Date: 2004-06-17
From: Tree Streets Inn B & B, Waynesboro VA

To: Campsite in the woods
Miles today: 14.4

We drew a lot of laughs as we two backpackers carried into the post office boxes larger, heavier and fuller than the packs on our backs. But I didn't mind; I'm so delighted with the idea I'm fully supplied with food for the next three weeks. Once again I'm organized with maildrops as when I started this venture. A pick-up every five to seven days, or 60-85 miles, and a bounce box every other week was working perfectly for me. Then it got to the point where we were posting a box for every three to four days and bouncing a box every time too. It was getting way too confusing, complicated, and expensive. This is better.My new Garmot hikers I bounced up to the end of the Shenandoah National Park. Along with them went the new Superfeet insoles. I've reverted back to my original footwear (boots and old Superfeet) and have my camp shoes as an option should I start getting ankle pain again. It's very dangerous and frightening to be changing footwear after 850 miles. Perhaps I'll phone home and have my own New Balance trail runners sent, try them for a few days while bouncing these boots ahead. If they work out here I'll be able to return the Garmots and I'll have happy feet again. Breakfast consisted of fresh strawberries, granola, omelet, toast, poppy seed muffin, juice and tea. It was a perfect meal -- nutritious and not too rich and heavy before we hit the trail. Thanks and compliments to Nickie, wife of Bill, innkeepers of Tree Streets Inn. What a marvelous stay -- they made us feel like royalty. Both the Dutch Haus of Montebello and the Tree Streets Inn of Waynesboro are highly recommended by Swan and Ursa Minor. Before we left Tree Streets B&B Nickie showed us a newspaper article. Yesterday an adult black bear activated the motion sensors of the entrance doors at the local hospital and of course, walked in! The security cameras caught it on film. The authorities were called and reluctantly had to shoot it. Their explanation was they feared an attempt to sedate it would cause it to go a little berserk and be a hazard to patients and staff. Ursa Minor and I think it's because the bear had no insurance. :>) Post office tasks completed, we headed back to the AT. We had to backtrack 50 feet to the other side of the bridge so we wouldn't skip that small section and then we disappeared under the canopy of the woods of Shenandoah National Park. The day's hike was very pleasant. We bypassed the first shelter at seven miles because the day was still young. The rain caught us early afternoon but ended before we set up camp. Campsites between shelters here in Shenandoah National Park are nearly non-existent. About the time I was thinking we were in for a long day I heard voices and came upon a very nice site for the night. The voices belonged to Robisto, son Ernie, and Kevin, southbounders for a 25-mile hike. Ursa Minor was in seventh heaven as they gave her a hot dog with mustard. We were all amazed at the fearlessness of a deer, which continuously circled our tents, feeding and ignoring us. It visited for at least 30 minutes before it bored of our presence and camera flashes and left. Supper devoured, bear bag hung, goodnights exchanged, prayers recited and it is off to zzz-land.