Finally! Out of the Shenandoah.

After being sick, recovering, and going to Eric's graduation, we are finally on the trail again. My cousins Ben and Alecia let us stay at their place Sunday night after going to my other cousin's, Chrysantha, graduation party. We left Ben's house at 5:30am and he dropped us off where 33 and Skyline Drive meet. This was his "scenic route" to work. After enjoying a nap after lunch, we came across a ranger giving a tour to about 5 day hikers. She gave us candy bars in exchange for us answering some questions about our thru-hike. We truly were a tourist attraction and we got paid in Snickers. We walked 17 miles that day. 

Tuesday was a normal day in the Shenandoah. Comparatively, the Shenandoah is flat with few scenic views. These views aren't even that beautiful compared to NC, TN, and southern Virginia. I complained to Danae a lot about how boring the Shenandoah is. Anyways... Today was the day that we would reach my parents trail magic. A few weeks earlier my parents were in the Shenandoah giving trail magic to thru-hikers. They also left us some trail magic under a rock. Some encouraging letters and a $10 gift certificate to anywhere in the USA. After finding our trail magic, it started raining. We walked 1 mile to a picnic area. This is one thing I do like about the Shenandoah. They have picnic tables and pavilions everywhere. We found shelter under a pavilion. Another family was there and they offered us bread. As usually, we never reject food. We sat with them and ate bread along with the other food they offered us. grilled zucchini, grilled onion, and grilled asparagus. Yep. They were vegetarias, and I was craving a grilled burger. Even though I didn't get a burger, we were very thankful for the vitamins the veggies provides us with. We then walked to our camp. 19 miles Tuesday.

We decided to make Wednesday and easy day. We slept in and took our time in the morning. We came to a "wayside". A wayside is a little store in the Shenandoah that offers milkshakes, sandwiches, burgers, etc. We used the $10 we got the day before to buy ourselves chocolate milkshakes, a Yoohoo, and grape juice. We also had the chance to use real toilets! After taking a break at the wayside we only walked a few more miles making the total for the day 13. 

Today was an even shorter day. 10 miles!! New record. Since Eric's graduation we decided to slow down. Nothing excited happened today other than leaving the Shenandoah. It is interesting to see people who we passed weeks ago now pass us. We are still hoping to see Rod n Reel and Neon. 

Tomorrow we will only hike 11 miles to VA 55. We will hitch into Front Royal where my cousin Chrysantha will meet us. She lives a few minutes away. She is going to Eric's graduation party and has agreed to give us a ride. We will be off the trail all day Saturday and Sunday. Monday we will be back on the trail with my brother Eric. He wants to see what it is like to hike the AT for a week. We should be at the half way point by Thursday!

Mother'a day

 

April 3rd