Date: 2008-06-24
From: US-3 & Skyline Drive

To: Fishers Gap
Miles today: 18.4

Packed, fed and gone by 7:00 a.m. I was looking at an 18.4 mile day today.After doing 8 miles I arrived at the Lewis Mtn. Campgrounds w/Store. The male cashier was the rudest S.O.B I have encountered. Although, he didn't have the "nads" to speak it, his actions reflected his repulsion for having to serve us in any way. And I thought I hated my job?We all sat at a picnic table and consumed food and beverage, despite the pissy threat from the emasculated moron from the camp store.After downing a pop, bagel w/creme cheese, chips, oreos and 2 beers it was time to get moving before I got hungry again.After another 8 miles we arrived to the Big Meadows Lodge and campground.We took advantage of the pay showers and laundry facilities. Hiker funk is a reality, although it can't be avoided, it can be dealt with. I even wear deodorant now, I'd rather smell it than something less fragrant-like me.After having our gear spread out and dried, we opted to eat in the Lodge.We each bought a round to celebrate our 900 miles today. Along the trail was a log where someone created a 900 mile marker. Naturally it became a photo opportunity. The prices for food was $$$, therfore snacks only. Briefly joining us were Canuck from Alberta Canada, Bigglesworth & Motor Butt, she was a new face from New Hampshire.The 3 of us left at 8:15 p.m. We still had a couple of miles to go before we found a place to camp. In the dark we noticed an open, flat spot above us.We climbed up only to find out it was a remote scenic overlook for vehicle access. The view of the valley below with all its lights, and a clear starry night above and the fact that it was now dark, influenced the decision to pitch our tents in a grassy area off the small parking area. It wasn't the spot we were looking for, but things have a way of working out.Then, in the next moment a car arrived. It was a lovers kind of spot. However,the car pulled up, gave us a look over and the driver asked if we were Thru-hikers?I said yes. Next, he asked if we wanted some beer?Huh? Well slap me silly in disbelief at the question, heck yes!They turned out to be Dan & Megan from Pennsylvania. They were Med students going to become doctors in the Air Force. They were just enroute and stopped here tonight. They asked if they could camp with us?Soon the 5 of us, were sitting in the dark at the edge of a small cliff looking out onto the valley that was twinkling with lights from some small ville down below.The sky was black and full of stars. The conversation was fun.We briefly went to hang our bear bags. It started out being a 3 person effort.One to throw the line, the other two to hold light on a limb above. Sounds easy right? Wrong!, Freckles has an extrordinarilly good throw,I call her Golden Arm.Unfortunately, on a failed throw, the rock tied to the line, came back down in the dark and struck Freckles in the head. A goose egg soon arose.#$%@&%$^@$*$#2$ - She said Ouch!It's now 11:30, I've turned my headlamp out for the night. It was a terrific day right up to the very end. Today was also the straightest, flattest and easiest the trail has ever been. The Shenandoah's have been a welcome stretch, both for food opportunities and less demand on my knee. Some things just work out.