Date: 2014-05-03
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Campsite near Crusher Ridge Trail
Miles today: 10.1

I set the alarm for 6, got up a few minutes after, gathered my laundry and headed off for the shower and laundry room. The campground was very quiet. Got the laundry started first. Just $1 a load, and the dryers were 25 cents for 10 minutes. The shower was $1 for 5 minutes, which turned out to be just right, and that hot water did feel good. As the dryer was finishing, a man came in who said he was based there, because he needed to be in close range of home. But he is loading up his pack and hiking every day to test gear, etc. He hopes to do the AT. We talked about needing to lighten the load and about eating properly. I made breakfast and packed up. Ozark and Cardinal were getting a late start. One of the host couples came by checking on the sites that had been signed for after the office closed -- John and Eileen Meyers. I asked about adding my senior parks number to the registration, and he said he would take care of it. I said I was hiking the trail and told my age tale. Eileen said that in 1987, she had been given a year to live and is most grateful for every birthday. She said I am an inspiration, something I have heard frequently. It is humbling. We talked about my desire for a real meal at Skyland and the issue of not losing weight. She said, "Would you like a protein bar? Honey, give her a protein bar!" They wished me well and said they would check me out to save the walk to the front building.I finally left about 10:45, got water at the next spring (the camp water was chlorinated), and tried to make good time. I left off the knee supports, and both knees and feet felt better once they got going. Passed Jolly, a NOBO whose name I had seen in shelter logs and who was going SOBO from Front Royal to Waynesboro, to do the canoe route Farmer had done and then continue north.I tried to eat and drink more frequently, but I still was flagging after about 6 miles. Made the 7.5 miles to Skyland by 3:45, with about an hour of stops, and headed straight for the Tap Room. Was surprised to see the lead up to the Kentucky Derby on the TV, but it is the first Saturday in May -- and the first day of my fifth week on the trail.Just before getting there, I spoke with a couple and their daughter who were day-hiking south from Skyland. Would never have known he was 80. They are going to hike in Wales. Apparently, one can now walk the perimeter of the country. They wished me well and I them.I didn't notice Diesel, who was enjoying food and a beer at the bar, when I went in and sat at a table, but we spoke when he left, heading on to find a campsite. Rita, who served me, was very nice and somewhat awed by my hike. I ordered a small Caesar salad, a burger, fries and a local Brothers IPA. She said it was a lot, but I assured her I would be able to eat it all. And I did. As I was finishing, a young girl, maybe 10 or 11, who was at the next table with her mother, came over and asked if I would like to join them, since I was eating alone. I said I'd finish my food and then come over to finish my beer, which I did. Her name is Skylar, and her mother is Susan. I asked why she had invited me, and she said that they like to do that when they go out. Susan said Skylar thinks people should not have to eat alone, and they meet interesting people. I told them about my hike and got the usual reaction of both amazement and encouragement. Skylar's eyes grew huge when she asked, "Is your trail long?" And I said 2,185 miles. Susan wrote down my trail name and my first name and said they would pray for me. Ozark and Cardinal came in as I was leaving, and I said goodbye, that I was going to take a zero Monday with my sister. I wished them well on the rest of their journey. I headed off to pay my respects to Ted, some of whose ashes were scattered at the top of Stony Man. I left my pack at the AT junction, where I talked with a couple of young women waiting for friends. Lots of people were headed up to enjoy the view, and I found someone to take my picture. I went down and retrieved my pack, hoping to get in at least a couple of miles before dark.As I hiked along, I felt my body in a bit of conflict, stomach saying, "Why are you using energy walking, when I need it to digest all that food you just ate?" I climbed to the ridge beyond the Stony Man Overlook, not quite 3 miles from Skyland, and found a site that had been used before. In fact, there was a stone fire ring, a no-no in the park. But it had a view of Stony Man, and I enjoyed the sunset as I talked with Lee on the phone. Skipped dinner and planned an early morning start.