Date: 2015-06-05
From: waynesboro

To: nowhere today
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's amazing what a shower, laundry, and food will do for a person. The rain has moved on and I'm hanging in at Stanimal's 328 Hostel - dry - and I have a actual keyboard to type on!I added a few photos from my camera including the one on this entry. This is the kind of wet rocks that we've been navigating for the last 4 days. As I mentioned in my last entry, I took my first fall. Interesting how that goes, it's kind of like - that foot seems to be sliding - then what in the heck is that other foot doing? - then i don't think they should both be in the air at the same time - why did i just throw my hiking poles - wow, horizontal - am i on my back?- no, now my head - hmmm, i seem to be bouncing and I'm fairly sure this isn't how it's suppose to go...I've always maintained that this trip is about 3 items. It's spiritual, physical, and social. There are days that we don't see other hikers, but I do enjoy when a tribe is reunited. Early on we loosely hiked with a group that we clicked with, meaning that we'd might see each other a couple times in the day or at evening camp. Groups out here splinter rapidly, mostly based on need to resupply at different locations. Been chasing Beerman and Drop Bear for the last week and finally caught up with them just in time for a town stop and some celebrating. SamIAm is somewhere ahead and starting to think we lost Forest since we haven't heard from in in a couple of weeks. Within a few days we'll be splintered again and chasing each other for another reunion.   I previously mentioned the Crabtree Falls. That still ranks as one of our favorite days out here. Usually the last thing you want to do is add mileage by taking a side trail, esp in the rain. But in the clouds and fog, there was nothing to see, so why not? A 3 mile bushwhacking experience lead to the 1.7 mile descent from the top to the bottom of the falls. Seriously, beautiful and because of the bad weather, nobody else was there. Felt so cool having the entire trail to ourselves.Note: walking backwards uphill doesn't make it feel like downhill.Some of the trail has been crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway which is lightly traveled, but has incredible overlooks. I think I'll try to come back and drive it one day.About to hit the Shenandoah's! So excited about this section. Have the option to do what they call a aqua blaze here. Instead of backpacking it, load your pack in a kayak and go. Decisions, decisions. Will probably walk it, but if time permits, might shuttle back and kayak.We hit a area that was closed to camping because of bear activity, but it was so late, that we had no choice but to sneak thru and stealth camp. It's closed because a bear snatched a woman's backpack, tore it apart and started eating everything in it. She had a pistol and shot in the air at which point he grudgingly walked away. Beerman's response was classic. Instead of being worried about the bear, he asked in all seriousness, "Are you telling me that there is a woman out here with a loaded gun?" HA! Which is scarier? I always keep my cooking pot around 20 yards from the tent at night and something did bang it around that night. I wanted to look to see if it was a bear, but was just too tired.Shoutout: William! You are the man! Thanks for the maildrop. Red beans and rice? Feel like I'm at home.   Everybody who signed, since I don't know how to respond, want you to know that I read. Holly - you so cool. Thanks for the encouragement. Co-workers, and friends - thanks. Everybody - live good.Think I'll go take my 3rd shower if Palomino ever finishes her 4th.