Date: 2007-05-29
From: Bears Den

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have sent my journals home for input but wanted to give a brief update from the ATC office in Harpers Ferry. The section from the Bears Den to Harpers Ferry is very nice. The Bears Den property is a dream location with a very nice stone building and stone walls which are timeless and very beautiful. Queen Diva and Amoeba were a pleasure to talk to and the time there was very special. The next morning I headed out finding the trail was very beautiful and headed north through a wonderful trail section which rolled gently through lush green forest and up over ridges with great views. The trail has nice walking sections and rocky challenging sections. The humidity broke today and the forest provided ample shade. I reached the West Virginia state line, closing out a wonderful journey through Virginia. I also reached the 1,000 mile mark and had a brief celebration. I reached the ATC office just after closing at 5PM. I was greeted by friendly ATC workers and they allowed me to have my picture taken. I am the 138th Thru-Hiker registering here. This might not be accurate since some people probably are sectional hikers and maybe even weekenders wanting to have a keepsake photo record. Also I'm sure some thrus don't stop here. The ATC Office is staffed by helpful friendly people who seem to love the trail and its hikers. Flick, Golden Boy, Ninja and I are all here. We will hike out later today (May 30th) along with Flick's sister and Stinky. We are planning to have shorter days for the next couple days since we will be with newbies. Next week I look forward to a visit from Lynne and Taken. We have not finalized our plans but I hope Taken can join us for a few days. I'll then take a few days off to help Lynne open our place up at the Jersey Shore. I am taking Doxi-cycline for potential Lyme disease exposure and have struggled a little with the sun, heat and dehydration. Thanks again to all for your interest and guestbook entries. Lynne I hope this doesn't mess up your input. Bears Den to Harpers Ferry 19.9The hike out of Bears Den is beautiful. The forest is lush and the trail looks old and well maintained. The forest has older trees and nice rocks. It climbs up onto a ridge with nice views then rolls along passing the Blackburn Trail Center Trail. I did not stop here, continuing through beautiful forest. There are some rocky sections which require your concentration. It¢s a nice long walk along wide paths and narrow trail. The day is much better than yesterday. The humidity is lower and the hike is comfortable. Eventually you start hearing traffic noise and then you cross a road, then you come to the Shenandoah River Bridge. I walk across the bridge and up the side trail to town. I headed for the ATC office and found myself 20 minutes late. The store closes at 5pm. A very nice lady allowed me to get my picture taken and put into the thru hiker book. She also offered a ride to resupply. I elected to check into the Hill Top Motel and get a shower. Later I walked downtown for a cheeseburger and a beer, finding some other thru hikers doing the same. I then walked up to the Hill Top Motel, where I ran into Golden Boy and his parents. After introductions we drove to the Pub where we were dropped off and reunited with Flick and Ninja, Stinky and Audrey, Flick¢s sister. We drove back to the Hotel and went to our rooms for some rest.