Date: 2014-05-23
From: Loft Mountain Camp Grounds

To: Sky Line Drive 66.7 / Mile Marker 902.0
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Gray Ghost and I were up at 6 and while going though our gear and packing up a LARGE Bear decided to take a stroll 10 yards away from our site through the brush. He acted like it was no big deal and like he was a fixture of the camp ground - and he pretty much is! He hung around for about 10 minutes mowing on some vegetation and then drifted off. While looking at the map the night before Gray Ghost and I saw that the AT made a big loop around the camp grounds so we decided to do the 2 miles or so around without our packs then come back and pick them up and then get back on the trail. As we headed down the trail to get back not he AT, the Bear was also on the trail and we had to shoo him off before we could continue on our way. While on the trail everyday you are watching your feet to avoid catching your toe/foot on a rock or root that could send you sprawling and most days you are successful. Today I was not. Just about the time we were finished with the loop we were going down hill and my sore ankle that I tend to drag along until it loosens up caught on a rock that popped its ugly head up and before I knew it I was hurtling head over heals. Some how I was able to quickly shed my poles so I wouldn't shish kabob myself - how I did this I don't know - and do a 9.9 tuck and roll popping up no worse for wear except a little of my palms left on the stony trail. As I reflected back to my gym days with Mr. Pinkerton and the gymnastics routines he taught us, he would have been proud that even at 56I still had it in me to carefully execute such a move even if it wasn't full of grace. The most fortunate part of the whole ordeal was the fact that I did not have my pack on and if I had the outcome would of been much worse. Back at camp we finished packing and got on the trail with a hot breakfast in mind at the local Wayside Restaurant which is a combination diner/gift shop that sucks money out of tourists and hikers pockets. The AWOL Guide Book and local singe continue not to jive and we were in such a hurry to eat (second impulse to hiking) we took the first and much much much steeper trail down to the Wayside, but got there in good time anyways. Thoughts of having to go back up the same way were pushed to the back recesses of our minds as we smelled the sweet odors of pancakes and grilled meat along with greasy hash browns. After a Breakfast sausage sandwich, a plateful of hash browns and a 1/2 pint of $ 1.95 chocolate milk, I was happy and the trek back up was not so bad since our legs were well fueled by the meal. The trail continued to be conducive to hiking and we made good time to Pinefield Hut (891.7) where we stopped for water, a snack and a 10 minutes of shut eye. These are real nice as they allow us to rest our legs especially since we had a few big climbs coming up later today. On our way out we passed a young girl who looked like a thru hiker but someone we hadn't seen on the trail before. It was odd that she had not come down to the hut but was just hanging out reading her I pad. She looked familiar but I couldn't place her so just gave her a hi and we moved on. As we moved down the trail it got rougher and rougher and the views continued to be very few. Water continued to be an issue but despite the heat I didn't get any more because I wanted to keep my pack as light as possible. This is always a two edge sword and a calculated risk that hikers are constantly taking. With the lack of views, I truly believe the AT is the step child of the Shenendoahs compared to the Sky Line Drive. It seems like we are continually kept away from most of the overlooks with the good views. The day continued to be hot, the views few and a big 1000' climb to come when we came out to the Sky Line Drive with a parking lot at Powell Gap and there ¢¦. was that a mirage in the heat¢¦. no it really is¢¦.TRAIL MAGIC !!!!! After nearly 14 hot, dusty miles we were the grateful beneficiaries of Trail Angels Sunshine and Not Yet's graciousness. Both thru hiked the AT in 2013 and were out for a 30 mile hike weekend when they decided to bring out some trail magic. OH YEAH!! So while we sat in real chairs, in the shade we feasted on soda, gatorade, grapes, apples, oranges, snack cookies and chips and shared stories and experiences as only those who thru hike can. This couple was so pleasant and we really appreciated their support. Now I'm going to back up to the girl we saw earlier who I thought I recognized. As we were sitting there she also came out and was going to continue on by until Sunshine called out to invite her over. Her name was English Girl and it was then that I realized that she had been at the same clinic in Waynesboro as I had been at and she was the one who the Doctor had talked to me about and the problem she was having with her knee. As she explained she had seriously injured her knee a week or so ago and it had swelled up to the point it was making it impossible for her to hike on so she had gone to the clinic and they had drained fluid and blood off of her knee and now she was hiking again. It just amazed me at the number of miles she was putting in after such an injury, but she said she just wanted to get the trail done as quickly as possible as she was not enjoying as much as she had hoped. I only hope this changes for her, but it was nice to meet her. Well Gray Ghost and I had some miles still to make and while I would have been contented to stay there with everyone until the sun went down I was looking so forward to meeting my nephew Daniel at the next parking lot. So it was with much difficulty we pried ourselves out of the chairs and with many thanks to our hosts headed u p what was suppose to be (according to the AWOL Guide) a very steep 1.2 mile climb. Yet in what seemed like a blink of an eye we got to the shelter trail head and we were soon at the shelter relaxing and talking to the Ridge Runner Bliss and a local hiker named "HOg on Ice". No I really don't make these up. While Gray Ghost was staying here I got ready to move on so with some final good byes and confirmation with Gray Ghost we would meet up again I headed out. I finished the climb over High Top Mountain which was steep but not long and then down to the parking lot where Dan was already. These times of seeing family or fiends from home bring forth a special emotion that even phone calls and "face time" can't even come close to touching. On the ride back to his house my mouth ran like a whipper will's call (and I know how annoying that can be) but Dan patiently listened as I was on such a high. We stopped for gas, snack and drink and were headed back to his place in Warrenton. I talked to my wife Laura to let her know all was well and to say hi to our nieces and nephews in Chicago who she was visiting. Dan and I then settled into a couple of nice chairs and had a few beers and really relaxed catching up on what had been going on in both of our lives. His girlfriend Charm then go home and we ordered Thai food that I had never had before and which was really good and then it was 1030 and way past my bed time. So with a lot to do tomorrow and many thanks to Dan for coming to get me it was off to a soft comfortable bed with clean sheets.