Day 96 (September 28)

We had a delightful, 17 mile hike today, still continuing along the AT in Shenandoah National Park. There are supposed to be bears in abundance in the area. A park ranger armed with a shotgun and rubber bullets for hazing a recalcitrant back into the wilds said the bears spend all day up in the trees eating acorns. I believe it. It has been a proliferous acorn year. They have been raining down on us since Pennsylvania. I haven't seen a bear since Massachusetts, though. 

Here's an old guy that looks and smells like a bear. Take care.

Day 95 (September 27)

Hit another record today: 25 miles. Not easy miles either, but some beautiful vistas from mountain tops in the Shenandoah park. Lots of deer, too. They are so used to being left in peace that they don't move. You can be ten feet away. We finished today at a place in the park called Big Meadows. Got a coin operated shower and dinner in their lodge, then headed to find a stealth camp site in the dark. Not a good idea, but the meal was great! Still beautiful September weather in the 70s and sunny. Lots of day hikers today. They are often interested in the journey. Take care.

Day 94 (September 26)

We left the motel in Front Royal, PA at 6:40 a.m. and walked a half mile to where we could hitch a ride back to the trail. The second car by stopped. Amazing: the driver took us right to the trail head and we were hiking by 7:20 a.m. We entered the Shenandoah National Park about three miles into the hike. You have to register before entering. The AT runs for 110 miles through the park. It is very beautiful and well maintained, especially the trails. Spectacular vistas similar to New Hampshire and Maine, but not as tough to get to. We made 22 miles today and are stealth camping along the trail tonight. Take care.

Day 93 (September 25)

Today marks three months on the AT. What a privilege it has been: so many wonderful American people and places. We slept in a trail shelter last night. Zest, my hiking partner, actually set up his tent inside the shelter in order to stay mouse free. I didn't have any trouble just sleeping on my pad. It rained all night and this morning during our 11 mile hike to Front Royal, VA. We got a hitch from a lady in a Subaru. I'm always impressed by these people who pick us up, even when they have no room in their vehicles. This backseat had my chin on my knees. Crazy. People are wonderful creatures. Take care.

Day 92 (September 24)

Had a nice hike from the Bears Den Hostel today. It was fun to enjoy a little camaraderie with fellow hikers. Pretty uneventful day. We went 22 miles and are staying in a shelter tonight since it is raining outside. We hope to hike ten miles tomorrow and hitch a ride into Front Royal, VA for resupply and town food. Hoping the rain moves out during the night. Take care.

Day 91 (September 23)

Today was an exquisite day for hiking. We left Harper's Ferry in the late morning, yet still made 18 miles and moved into Virginia. The AT in West Virginia is only 18 miles long. Our hiking speed seems to be largely impacted by the lower temperatures and humidity; it has been a beautiful September along the trail. 

 We are staying at the Bear's Den Hostel tonight. Bunk, shower and towel, pizza, soda, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, laundry, and self-serve pancakes in the morning -- all for $30.00. The place is an old stone lodge just off of the trail. It's a super deal and fit our hiking distance for today. Continuing the quest tomorrow. Take care.

Day 90 (September 22)

Potomac River

AT Headquarters

Wow, we were speedy today! We left camp at 6:30 a.m. and made a 20 mile hike to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia by 1:30 p.m. The temperature -- low 60s -- helped. It was also quite flat. The five miles leaving Maryland and leading to West Virginia were on the old C&O canal which led from Washington and was supposed to lead to the Ohio river. However, the railroad, which started at the same time, won out and the mule pull trail that we walked on fell out of use. It's now a bike path. Lots of history at Harpers Ferry which is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The national office for the AT Conservancy is located at Harpers Ferry, too. We stopped in and had our picture taken for the 2014 scrapbook. Great Folks. On to Virginia tomorrow. Only four states to go. Take care.