Date: 2014-06-09
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Turk Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Shannies Day 1Rockfish Gap 857.8 to Turks Gap 870 Waynesboro is famous among AT hikers for two reasons. First it sits at the end of the Blue Ridge and stands as the gateway to Shenandoah National Park. But, maybe more important for hikers it has Ming's buffet. As per our arrangement with our ladies we were once again met by them at the end of our day's hike. Knowing we would be leaving waynesboro and our last chance to dine at this glorious buffet we promptly headed there. Our bellies full we returned to camp. Our plan for the following day was to break camp and head up to the "Shannies".We arose today and assisted the girls in breaking camp. Much more is involved with breaking down the popup than there is in putting away our backpacking tents. The pay off is well worth it. Sarah has been planning our days for us so as to best arrange where to drop and pick us up each day. Today she had planned a short day. We were in no rush to hit the Trail so we had a leisurely morning. All four of us went to breakfast at a local diner and then went to "Wally Word" to resupply. Once done it was off to the Trail. The day looked easy and was short mileage so it was decided that Duke the dog would join us.As previously mentioned most every where we hike we can see signs of human encroachment and our impact on the environment. Most of the east coast has been logged at some point. Gone are the virgin stands of old growth forest. If left alone and unmolested Mother Nature has a way of reclaiming what was once her's and she can rejuvenate herself. The "Shannies" illustrate this well. Today the forest felt healthy and full of life. We passed many large trees which seemed grander and older than others we have passed at other places along Trail. Also it seemed that the going was a tad easier. Gone were many of he large rocks we have dealt with and the climbs seemed more manageable. We made quick work of the day and met the girls at Turks Gap along Skyline Drive. As I sit here writing this at camp I had a thought. This is my second thru hike of the AT, or at least an attempt at a second full hike. People have asked me how the two compare, what's different this time than the last. I recall a quote that has become mantra for me. "Pain shared is pain divided. Joy shared is joy multiplied." The bad times or the hard times (there are no bad times on Trail right?) don't seem as bad when you have someone to lean on who is going through the same ordeal. The converse of that is the good times seem all the better and are more enjoyable when you can share them with the people you love. Hiking the AT was and is the defining moment in my life. To be able to share that with my father is priceless. We started with my wife, Optimist, and the moments we shared will be treasured for ever. Hopefully she can return to the Trail and continue our adventure. Tonight, like the last several nights and for a while longer we are being joined by both Optimist and my mom. Though they will not be hiking with us they are here at camp. Camp dinners are tastier when surrounded by loved ones and the fireside never felt so warm.   Life is good,   Salty