Date: 2012-05-24
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We had had a long day yesterday, not our preference due to Jay " Big Gulp" still getting acclimated to the trail and some sore feet. We were planning on a shorter, slower day. We climbed Black Rock Mtn, and onto the cliffs, boulders. This MTN evidently years ago had a large cliff that crumbled over the Milenia, now is large pile of boulders. Nice views and fun to climb. We moved on to Loft MTN and ridge and continued to get some overcast views of the Valley. We crossed back and forth over the Skyline drive. Some how we were often robbed of the views of the drive but got a few views the cars were not offered. Certainly the Skyline drive was offered the easier routes. Skyline drive has 3-4 Wayside stops with snack bars or restaurants along the way so for the next few days we may have the opportunity to get some "Real " food. Today is a day that for lunch we should be able to hit one of these Waysides. We were motivated !! Food a great driving force for we thru hikers.We got to the turnoff for the Wayside, on coming down (1/4 mile), we encountered a Mama bear and two cubs, they appeared to be digging at an old log for probably grubs. They had little interest in us and we were able to get some good pictures. They were only about 50 yards from the Wayside. It appeared the cubs were probably a year apart, the baby hung back, we expect was still nursing and not yet interested in the grubs. After about 10 minutes they wandered off and we went to indulge ourselves, but not on grubs but burgers.The waysides are also known to have an excellent Blackberry Ice cream, and we were not to be disappointed. We ate our fill, which is a lot, and then moved on. We climbed back up to the ridge, our payment for our indulgence, and continued our climb. We had been able to go to the Camp Store earlier in the day, that was associated with the Wayside, and we had some extra food so we did not have to make dinner tonight. There should be more of these all along the trail.We made some slow progress for the heat and humidity became very limiting. This week we are getting into the high 80's with a very dense humid southern air. Very stagnant. We nearly had to swim our way ahead in the humidity and our own sweat. Needless to say Big Gulp as well as peeper and I consumed large quantities of water. Peeper and I celebrated our two months on the trail, Jay and Peeper had seen each other alone very little, and as the day progressed I felt they needed some space. I had hoped that Mike " All Smiles " would catch up, we heard he was back in Waynesboro today. All Smiles wife , Sheila, has been worried about his state of mind, and she and I thought it would be good if I talked with him. I saw this day as an opportunity to let Peeper and Jay have some time, and I go back to Waynesboro for the night. I would catch up with Peeper and Big Gulp in the next few days. I called Bill Gallagher, he was willing to come the 30 miles and take me back to Waynesboro. I too wanted to get myself a small camera for Peeper and I had been dependent upon her camera, and we were often apart when hiking. Off I went, and the kids went off to Pinefield hut in the dense fog with night falling. Some separation anxiety upon parting.My trip back to Waynesboro was certainly somewhat frightening and eventful. The fog became very dense, the animals were everywhere. Bill Gallagher had to drive like it was a minefield. Woodcock and dear where everywhere. Suddenly a deer ran from the woods and ran right into his drivers passenger door, then ran off. He as well as I a little shaken, drove on later to report the accident to the park service. I got to the Hostel at 10:00 pm, found all smiles was at the Quality in, made arrangements to have breakfast in the am. Hoped I had made a good decision to let the kids have some time away from Dad. Again slept on the floor at the Hostel. Saw some hikers I had some seen before and a few I had not seen for a month. I was two days back.