Waynesboro to Harpers Ferry

The day I posted my last post, I entered the Shenandoah National Park. There I experienced what Thru-hikers commonly refer to as "The Virginia Blues." But more on that in a second. 

When I hiked out of Rockfish Gap (right at Waynesboro, VA) I did about 8 miles to get to the first shelter. Then I took a nap and left camp again at about 2am. You see, my family had just finished a week of vacation in the area and were close enough they wanted to meet me, we chose the time of 11am so I had to do 20 miles by then to arrive at the location. Anyway, after hiking all night I made it, enjoyed a nice picnic lunch together, and said goodbye until I finish. I hiked a few more miles that day but ended up camping at some trail magic where they fed me dinner and then breakfast the next day. This is when I really started noticing the VA Blues. 

The Virginia Blues refer to a feeling

of depression and lack of motivation that often hits somewhere in Virginia. By this point in our hike, the honeymoon phase is long over. The initial excitement wears off and the trip starts feeling a little monotonous. I had been in Virginia for weeks and it makes you feel like your progress is slowed, when in reality I was pulling big days regularly. Also, Shenandoah is alittle lack-luster in the views category, compared to some of the previous sections anyway. Not only that, but you follow skyline drive all day and cross it multiple times everyday. The stillness of the forest that you have come to love is broken up by the sound of cars every few minutes. I grouped up for a couple days to help get me some push and motivation and then forced myself to change perspective. I'm almost halfway done, Harpers Ferry is a huge point along the trail, viewed as a halfway point, and often a time and place to shift attitude and start setting your eyes on the finish. 

So that's where I'm at now, mentally. I'm looking towards the end, that is my goal. I originally wanted to finish by the end of August, so I'm going to try to do that. Hike consistent, big-mile days at a sustainable pace so I don't burn out or get injured. 

Anyway, after the Shenandoahs, I made a quick resupply run in Front Royal, VA. I met up with a hiker I had hiked with alittle back in the Shenandoahs so we paced together to make a hard push into Harpers Ferry, WV. However, this took quite a toll on me, especially my feet. Worn out insoles were causing a lot of rubbing and I pushed them to the point of almost bleeding in places. The last several miles into Harpers Ferry I was hobbling more than hiking. We did 30 miles that day, the last 3 of which in a severe thunderstorm. But we made it, and it felt incredible crossing the bridge into town. From there I spent a couple days with relatives that live near there and it was great to visit, relax, and heal. I got dropped back off in Harpers Ferry a couple days later. I ran some errands, grabbed a meal, and hiked out.....3 miles and stopped at a really awesome hostel to avoid some severe weather supposed to come through...I got caught in it anyway. I ended up with a zero the next day as well, I still had some stuff to get done and really just wanted to sit around for one more day. I watched some movies, ate some food, and played a 4 hour game of Risk. That I lost. 

And that's where I am right now, trying to convince myself to hike out today. I'll be posting next from Carlisle, PA and hopefully have some good pictures to share. My camera battery was low during the last bit but honestly didn't have anything that I really wanted to snap a shot of anyway. 

Until next time,

Shades