John and Mike Take a Hike ~ with Natalie!: Day 76 (Friday, June 27th)

Friday, June 27, 2014

Day 76 (Friday, June 27th) - Camp to Bear Hollow Creek

Vista

Today's Miles: 21.40
Trip Miles: 966.40

Morning Light

Everyone was up early. We hope to make it to Harper's Ferry by Monday. Today was a most unremarkable day except that we left the Shenandoah National Park, and we met one of the nicest trail magic ladies we've had the pleasure to meet.

The hiking was relatively easy and we had all agreed to meet at Hogwallow Gap for lunch. M & N and I got there first and as I hung my shirt on my trekking poles to dry, a car pulled onto the grass along the side of the road. A man got

Lily trail magic : )

out of the driver's side and a young lady got out of the passenger's side. She walked toward us and (with a little prompting from her Poppy) asked us if we would like trail magic. We said, "Yes, of course!" and were offered sodas, cookies, and chips. We learned our trail angel's name is Lily and she and her Poppy, Dave, are paying back for the trail magic Dave's son received on his thru hike last year.

Andi and Yvanna came out of the woods and were met with the same invitation and a "Guten morgan" from Lily. Now where did she learn that? That was great trail magic Dave and Lily. Thank You. Seeing Lily reminded me of my grandlings back home. I miss them all and can't wait to see them.

We hiked another quick ten miles and set up camp by a stream. Both Natalie and I soaked our feet. My foot and shin are swollen, and her ankle is sore. A family of five, mom, dad, and three children, who are thru-hiking stopped to camp nearby. There wasn't much conversation because we were all in bed by eight. Another twenty miles tomorrow.

Night All.

P.S. Almost forgot, we saw Route Step today and I finally remembered to take a picture. We pass each other a lot because he southbounds in sections. He also has been kind enough to put out trail magic along the way. Thanks.