May 17th through the 21st were spent hiking through Shenandoah National Park (SNP). We left Ken's fairly early on the 17th with all intentions of getting back on the trail after Trail Days and knocking out some miles. Ken dropped us off at the Kroger in Waynesboro so we could resupply. We said our goodbyes and thanked him one more time for hosting us. We spent the next hour or two resupplying and going to the post office. I had to stop by the post office to pick up a shirt mailed to me by the University of Tennessee. Someone there got a hold of what I was doing and how I was trying to raise money for children's charities. Now I have a shirt that says something about "Volunteers that Rock." I have to take a picture with that and then turn it in with my story. It's pretty cool to be able to spread my story and fundraising efforts through UT. I'm not sure if it will help raise additional funds, but at least the word will get out.
PM was supposed to pick up some new shoes at the PO, but they were not there. He has had some rough times with getting stuff send to him through the post office.
After resupplying we started walking to the local outfitter. I stopped at a gas station half way there to buy some peach rings. The others followed. Next thing I know, a guy asks us if we need a ride anywhere. So four of us (no PM) rode in his truck the rest of the way to the outfitter. We all spent some time getting some items. I somehow figured out a way to spend more money than I needed to. After about an hour and a half there, we called one of the local "trail angels" to give us a ride to the trail. The four of us, with TW in the cab, rode to the trail. Samurai, SR, and I about froze sitting in the bed due to the wind and rain.
It was now early afternoon when we began to hike into the park. I think the plan was to hike about 15 miles. I got 6 miles in to the side trail to the first shelter first. I started to take out some food to snack on and tried to keep myself warm. It takes some adjustment to go from hiking to a dead stop and keeping warm, especially in a cold rain. The other three arrived a few minutes later. I could tell that they really didn't want to go on. I wanted too keep hiking, but I couldn't get the courage to argue against three others. Plus, it was cold and rainy. Dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag probably weren't a bad choice though. The shelter was almost full. The four of us were able to squeeze in on the second level even though I think it was really built for about two or three. I got pretty chilling that night in my summer bag. The shelter wasn't the best for blocking wind.
PM also showed up later that night. His shoes were sent to the outfitter instead of the post office. UPS will not do general deliveries to a post office. I guess they figured the package was for a hiker and figured the outfitter would be a good place to drop it off.
The 18th wasn't much better that the 17th. The day was long and the weather was overcast all day. I ran into Judy (the lady who gave us a ride into Waynesboro a few days earlier). Her and her husband Gene were back on the trail doing some more section hiking after going to Trail Days too. We spoke for a few minutes and then headed separate ways.
My legs and feet killed me all day. Taking a few days off had its toll. Plus, I lost some of my callouses (sp?) that I had built up on my pinkie toes. Hiking in wet shoes and over rocks caused blisters to start forming again. Not too fun.
Half way through the hike, I was coming down a hill toward Skyline Drive and saw a pale white butt sticking up in the air. I couldn't believe it. I was seeing a female using the restroom right on the trail for a second time. This time the lady had no idea I was there. I stopped, turned around, and as quietly as possible started to walk back up the hill. I then heard her yell to her group that she was done. That was my indication also to start hiking toward her. As I approached, she gave out a startled yell and said, "Oh my gosh, I was just using the restroom. That was perfect timing as I just finished." I played it off as if I didn't know and told her to enjoy her hike. I mean, what the heck was she thinking. Lots of people hike the trail and more people are on the trail in the national parks that elsewhere. If you decide to use the restroom right on the side of the trail then you risk being seen. At least pay attention to your surroundings.
Once we got to the shelter, I set up my tent and ate dinner. As I was heading to my tent I could see a few deer in the woods close to me. PM said that they had just been near his tent too. He actually tried throwing things toward them to get them to run off. Realizing it wasn't going to do anything, I went number a few feet away from my tent and then got in my tent. It wasn't two minutes later that one of the deer was licking the ground where I have used the restroom. I thought about yelling at it to try and scare it off. But then I got visions of it betting scared and attacking my tent with me inside. I let it be, and eventually it ran off. They came back multiple times during the night and just walked around in the woods. At least it wasn't a bear.
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