Date: 2017-06-22
From: Pass Mountain Hut Tent Site

To: Gravel Springs Hut Tent Site
Miles today: 13.1

6/22Pass Mountain Hut Tent Site to Gravel Springs Hut Tent Site13.1 milesTotal miles:  956.3Today was pretty much a hike to get us closer to Front Royal tomorrow.  The plan had been to get as close to Front Royal as reasonably possible, but checking AWOL's Guidebook, Guthook's app, and, most significantly, reports from southbounders, there is little suitable ground for camping between Gravel Springs Hut and anywhere we could hope to get in a day.  So we decided to keep today short, refuel with the obligatory cheeseburgers and milkshakes at the Elkwallow Wayside, and get into camp early.  We can then get to bed early, so we can get an early start tomorrow for the final 13.4 miles to Front Royal.  The trail proved conducive to our plans today, and Mike and I arrived at the Wayside around 11:00.  I managed to remain stoic when I received the devastating news that the milkshake machine was broken.  With a stiff upper lip, I had a root beer float with my cheeseburger and fries.  With short mileage today, we stayed at Elkwallow for an hour and a half surrounded by a large number of bees.  Some people seemed rather unnerved, but the bees seemed far more interested in buzzing around than in getting serous enough to actually sting anyone.  I took a nice nap on a picnic bench and remained unscathed.  There were a few nice views today, particularly the one from Hogback Overlook, but none with side trails.  It was exciting to see Dory and Splat again today.  Momma and Daddy Splat are back, and I hear they provided more incredible trail magic for those lucky enough to be in their vicinity.  Unfortunately, I wasn't at the right place at the right time today.  We saw Dory and Splat as they slackpacked southbound after being dropped off by Parents Splat.  This pair of young women are best buds and radiate a joyful spirit to all around them.  They told me that Pippi told them about the "bear blessing" I bestowed upon her at Bearfence Mountain, and that they were actually with her when she saw the mother bear and her two cubs.  I hope to see Pippi again so I can share in her excitement. After parting ways with Splat and Dory, the trail remained good, and we arrived at Gravel Springs Hut by 3:30.  This proved very meaningful for Mike, because he recognized it as the same hut that he and Hal stayed in thirty-five years ago.  We were soon joined by Gravity. We set up camp and ate an early supper. The plan remains to get up early and make as good a time as possible to Front Royal.  It is always good to get to a resupply spot as early in the day as possible, but this takes on added significance tomorrow.  Rain is in the forecast, and apparently a big storm is brewing and headed our way.  It would be great if we could be settled in Front Royal before the worst of it hits. It's been fun hiking with Mike, and I'm happy for him that he got to re-experience the trail he hiked with his brother in his youth.  He'll head for home on Saturday, and, unless the weather is too terrible, Gravity and I will head for Harper's Ferry, Virginia, the home of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the emotional half-way point on the trail.  ETA: Tuesday, June 27th.