#140 Rod Hollow Shelter to Harper’s Ferry/MD Boarder - Day 74: ATMM 995.7 to ATMM 1026.4
3x Trail Magic Today - 3x States With My Footprints Today - 3x10+ Miles Hike Today
5/14/22
A bear was moving around my Ursack food bag at some point last night. I unzipped my tent and stuck my head out to yell at it, “GO ON BEAR!!!” I could see bushes moving where it crashed off into the woods.
Rain fell steady throughout the night but has now diminished to a light sprinkle. There are small snails speckled about my tent. I knock off as many as I can with a small stick. I hate those things.
When I was a little kid I stepped on a big fat juicy one that stuck to my foot. I couldn’t get it to come off- it caused me to freak out. My mom knocked it off with a stick or something, scooped me up, and put me in the bathtub - with little me still freaking out. Those nasty demons from hell still give me the willies.
The sun has yet to rise but I am packed and ready ride the Roller Coaster. Breakfast can wait, mostly because there’s nothing breakfast related left in my pack. If that bear had gotten my food last night he’s would have been disappointed, unlike the one who hit the jackpot a few years ago.
The sun is up by the time I cross the Appalachian Trail’s one-thousand mile threshold. The small sign reads, “SPRINGER MT GA 1000 M" with an arrow pointing in the direction I’ve been hiking from for the past several years.
Pulling my phone from my pocket I take the best selfie I can. Taking selfies is definitely NOT my super power.
Today’s Trail Magic #1 -
I run into Trouble again at a side trail that leads to Bear Den Trail Center. I didn’t even know the Center existed until I came upon a small sign on trail. Trouble says she’s heard of a lady who picks up packs from hikers and takes them anywhere they want them delivered - for a fee of course.
After hitting up the hiker-supply counter and obtaining overpriced candy bars we put all the gear we don’t need for a long day hike in black bags and leave them in a room the Den has designated for this scenario.
We are both trying to get to Harper’s Ferry today. My wife booked a hotel room for me. Trouble is planning to share a room with Leap Frog and Batona (BAck TO NAture) at the same hotel.
There’s still about twenty trail miles between here and there. There’s still a few miles to go before reaching the end of the Roller Coaster. Carrying lighter packs will definitely help with speed and energy conservation.