Date: 2013-09-27
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

The hostel guests were up early and ready at 7 AM for Laurel¢s delicious waffle and fresh fruit breakfast. We took our time eating and getting out, as our first stop was going to be the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Office to have our pictures taken for the record book. They didn't open until 9 AM and waiting around on the first day of a hike is so very painful!With full tummies, we headed out close to 9 and instead of walking the few blocks through town to the ATC office, we walked down Union Street back to the trail as that¢s the way we had gotten off last October after our hike from Front Royal to Harpers. I have walked this street many times and we always talk about the history and the architecture of the area. The homes are small, but so full of character and oh, the stories those walls could tell. On our way down the hill we saw 3 deer, one with a nice sized rack. It was overcast and chilly, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that we were excited to be back on the trail, our mood was light and happy and we had hours ahead of us to go the short 6.3 miles to our first night¢s destination. It only took a few minutes to reach the blue blazed trail to the ATC and another couple of blocks to the building. It always feels good to visit and see the dedicated employees and volunteers. After chatting, having our pictures taken (I was #409 this time), and placing them in the 2013 record book, we were finally on our way. Back on the AT, we again headed north past the cemetery (where we stopped just minutes into our hike for pictures) and down again into town. One of us (just who, I can¢t remember¢¦but wouldn't be surprised if it was me) said how nice it would be to stop off at a bakery before we left town, so stop we did¢¦.again¢¦.just 10 minutes into our hike. We had some amazing cinnamon buns and upon finishing, wondered if we needed hot dogs and fries before leaving town, but decided against it and finally walked up the steps and onto the canal tow path for a smooth, wide, three mile hike along the river on a completely flat trail. We shared the trail with many bikers, and I have to tell you, they weren't the nicest peeps out there. I was almost hit 3 different times!At the railroad tracks where the AT makes a left off of the canal path and starts to climb up the mountain, we broke to potty and have a snack. While there, a couple hiked up and took off their packs about 50 feet away, but didn't acknowledge us. Knee Hi and I said that she must be a thru-hiker (she had great legs) and he was the boyfriend that came to the trail to meet up with her for a visit and to hike for a few days. We explained away her new boots; obviously, she had just gotten new boots at the outfitter in town to replace her old worn out ones. Stays, of course, stayed out of the conversation. Men don¢t usually make up stories about other people¢s lives to pass the time. Little did we know at the time, that these two hikers would become great trail friends for the next 4 days and most likely lifelong friends as well.Finished with our break, we shouldered our packs and walked toward the tracks, but the train that had started by was many cars long and we ended up standing with the other couple and exchanging pleasantries. Before too long, the train had passed, so we said our goodbyes and made our way up. At the top of the hill is Weaverton Cliffs, an amazingly beautiful rocky cliff where you can see the river, the railroad tracks, and the town of Harpers Ferry. We broke again, had another snack, and took pictures. There, the couple we had met on the tow path came up and we had another quick, light conversation and headed out. They too were headed to Ed Garvey Shelter, so we would most likely meet up with them on down the trail. The stink bugs helped to drive us on, but before we left I was able to take in the gorgeous view¢¦.complete with blue skies, and hear the sound of the train passing beneath us. The afternoon passed quickly as we hiked the rest of the way to the Ed Garvey Shelter. The weather was pleasant, the trail kind and the company was the best. The trees were turning gold and yellow but few leaves had yet to fall in our path. Knee Hi, Stays and I hiked well together. Even though a normal hiking day for Stays was a 16 to 20 miler, he seemed ok with our slower, more laid back pace. We arrived at the comfortable, great looking shelter first and went about our nightly chores. I was going to stay in the shelter, but both the downstairs and upstairs was covered in stink bugs, so we went off to tent sites beyond the privy. We found 3 flat sites, set up our tents, Knee Hi hung a bear bag for us, and we took our food back to the shelter to take advantage of the picnic table to cook our dinners. My dinner was Enertia¢s Pinacle Pasta to which I added tuna and cheese. Mmmm, one of my favorites on the trail¢¦..but not until after I walked the quarter mile downhill for my water supply.Before long, the couple we had met earlier arrived and chose a tent site up behind the shelter, set up, then joined us to eat. It turns out that she grew up near me back in south Jersey and still lived there. It was fun talking to someone from home. They were out for a long weekend and were going to the PA border. It was their very first backpacking trip, so they were full of questions about gear, food and clothing. Our new friends pulled out wine and scotch which they were happy to share. We spent an enjoyable evening trading stories and getting to know each other. John, a section hiker joined us after setting up his hammock. At dark, I wandered down the path to my waiting tent. After a quick bath, clean silks, and my nightly cocktail of ibuprofen and Benadryl, I worked on my journal and it was lights out at 7:30.