Origin: Gravel Springs Hut
Destination: US 522 (then to Front Royal)
Today's miles: 13.4
Total miles: 966.1
Last night I shared the shelter with Running Shoe, a 65 year old German who started at Springer Mountain two weeks after we did. After I had gone to bed, he yelled, "Schlange! Snake!" as he leapt up from the shelter's edge. I rushed to the edge of the platform to see what I thought could have been a poisonous copperhead (but I'm not good at identifying these things so who knows) trying to climb into the shelter. Running Shoe used his water bottle to push the snake away, but it just went to the other side to the to climb up closer to where I was sleeping. Running Shoe threw me a trekking pole and I used it to push the snake away, but the little bugger was stubborn and kept moving forward. I planted the pole underneath the snake and then flung it 10 feet away, and finally he slithered into the grass. Knowing it could easily come back later, I didn't sleep very well.
When I got up at 6am, it was still raining. Not needing to make many miles today and not wanting to get back into wet clothes, I took more time getting ready than I usually do. Once I got going, however, I made good time and hit the highway leading to Front Royal before noon. I stood in the pouring rain for a while trying to hitch a ride, but no one took pity on me so I decided to just walk the four miles into town. As I walked, dozens of cars sped past me until an oncoming BMW turned into a driveway in front of me. I thought that there was no way a BMW driver would let a dripping, stinking hiker sit in his car, but he rolled his window and asked, "how does a ride into town sound?". "Incredible," I responded. He told me he had passed me and thought no one else would bother to stop for me so he turned around. Thanks for the best part of my day, Jim.
Once I got into town, I checked in a motel and ordered lunch. Yes, I ate this all.
I mostly rested the remainder of the day as I prepare myself for the last push. Magge will pick me up in Harpers Ferry on the 10th, and I'll enjoy myself as much as I can (and as much as the weather will let me) these last three days.
It seems quite of few animals and now reptiles want to be your friend. As a result your nights are not as restful as you would like them to be. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of food sitting in your tummy for one meal. It's a good thing you will burn those calories quickly.
Oh my goodness, after this weekend your hiking trip is completed. Time seems to fly by way too fast.
Star Trek was awesome tonight. Wish you'd been with us. That pizza looks great honey. Can't wait to see you in a few days.
ReplyDeleteWe have ow good food plan for your return.
ReplyDeleteWe hav enjoyed Magge this past week.