Date: 2014-06-16
From: Gravel Springs Shelter

To: Mountain Home Cabbin
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept downhill all night but is was quite warm. Didn't use the sleeping bag. Up at 6:45, filter water and packed up. Had 2 sausage bagels for breakfast. Most everyone including the section hikers had left. I left at 8:15.Again the trail was smooth and flat and I was maintaining my quick pace. There were some ups and downs but not difficulty. When the trail did turn rocky, it was still easy walking. Had some good views of the valleys as I walked.Lots of road crossings and pasted another maintainer and many day hikers. Decided not to take the .2 mile trail to Compton Peak. Met a Canadian couple returning from the peak. It appeared to mainly be a rocky outcropping.Arrived at Compton Gap Trail at noon. The trail then descended toward the Tim Floyd shelter. The shelter was very nice with a wrap around porch with seats. There were 2 hikers having lunch. I continue on the trail after signing the trail register. Minor uphill before going down to Rt 522. The trail came out of the woods then along a residential area and grassy fields. Got to Rt 522 at 1:20. Was confused on the directions. It said the hostel was 100 yds from the south trailhead. I crossed the road and started east up the road. Still didn't see any hostel so I continued up the road. The trail was in the woods running parallel to the road. After walking up the road for 10 mins, found the hostel. It was 100 yds from the trailhead but by AT terms it was the north trailhead. Called the owner Scott who told me where the key was. Nice little cabin/house. 2 Beds downstairs with a small kitchen and 4 beds upstairs with the bathroom. Each bed had linen and towels and an individual reading light. It was also air conditioned.Debated whether to hitch into Front Royal but decided to stay and dry out my tent and just get caught up on my planning. Made some phone calls to check on car rentals in NJ and NY for July, also to Big Agnes about a tent replacement. They will be sending me a new tent since they didn't have any tent body of my year. Called my wife to update here and check on things at home. Worked on my resupply list for the next 2 stops. Called our friend Steve about meeting tomorrow. Called my friend Dick to see when the best time to be picked up in Maryland. Monday would be the best day so I adjusted my distances some.Made a pizza, showered and journaled until Scott arrived. Scott was a 2011 sobo who started with his son in Maine and hiked with him to Harpers Ferry. Scott continued on to Springer on his own. He said this was a hard part. Scott arrived at 5:30. We chatted about the trail and were going in to town for my resupply when a major rain storm hit for about a hour. Called home to check my original schedule to see where I'm at.When the rain stopped we headed into Front Royal. Got food for dinner and small resupply. Back by 8:30. Made dinner of a large baked potato and 2 small steaks and finished it with a pint of Custard ice cream.Talked more with Scott about his hike and the hostel. He and his wife actually live in McClen Va and split there time at the Cabbin. They are both there on the weekend but during the week one is there. They bought a very old historic home which was in unlivable condition with the 5 year plan to fix it up into a bed and breakfast. The first year they worked on the Cabbin with all new electrical, plumbing, etc.In reviewing my schedule with LouAnn I'm about 4-5 days ahead. Repacked my food which is heavy again leaving town. Again nice hostel and I'm by myself.A good day since the trail was easy and quick. Nice hostel keeping me dry from another night of rain. Good company with Scott.