Day 67- Getting Back In The Groove

June 7, 2015

Dripping Rock Gap(847.3) to Stealth Campsite SNP(864.6) 17.3 Miles

I was up at an ungodly hour this morning. I was full of rage when my alarm started blaring at 4:15 this morning. To add insult to injury I didn't go to bed last night until almost midnight. The early wake up was actually my idea, what was I thinking? Oh yeah, I wanted to get back on the trail by eight. My dad and brother drove me back to dripping rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We made a quick stop in Front Royal to drop off my extra food for next week. Anthony's driving had me back to my starting point a little after eight. We said our goodbyes and I started back on the trail. I thought I would be nice and refreshed after taking three days off, but instead my legs were sore and I had no umph in my step. I only get sore when I take time off. It must be because I'm constantly moving out here. I work off all of the stiffness and sore muscles every morning. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see the trail had already dried out in most places. I was expecting a muddy mess. The weather was also beautiful. There was a nice breeze that kept me comfortable all day long. The terrain today was also very easy. I should have cranked out more miles, but I'm still pleased with what I accomplished. My heels are mostly healed up and the swelling is almost gone. I can actually see my ankles again!!!! 

I only had one "major" uphill today and compared to what I've been climbing lately I barely noticed I was climbing. There was a lot if fog surrounding the mountain tops this morning. Humpback Mountain is supposed to have lovely views, but I couldn't see much due to the fog. 

Humpback Mountain

The main thing I noticed today was the abundance of water. Every time I turned a corner today I hit another water source. Since the weather was pleasant I wasn't drinking much water today. Of course when I needed water later in the day, before I made camp, there were zero water sources. I had to carry 2.5L almost six miles. Looking ahead on my AWOL trail guide, water looks like a problem throughout most of the park. The good news is since I cross Skyline drive so frequently I'll have the opportunity for burgers and milkshakes from the waysides along the road. I'm really excited about that. 

I haven't seen very many hikers today. Most people stop in town before beginning the park, but I skipped town because I just zeroed. I'm camped too close to town(3 miles) for other thru-hikers to be close to me tonight. Most of them probably went to the shelter that is 7 miles from town or even further. Airlock did her first 20+ mile day today, coming out of town. I'm pretty sure I'll never catch her now, but it will be fun to try. 

I'm stealth camped tonight right next to the trail. I'm planning on getting a really early start in the morning. The weather forcast calls for showers in the morning and I'd like to be packed up before they start. 

"I like it when a flower or a little tuft of grass grows through a crack in the concrete. It's so (effin') heroic." -George Carlin