Friday, June 12th - Up at 5:30, 57 degrees, some high clouds and a breeze. Everything wet from last night's rain, so packup was a bit slower. Gone at 6:10, dropping off Mark's trash and our campsite tag on the way. Filled our water bottles at the camp store, and then back on the trail. Very wet hiking from the waist down, as the trail was very thick for the first 2 miles or so. Also, a few more steeper sections today - but overall we moved pretty fast again.
Breakfast at a nice rock cropping; good view. Picked up water at Pinefield Hut (Mark signed us in there, and noted a message from Salty: "Thunderpants and Sis, where are you?") It was getting hotter and more sultry as the day wore on, so we poured the water in pretty steadily. Lunch was in the parking lot at Powell Gap, under a few light sprinkles. Then a long climb up to High Top, stopping for a break at the hut there. There were also two nice overlooks as we approached the crest. Coming down the north slope, we passed a Philmont Crew heading up, a Troop 1 from somewhere in North Carolina; they were pounding right along, so no chance to chat.
Got to Swift Run Gap around 2:50, good time, and walked down to just outside the Entrance Station. Laid out the Spot, then called Jim and Kim both to let them know that we had arrived; only got their answering machines. But then they pulled in 5 minutes later, so perfect timing. After loading up and waiting for the Spot to finish, we headed down to their farm in Brightwood, passing through some very heavy rains on the way (so *really* good timing!) At the house, their dogs were very interested indeed in these two smelly characters from the woods! I'm surprised they didn't pass out after smelling my boots for 5 minutes.
After showering, we chatted til dinner (locally grown steaks), plus I made phone calls to Bill Rogers (not Morris - Rogers), and we arranged a visit with him in New Market this Monday afternoon and overnight. Also talked to Phil at Casual Adventure about my new boots - he says he'll be heading southbound from Katahdin on July 1st. After dinner Jim took us over to a local Food Lion and Dollar General, where we resupplied through Monday lunch. Then back to the house, where we all chatted til about 10:00, out on the deck. Mark crashed at this point, but I went ahead and put in a blog report for last Tuesday before heading up to bed. A good day - 18 miles and the southern section of the Shenandoahs done, and an enjoyable visit with old friends. Back at it tomorrow.
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