Last week was a whirlwind of activity at our house . . . the guys were very busy packing supplies, preparing and wrapping food and trying to remember all of the essential things for the trip (everything from hot sauce to toilet tissue). On Saturday morning, July 12, we tried to go to Richmond, but alas, the flight was cancelled . Luckily, the Turtle was on top of his game and rerouted us to Norfolk, VA where we rented a car and drove about 200 miles to Waynesboro, VA.
We arrived at Rockfish Gap, located in Shenandoah National Park at the intersection of Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway around 5:30 p.m. The guys completed their permit at the park entrance in preparation of their departure the next morning. Then it was off to the hotel to get things organized. Of course there was time for a nice steak dinner followed by a trip to Wal-Mart for a few last minute purchases.
July 13 – Starting at Rockfish Gap – Appalachian Trail Map
We got up, showered and ate breakfast before 8:00 a.m. Backpacks were checked and rechecked, water bottles were filled with ice and water . . . feet were gingerly inserted snugly into hiking socks and boots. All was well!
Day one started with an uphill climb from the parking area, over a small bridge, along a road for a few yards then up a hill into the woods. The day was relatively short, with only seven (7) miles of hiking to Calf Mountain Shelter. They made it to the shelter around 4:30 p.m.
The shelter sleeps six and boasts two skylights . . . or possibly holes in the roof (OK, maybe there really are skylights???). Turtle and Navigator reported that the shelter was full!
7 miles complete
July 14 – Starting at Calf Mountain
The hiking started at 7:30 a.m. (Navigator typically only sees one 7:30 per day and it usually isn’t the first one! Then again, hiker’s midnight is nightfall and sunrise is around 6:00 a.m.)
The day typically starts out with some type of breakfast, packing up gear and privy time. Today was a clear day with a high of about 82° and a low in the mid 60°s. Today’s hike went well. They traveled 13 miles to Eagles Nest shelter, arriving at around 3:30 p.m.
Foot Report
Dale decided to be proactive this year. On the first day he bandaged the “normal” hot spots with a layer of gauze covered by duct tape. After two days of hiking his feet are doing fine...
Ben on the other hand has never really had problems with his feet, so he didn’t take any aggressive measure . . . today he reported his first blisters! Tomorrow he will be bandaging his feet! Only 26 more days to hike . . . let’s hope he finds something that works!
13 miles today - 20 miles complete
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