltop Mountain, Mile 915.8

To: Pass Mountain Hut, mile 939.1
Miles today: 23.3

Soon after going to sleep last night, I woke up to noises nearby and wondered what kind of animal it was. Then I heard voices and realized it was some hikers setting up their tent in the dark. When I left this morning at 6:30, they were still sleeping.I just had a snack to start my day because I was planning on breakfast at Big Meadow. I passed the trail to the Wayside diner about 7:30 and knew they didn't open until 8, so I pressed on to the lodge, where Linda and I had breakfast three weeks ago. I had the same thing - 3 egg omelet with the fixins. Even had the same waiter. Before I went in the dining room, I stopped in the bathroom and changed into my clean backup shirt! :-)Now it was off to Skyland for lunch! On the way there I saw my second bear in the park. He was about 15 feet across the underbrush with his back to me and his paws up on a tree. I think he had just climbed down, because when he saw me he ran away deeper into the woods as I was scooting on down the trail! Rocky TrailAs I approached Skyland I discovered the 2 AT Guide pages for today's hike were missing from my pocket. I backtracked a bit, but no sign of them. I went on in to the dining facility knowing I had a pdf copy on my phone. They had a snack counter where I got a premade turkey sandwich, some yogurt and an orange soda. I didn't want to go into the restaurant area. As I was eating I realized there was also a more casual dining area behind me with a bar and TVs. As I was leaving about noon I could hear a soccer match starting on the TV, but I was thinking the US was playing this evening, so I headed on out.Just as I was leaving the area, a young couple, Tinder and ?, I'd been leapfrogging with all morning arrived and shouted to me. They had found my AT Guide pages! They asked if there was a TV in the restaurant and let me know the US was playing at noon! So I went back and spent a couple of hours watching the US team lose a close match to Germany, but still qualify for the next stage. I also had a soda and a plate if French fries! So Tinder and ? saved me twice! Taking a Break to Watch World CupThis morning's section of trail passed to the west of Old Rag mountain, where Linda, Sarah and I hiked April 4th (see Prehike 4 entry). I hoped to get a picture of it from the AT. However, the trail followed along the west side of the ridge, with several good views into the Shenandoah Valley to the west and no views to the east. I even took some side trails, including up to the top of Stoney Man mountain, to no avail. I had given up getting a picture when several miles north I was going up a set of switchbacks. At one turn, there was a rock outcropping with a view to the southeast. Old Rag was peeking out from behind the next ridge!The rest of the day was uneventful. I leapfrogged with Blackbeard, a thru hiker from Florida. At a shelter stop for dinner, he was sitting with Six Slash, who was stopping for the evening. Six Slash's name represents the six brain surgeries he's had in life! I finished eating and hiked on before Blackbeard left. Blackbeard and Six SlashI was pretty tired and slogging along climbing up the last section of trail to the shelter, when Blackbeard caught up with me and inspired me to pick up the pace. I really appreciate all the young folks who have served as inspirers for me!