Only doing a few miles today to help rest my shin and feet, so I slept in a little bit and resupplied in town before hitting the trail around 1pm. The air mattress in the bunkroom was so comfortable last night. I’d been having some trouble sleeping at the shelters recently (I think it’s time for a new Z-rest), and it was nice to finally sleep so well.
Compton Gap Trail
My last day in Shenandoah, and it ended with no bear sightings, one last Mountain Blackberry milkshake at Elkwallow, and an entire day of walking in cloud mist. Pushed on to stay the night at Terrapin Station Hostel, which has only been open since last year.
Pass Mt.
nteresting night last night. A few hours after the thunderstorms passed, the power came back on at Big Meadows Lodge so Footloose and I went down to the taproom to enjoy some always delicious beer while listening to some live bluegrass/folk music. Tons of fun to hear music for a change and sing along with everyone to some familiar songs.
Lewis Spring
What an exciting day! Just when I thought the park was getting kind of boring, I start off my day with a morning sighting of a black bear running across the trail up in front of me! Next came a very cool sighting of the rare Yellow Lady's Slipper flower hiding in a hillside of trillium. That's not all.
Hightop
Did some nice miles today, and avoided the rain yet again despite hearing thunder off and on throughout the late morning and afternoon. Caught up with Footloose, Lovebug, and Dead Man Walking at the shelter, which was a nice way to spend the evening after a day that didn't have any views, new wildflowers, or wildlife other than a couple of deer who were very unafraid of me.
Blackrock
Woke up this morning, had a great breakfast in the hotel, packed up, made myself a new Pepsi-can stove and hopped in the car for Mom and Dad to drive me back to the trail. Sad to say goodbye to them again after spending such little time together, but happy to be back on the trail for my first day in Shenandoah National Park.
Rockfish Gap
Just a last few miles today as the great adventure with my Mom has come to an end. Rolled into Rockfish Gap just a few minutes before Dad showed up to whisk us away to the hotel. Another day cluttered with grocery shopping, laundry, a much-needed haircut, and very little time to relax and chat with Mom and Dad. It's been a great hike with Mom all week.