Date: 2017-05-09
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.4

I woke up at 5 AM a bit uncomfortable. Not cold exactly, but not toasty either. Since I was in my tent and wouldn't disturb anybody in the shelter, I got up and packed for the day. It is now light enough by six to see and that's when I headed out.  Steaks read that sunrise would be really nice on the summit above the shelter, but I was a bit too late and didn't find the spot to watch it from anyway. The climb up there helped get the blood pumping and warmed me right up. I did see a couple nice overviews up there, but not where I'd see the sunrise. It was too cold to linger so I headed back down the other side of the summit.  Within minutes of starting my descent I saw a Barred Owl on a branch right over the trail. It was awesome to see. He took off when I was just about under him and landed a few trees away. He just sat there watching my approach and when I got too close took off again. Although I've heard owls out here, this is the first time I've seen one.  Shortly after that I saw a bear running away from me. I also saw many deer this morning as well. I think I like getting on the trail early. The only downside is the first one on the trail in the morning has spider web patrol. They aren't too bad yet, but I hit a few.  I met some bird watchers today and I described 3 birds, besides the owl, that I saw this morning. They said I saw an indigo bunting (blue), scarlet tangier (red) and a goldfinch (yellow). I had a colorful morning. Of course, I saw plenty of other little birds, but those 3 seemed special. The bird watchers seemed a bit jealous of my sightings.  The trail seemed to parallel Skyline Drive a lot today and I heard traffic most of the day. Even though the AT doesn't seem to be going to any of the special things that are in the park, I still enjoyed the day's hike. The woods on either side of the trail today was covered in many different wildflowers. My favorite is the trilliums. I met an elderly couple towards the end of the day trying to identify some of the flowers we were seeing. They had a guide and I hung out with them for awhile trying to identify them. We did not identify any, but I sure enjoyed their company. I stopped at Lewis Mountain Campsite for lunch and to fill up on water. It was still quite chilly and I didn't linger too long. As I was leaving, I saw Lioness and she was the only person from last night I saw. I saw several day hikers out and about, but no other backpackers. I started getting tired around mile 18, but I could hear the shower calling my name.  I arrived at the Big Meadows Campground about 5:15 PM and completed my first 20 mile day. The registration desk was manned and the ranger made the process simple. Usually they make you go pick a site and come back, but he just gave me a great site off the bat. Thank goodness. I didn't want to be walking around anymore. I set up camp, took a wonderful hot shower, did laundry and ate dinner. I have been carrying a trail size shampoo and one of those tide pods all week just for today. I have started eating more and I'm out of stuff for lunch and daily snacks. The wayside opens at 8 AM tomorrow and I'll be able to resupply for the 3 days that it will take me to reach Front Royal.  Tomorrow is the last nice day weather wise. The rest of the week, they are predicting rain. I hope it warms up a bit though. Temperatures in the 30 and rain is not a fun mixture.