Date: 2018-05-24
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Even though I was trying to sleep in, I was up at 6. It took me a bit to break down my tent and pack up, so I got to breakfast around 7. Even though it wasn¢t served until 8, there still a bunch of us ready including Braino, Finger Lickin, and Andre/Buddy the Elf who is actually from Israel.They brought out juice, coffee, and warm homemade chocolate chip muffins while we waited so I got my OJ fix (and some actual nutrients!). When we lined up at the food truck where they had so much: eggs, croissants, meats, potatoes, biscuits... all fresh and homemade. Usually I¢m not a big fan of those kind of breakfast foods but I probably ate 2 pounds and would have stayed longer but need to put in some miles today.Braino and I finally got on the road around 9. It was a beautiful day, and after some uphill we got beautiful views from a meadow. A little later on was a side trail to Jones Falls, which was nice since we haven¢t seen many waterfalls. And right after that was mile 400!We leapfrogged a group called the Wolfpack we met at the hostel that have been hiking together for a few weeks... Cracks, MF Mouse, Finger Lickin, and a couple others. The old guy, AZ, thru hiked a few years ago so is basically leading them since he remembers many of these places. They are really fun and in their 30s, but keep a fast pace so not sure I can keep up with them but cool they have a trail family. I¢ve gone through some hiking partners (Dozer, Double O) and possible families (group I started with, Philly crew).We all hung around the Elk River, many went in but a little cold for me. There were a few kayakers that paddled by which looked awesome. The trail followed along the river and there were many streams which was nice so water wasn¢t a problem.Braino went ahead, but we had lunch at the Mountaineer Shelter just after another falls. We hiked together all afternoon and hopefully I can keep around him. Super nice, chill guy. He goes faster than me, especially uphill, but I think I have longer endurance since he has some foot issues.I actually ran into Professor and Four Step who said them plus Fedex and Double O are putting in 25-30 mile days so yeah... I did give them Spider-Man¢s hiker tag, hopefully they will see him in Damascus.We were hoping to stop at a group campsite along a stream with the Wolfpack, but when we got there it was crowded with a couple thru hikers and a group of southbound sectioners. So we pushed on to the shelter along with Finger Lickin. The last mountain was tough, and when we got to the shelter it was empty. Braino and I started setting up our tents and Finger Lickin decided to stay in the shelter. A few more people came including Nikki. Unfortunately she has to go back to Australia, but hopes return next year to finish.A few minutes later, Conor showed up! Turns out he stayed a whole another day at Elmer¢s in Hot Springs and has been doing some big days. He went on but I¢m sure our paths will cross again. Not sure where the rest of my first group is, but I assume I¢m in front.The shelter filled up as did the tent sites. It took me like an hour to hang my bear line and missed a nice campfire. But apparently this section has one of the highest concentrations of bears on the trail, and Braino and Juice saw a cub earlier today. But it ran away so hopefully they are not aggressive like the Smokies.After dinner I was going to brush my teeth when I couldn¢t find my toiletries bag. I thought I left it at the hostel but remembered I had the soap at lunch so maybe left it there. And I had gone over a week without losing anything! Luckily we go near a town tomorrow so I can re-supply there but still annoying. I triple check whenever I leave anywhere so not sure how it happened