Date: 2007-05-30
From: Thornton Gap

To: Compton Gap
Miles today: 22.1

What a day we have had. Symbol drove us to the trail at Thornton Gap and we were on the trail by 7:05. The trail was very nice today with fewer rocks---a lot fewer--- and the climbs were gradual. There were some nice views but it was very hazy. The sun was hot, it was very humid, and the flies were a nuisance buzzing around our heads. Insect repellant works for a very short time then we start sweating all the repellant off and the bugs start biting again. I have so many fly bites (I think that's what they are) on my arms and neck that I have been taking Benadryl at night to relieve the itching. I got a mosquito bite on my wrist today and it itched so bad I took a Benadryl just after it happened. We saw some columbine flowers today (3) and one yesterday. Also, we saw a flower that looks a lot like turkey beard but the leaves are broader than the thin grass-like leaves of the turkey beard.We were at a parking area where the trail crosses the road when we saw a bear cross up ahead. We saw many deer today and they do not seem to be afraid of people at all. They just stand and watch you for about as long as you watch them. Toto gets a thrill out of being able to be so close to them out here. Anywhere else they quickly run away. We also saw another black snake today stretched out beside the trail. I also saw a very very small (length and circumference-wise) black snake on the rail. At least that's what it looked like. It was about the length of a pencil and much smaller around. At the same parking area where we saw the bear we met a young hiker that came caught up to us. After talking to him for just a minute or two he asked if I had been on the trail before. When I said I was out in 05 he said he had met me in Maryland. When I asked him what his name was and he said it was Nick I remembered him. He said we met at little picnic area and there was a soda machine there and he remembered that I was so excited about being able to get a cold drink and he didn't understand because it was his first day on the trail. I later saw him at a shelter where we were both taking a break. I remember thinking how nice he seemed and I think I remember him saying he would like thru-hike the trail. Now he is out here doing just that. He and Toto hiked for a while together and they kept up a pretty good conversation. He was planning to hike out of the park today. But when we met Symbol at the Compton Gap parking area he was there talking to Symbol who had given him a Coke. About 2 miles before we got to the parking area we caught up to John and Michelle, the young couple that we have ben catching up to every day. They are from PA and John has given us his phone number so that when we get close to Port Clinton we can call him and he can shuttle us out to a motel, restaurant, store, or whatever. Anyway, when they reached the parking area they enjoyed an ice cold Coke, also. We all visited for a while and then we got ready to take off. Symbol had taken a zero day today to check out campgroounds in the area around Front Royal and also went to the outfitter to buy a new pair of trail shoes. After leaving the park we went to a Mexican restaurant we had eaten at in 05 and it was as good this time as it was then. We are now at Good Sam Campground or Front Royal RV Campground. We are in a 2-room cabin and there are showers, restroom, laundry facilities, and a pool to take advantage of. I took a shower but Symbol and Toto headed for the pool. I went down later to put my feet in and when I saw the full moon took pictures of it and its reflection in the pool. A short day tomorrow so we can get back to town to do a little resupplying and to do some laundry. Two days without being washed is about the limit for our clothes but tomorrow will make 3. But our bodies are clean for now.It is almost 11PM and since tomorrow's hike is going to start early it is time for sleep, so good night to all.Life is Great!Dorothy & Toto