Date: 2016-06-02
From: Pass Mountain Hut (942.6)

To: Skyland resort!! (931.7)
Miles today: 10.9

Fitbit: took off for two miles during big rain storm. Turned out to be when we climbed the highest point of the AT in the park. Boo hoo!29,977 steps12.99 miles269 floorsForgot to mention a few more things about yesterday. We were at Elkwallow Wayside. I laid on the grass in total abandonment only to find a big nasty wad of spearmint gum firmly enmeshed into the butt of my pants. Nice bear bait! Thankfully the water In the bathroom was so cold I was able to scrap most of it off. Today's rain seemed to take care of the rest. We also crossed paths with a big group of high school sophomores out on a bonding hike. It's a required school experience just like cubby's school will do next year. (She can't wait to shine on that trip) The leaders and teacher made quite a deal about the boots and took lots of photos. They also photographed us because "they are celebrities...first Chinese thru hiker and all". It was like old times and very cool. Our 16th minute of fame. (#PaulWalksOn, @REI and @ducttapethenbeer).Last night we met a big group of hikers. One knew about Pauls boots and another one had photographed them when they were on The Hiking Viking. This kid felt so excited to have seen them twice. Everyone took photos but then became too shy to be filmed. So funny because hikers can be so wild and then the camera goes on and they all shy it down. Today finally got up at 7am. Lots of bears creeping around last night but they left everything and everyone alone. Quick breakfast and purification and we set out. It's cloudy with that white blitzed sky that makes your eyes squint. It makes it cooler but most of the views were blocked. The clouds did lift for a bit and we got a cool photo of the the Shenandoahs with the clouds rolling in over the lush lime green spring trees. Went over the highest peak of the AT in the park during a rain storm. Had to take my Fitbit off for fear of water damage -so no fitbit credit for that peak! Heavy sigh. The Fitbit makes us see how much more we walk than the AT map says. All the side trips for water and to the huts adds up. Back in 2013, we clocked the 2186 miles of the Appalachian Trail itself, but we probably walked closer to 3000 miles. Got to the pavilion where Dude took a huge fresh pineapple out of his bag after asking us what we missed eating most. Boots said pineapple and out it came. We laughed over that and still do. Also, this is the place where we got off the AT two years ago when we returned for a week hike. Nice memories Hiked onto Skyland restaurant in the rain. Got there only to find out the dining room was closed. Happily the tavern was open. We had yummy fish and chips and a Caesar salad. We could't finish. We definitely don't have our hiker appetites going. I feel more nauseous than hungry. I did before and the girls used to make me eat. All I want at the end of the day is to sleep. As we ate, the rain poured and the temps dropped. Diana started angling for a room in the lodge. When the waitress confirmed there was availability we decided to be weenies and take it. After so many months in the rain we just don't want to do it if we don't have to. We figured the boots needed drying out and pampering. So tired and achy, so we need to make the most of this comfy, dry, soft bed. Goodnight all. Sleeping with a grin on my face.