Date: 2003-05-28
From: Keys Gap WV Stealth Campsite 2 mi N

To: Harpers Ferry WV (Hampton Inn Martinsburg)
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: light rain

Day 76 Avg Mls Day 13.3Weather: Mostly cloudy, rain in the morning; a little sun in the afternoon High temp in 65.Today' Nature: I don't know what they're called but I'm finding these tiny "leaf worms" on me all of the time. They must fall out off the trees. One fell off of me and on the table while I was eating breakfast.The tent site worked out well last night. I got a good night's sleep and there were no pests. Woke up around 6 and took the usual hour to eat and pack up. 2X4 and Taiyoo were ready for town. We weren't hiking a half hour before it started to rain...a steady rain all the way into Harpers Ferry.   It wasn't long before my feet were soaked...I think I need new bots. 2X4 took the side trail .2 mile directly to the AT Headquarters while I hiked the AT around town to where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac and the historic district. I remembered (from my summer hike last year) that there were nice public restrooms with an entrance room where I could take off my pack and wet parka near this end of town.   There, I chatted with Two Dogs and Raisonette who came in yesterday.Next, I went to the Hilltop Hotel as I heard they had a nice breakfast buffet... and they did. All the usual breakfast items, OJ and coffee for $5.95. It was after 10 and stopped raining but cool when I left.When I got to the AT Headquarters Lucky, Orb and Goldberry were already there hanging out. Also Wicked Wizard and Jersey who I hadn't seen for awhile. There was a note on the message board for Goldbery and me from Molasses. It went something like this, "Ha, I beat both of you to Harpers Ferry."   We got a kick out of it. If you've followed Molasses on Trailjournals, you know what a "trooper" she is. She has been through some tough weather situations but keeps on trudging. I think she took a break from the Trail and is on her way back.I hung around the Center for the next few hours. They make the hikers feel right at home. 2X4 and Taiyoo showed up and also String bean. There were also a few more hikers that I hadn't met.While I was looking through the pictures of the hikers who had been here this year I saw Charlie's and Gambler's picture. They both looked very happy.Someone yells that I have a phone call. I was sure it was Julia with info on her arrival. No, it's Dave, my former co-worker...the guy that took me to Springer and helped kick off my hike. We chatted awhile and talked about Dave's plans to do some sections this summer including possibly joining me again on the Trail.   Goldberry and company headed for lunch but I thought I'd hang round and wait for Julia. Later, Wicked Wizard and Jersey went downtown for a beer. I owed Wizard so I told them I'd join them after I went to the post office. I left Julia a note just in case.   There I picked up a package from a former co-worker, Celeste. It was more packets of mayo, mustard, relish, etc. Thanks so much Celeste!...what I can't pack I'll leave in the hiker box at the ATC. The bar was closed but I did join Wizard and Jersey for burgers and ice cream at the cafe. Not long after 3, I was back at the ATC. Julia got there about 3:30. The rain showers returned just as we went out to the Blazer. Casey, our dog was a little apprehensive with me at first.   Well, at least Julia seemed glad to see me. Casey did warm up right away and was back to her excited self by the time we got to the motel.I showered and did my laundry. Put on my new boots to break them in and see how they feel. They just fit...if they were any smaller I'd have to go to size 11's. I'll wear them again tomorrow.Thought for the Day: Weather doesn't matter when I'm at Harpers Ferry and Julia & Casey are here.