Hiking Trail Journals

Appalachian Trail 2003 - Chelsea's Journals

Entry #72 - June 14, 2003

Rusty had a rowdy crowd the other night! We sat on the back porch until dark and then Andy & I decided it was time for bed. Went up to the bunkhouse where one other guy was sleeping already. Got settled in to go to sleep & all of a sudden everyone came up to the room next door & it was movie time! Rusty had fired up the generator & it was time for "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly!" I've never heard people so excited over a dumb movie - or so loud. Oh well - fell asleep anyway.

Got up around 7 & everyone else was still snoozing. Went down to the cabin & had a nice chat with Rusty. He really is a dear old guy - likes to have fun & would give you the shirt off his back - as long as you treat him with respect.

He gave us a ride back to the Trail & we were on by quarter after 9. The weather was fair, with clearish skies once in a while. Made it through the 14 miles to the shelter for dinner without much of a problem - were there by 3:00. I guess there's a goat that hangs out at that shelter, 5 miles before Rockfish Gap, but we didn't see it.

The thunder started rumbling just as we got ready to head out. Were maybe a mile out when the rain started. Light at first, then pelting and drenching. The rain is really starting to irritate me as it's too hot for a rain jacket, but I hate the feeling of getting soaked through.

Well, we cruised over those miles. The rain, coupled with the fact we were supposed to be passing by an old settlement that is supposed to be haunted, virtually caused me to break land speed records. Anyway, made it the 5 miles in an hour & a half, ridges and all.

Came up into Rockfish Gap and somehow managed to get offered a ride into Waynesboro before we knew it.

Were able to tent in a grassy area on the outskirts of town for free, courtesy of the YMCA. A few other hikers were doing the same. For $2 each, we took showers at the Y. After we were settled in, we headed for the convenience store where we purchased all kinds of junk food - ice cream pints, Doritos, M&M's, peanuts and beer. A true hiker dinner.

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