cathieandrandy

Trip Miles to Date: 83

Stopped at the Paul Gerhard Shelter for a hot lunch, just missing the rain by minutes. Lucky break.

We had an adventure Tuesday night (or was it Wednesday morning?) Anyway, it was about midnight when some fool in an ATV with a small cab came roaring into our campsite. We were tenting outside the shelter because the only other hiker we have run into so far was set up in the shelter (and tents are warmer!) Surprised to see us, I guess, the ATV driver tried to make a hasty getaway, only to nearly back up into our tent, with us still in it. Here we are dealing once again with scary vehicle situations, even in the middle of the woods, and in the middle of the night.

Next day, Nutz and I are both dragging and the weather is gloomy. We do enjoy seeing some historical sites including an old school house, old homes and farm implements. In one spot we have to climb over a locked fence and gate to continue on the trail. We could see the blue trail blazes disappearing into the woods, and this was our only way to reach them.

Finally, late in the afternoon, we hike into the George Washington National Forest. It feels like an escape, like coming home. We both notice this, that we feel more comfortable in this environment, though more remote. We camp under tall pines and get a restful night’s sleep.