Date: 2012-06-20
From: Virgina

To: Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

Well, after my week off and a long drive back up to Virginia I started my hike again. Luckily there wasn't much of this 550 miles state left for me. This stretch was a bit different in that I wasn't around anyone I knew. When one is off for a week or more you end up in another bubble of people. New faces the whole way through. I came across many section hikers, most were heading south. this was good as we were able to swap information with one another in regards to upcoming terrain and specific sections.The elevation was still easy, comparably speaking of course, and as I headed into WV I crossed the 1,000 mile mark! What a milestone day that was for me! I just wish I had some of my friends with me to share in the celebration. However, on a better note, the shin splints weren't bothering, although they were always on the back of my mind. I had been taking it relatively easy, only doing 15 mile days. This was a chore in itself! I had to keep slowing my pace down to stretch the day out. I was accustomed to much longer days and hiking till 7ish pm. I was now finishing around 3, even with slowing down. Too much idle time at the end of the day, sitting around waiting for it to get dark enough to sleep. This lead to some mental low points for me. I didn't know anyone anymore, was missing my friends and was already unhappy with my new pack. this compiled with knowing I wasn't going to finish really brought me down a couple of times. "Just get to to Harpers Ferry", I kept telling myself. New shoe's, new state, easier terrain....just get there ya wuss!Finally, I plowed into H.P., WV on a very rainy morning. I did 9 miles in 3 hours including a side trip for breakfast.....I was Flying for the first time since my return and it felt GREAT!I went into town and straight to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to register and have my picture taken. There was refreshments available and a bunch of new faces as well as some section hikers I met the day before. I got my resupply dropbox, new shoes and registration done and headed to the Teahorse hostel. This hostel was Pricey, but then EVERYTHING in this town was overpriced....except the outfitters.I would have enjoyed a day of rest, off my feet, but that didn't happen. I needed a new pack. This Gregory I purchased wasn't very comfortable. Also, I had noticed that I had about an inch on each side of the hip belt to adjust before that was it, the end of the belt. This was unacceptable seeing as how I was gonna continue and weight loss was a given. So I set off to explore the town, get to the outfitters at the other end and eat some real food.The girl that worked at the outfitters was so friendly, very helpful and super cute! I was very pleased to find that they carried the ULA Circuit. This is the pack I REALLY wanted! It came highly recommended on threads I posted, from other hikers. As well as from people I knew on the trail, like Birdman. It's an ultralight pack, almost 2 lbs lighter than the one I currently had. The hip belt is fitted separately for a better match. The whole design of it is brilliant and I knew I had the winner as soon as I tried it on.   The owner came out to help with the fitting of the pack. I had to send my old pack back home so my folks would be able to return it to REI for a refund. He offered to take care of that right there for me, however, I didn't bring the old one with me. So, I headed next door to a bar for some awesome fish n chips and a few beers. I walked back up to the other side of town to empty my pack and bring it back to the outfitters so I could pay for everything in one lump some, including the shipping charges.I returned to a full hostel filled with all sorts of new people. This was the first time I got to meet and chat with Squatch. I had seen him in town and at the bar I ate at and now at the hostel. Super cool guy that is a documentary film maker. He's already made some on the PCT and is currently filming to finish one of the A.T. called Flip, Flop Flippin. You can check out his stuff here at http://www.squatchfilms.com/I headed out the next morning invigorated after a GREAT nights sleep. The only thing was that I noticed I had been hit by poison ivy on my left shin. Must have happened while I was trucking along through the rain. Oh well, the weather was so amazing this morning!! Clear blue skies and temps in the 60's. I had a new pack, new shoe's and a new determination to keep on hiking!About 10 miles into my hike, the trail crossed Gathland State Park. As I came strolling in, right there by the soda machines is Dances with Flies, Q-Tip and his dog Charlie. I was prety stoked to see some familiar friends, especially these guys. Charlie welcomed me with lot's of barking and jumping around. I hadn't seen these guys since Waynesboro, Va when they decided to stay back for a day to go Aqua blazing. They had been doing some very short days as well as a side trip into Washington D.C. At this point we had crossed over into Maryland and were ready to make our way to Pennsylvania.