Date: 2003-06-29
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up early today despite the ruckus I dealt with throughout the night...and I actually slept pretty well. I went up to the shelter and discovered that two more people had arrived after I went to tent. This meant that they had to deal with my extremely inept bear-bagging last night! In SNP, there are these archaic contraptions made out of iron that are designed to hang your food out of bear's way. However, not only are the poles to hoist your food bags heavy, you have to have awfully good aim to spear one of the hooks. Needless to say, my aim was not so good, especially in the dark with a very heavy food bag. Soooo...I just left my bag on the pole and hung that on one of the hooks. Moses, one of the two latecomers, admitted to saying nasty things about me...oops! Anyway...I took my sweet time getting ready, as I knew the day would be short...only 13 miles (not sure when that happened...when 13 miles became an "only"). I set off at ten, knowing that we were stopping! at a camp store for...well, I promised myself that I would only get beverages, as I'm carrying what feels like TONS of food. So...seven miles later, Deacon Blues, The Blue Stool, Halfway, and their parental units and I arrived at the store. Deacon Blues had been talking with a family who was out for a day hike, and they gave him a couple of beers. He gave one to me, as I gave him most of my second margarita last night. I also bought two juice drinks and got one free one from the woman who was running the store. I was a bit thirsty, you might gather. We ate a leisurely lunch, and I got out my thermarest to lounge in the sun for a bit. We only had 6 miles to go, so I had time to type up some journal stuff and take a nap. It got to be a bit after three, and Deacon Blues and Martin (who had gone to have lunch at the restaurant down the street...he showed up later) were getting ready to go. I figured I should probably do the same. Six short miles and a few hours later!, I arrived at a packed shelter. Met Sunkist and her brother Cricket,who is hiking with her for 100 miles. The Blue Stool/Halfway contingency was here...minus Halfway's dad. He had really bad blisters and was trying to hitch a ride home. Peach Monkey and Geo showed up later, and I pumped Geo (who I had met at Miss Janet's) for information about people behind me. Cruiser and Reason are still plugging along. Q and Jonachi have gotten off the Trail at least for a couple of weeks. Geo last saw Famous Shoes in Damascus, where I heard he completely re-outfitted himself. At least I have some ideas of what's going on with those I had to leave behind when I left Miss Janet's the last time. As for the hiking today...I felt very sluggish today. Probably due to the 20-miler yesterday followed by less sleep than I like to get. My feet have really been hurting the past few days, I think due to the fact I need new boots. I ordered them yesterday, but won't get them till Harpers Ferry. I'm sure things will be better then. SNP is very pretty, wi!th many views, and the weather continues to be gorgeous. I have been keeping my pact (I made a pact with myself that I wouldn't see any bears on this hiking trip) and have seen no bears yet. Lots of deer, 1 fawn, 2 bunny rabbits. That's the kind of wildlife I like to see...the fluffy cute kind. All in all, it was a really good day, ending with hanging out at the shelter with everyone for awhile last night...lots of fun!