Date: 2018-09-22
From: Route 211 Thornton Gap

To: Rock Spring Cabin parking area
Miles today: 14.7

I'm feeling stronger today and looking forward to a slack pack. I was up at 6am and made my way down to the kitchen around 6:15. The coffee wasn't ready yet so I went out on the back porch to tend to my pack and put what I need into my day pack. As with some hostels packs and trail shoes are not allowed inside, and for good reason. If you've ever smelled either on a thru hiker it's not an experience you're soon to forget and who would want multiples of them in their home? Pew! By the flashlight of my phone I transferred my rain coat, tyvek, snacks, water, SPOT and other necessary gear for the day. Then I headed inside to make my oatmeal and grab some now made coffee. It took me 20 minutes to get the oatmeal down and it's my favorite one too, but I still have nausea. It's getting better though. Alison drove us to the trail at 7:15 and by 7:30 we were working on the 2 mile climb to Mary's Rock. It was a quiet morning, cooler but still humid. Maybe I just need to get used to that. When we reached the top the view was a wonderful reward. Just one other hiker was sitting up on the rocks. We rested a few minutes and I texted my parents to let them know I'm feeling better. As we walked away the clouds blew in and we continued up trail. The AT skirts the edge of Pinnacle picnic area but the clouds were so thick we could hardly see the tables. We were looking for a snack break as it was 10:30 and there were flush toilets and running water in a building we couldn't see until we nearly walked into it. Eventually with empty bladder and clean hands I joined Eddyman at the nearby picnic pavilion where we could enjoy a dry seat. It's the little things that matter most! Again no one was around ( or perhaps we just couldn't see each other!)We made our way south and now being 10:45 we started seeing day hikers, many with dogs and met a sobo thruhiker from Boulder CO. The trail was rocky today but in wonderful condition. Our next stop was for lunch around our 10 mile mark at the Skyland Wayside. We were surprised it was sit down dining but we had the time so we indulged. I ate my burger without bread and a small salad. Delicious! I checked my phone and saw a voicemail from the doctor. My test results are normal so we can conclude that the infection caused a flare up and the antibiotics gave me every nasty side effect listed. Also good news is the infection is gone and I will not take any more of the prescription. I can manage my flare up. I texted Alison at the hostel to confirm a pick up time and location. We popped out of the woods into a small parking lot next to an overlook turnout on Skyline Drive. While we waited for Alison we watched cars come and go. Some got out, took a picture and hopped back in and drove away. Others rolled up and rolled away without even rolling down a window. It was strange to see this, since we work so hard and appreciate the views so much. We look back at the reward of mountains already summited and forward to those we'll climb tomorrow. It was an interesting perspective. On the way back to the hostel Alison stopped at the deli for us and I got a large chilli to go. I ate half, showered and rested and consumed the rest. No nausea! I can't say that I'm looking forward to the burden of my 35ish lb pack tomorrow, but I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the Shenandoah National Park and the next stop in Waynesboro.