Waynesboro, VA to Harpers Ferry, WV

Day 2, Sunday, April 27

Calf Mountain Shelter to Blackrock Hut, 13.0 miles

Today couldn’t be more different than yesterday. Overnight, the clouds moved out and the temperature dropped into the mid-40’s. There isn’t a cloud in the sky this morning. I wake up at 6 AM and start packing to leave at 6:30 AM. I eat a quick banana for breakfast and hit the trail before 7 AM. Today’s going to be a great day!

I reach Jarman Gap at 7:20 AM and begin clicking off the miles at a 2 mph pace. “Mr. T” passes me at 8:30 AM, but he’s the only hiker I see all morning. I reach Sawmill Gap at 9 AM.

At 10 AM, I stop for a long break on a ridge above Turk Gap. On top of the ridges spring is still a couple of weeks away. Not a leaf on any of the trees. Down in the gaps there are a few more leaves and the occasional dogwood tree in bloom, but it is still pretty barren so far.

Two of the thru-hikers from the shelter pass me at 10:30 and 11:15AM respectively. I’m at the Rip Rap Trail parking area before I know it. Blackrock Gap by 12:15 PM. Now it’s only a short .8 mile trek to the shelter. I reach it at 12:45 PM. I’ve covered 13 miles in less than 6 hours, just ahead of my 2 mph pace. The next shelter is 13 more miles, but even though it’s early in the day to stop, I don’t have another 13 miles in me today. Better to rest, clean up, and try for a longer day tomorrow.

There is one couple (“Boston” and “England”, brother and sister) at the shelter who appear to be staying for the night. “Lunchbox” is fixing lunch and will probably push on. “Momma” and “Papa Bear” and “Woods Wanderer” hike in an hour later. They decide to pitch a tent in the tenting area behind the shelter.

I get water, take a bath, and cook an early supper. The afternoon is very relaxing. Guess I’m better off taking it easy the first couple of days. Don’t want an injury from pushing too hard to fast.

“Firewood” comes in around 6 PM. I’m in bed by 8 PM. Another hiker comes in as I’m dozing off.