Frantic Oreo on the Appalachian Trail 2016

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Day 128/August 7

Miles hiked: 12.7 in 6:10

Start: Dripping Rock Parking Area, BRP, VA

Finish: Harpers Creek Shelter, VA

Elevation gain: 2,274'

Again, it was another overcast, damp day with only one or two views. These photos were taken from Three Ridges Mountain.

My home for the evening--alone except for a mouse.

The only thru hikers that I meet are those also doing a Flip Flop thru. Most of them are heading to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

The Sobo thru hikers will be showing up in a month, or so.

Route from my Suunto.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Day 127/August 6

Miles hiked: 14:30 in 7:36

Start: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA

Finish: Dripping Rock, mile 847, Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

Elevation gain; 3,307'

This deer was totally unperturbed by my presence; it was about ten feet away.

A beautiful stone bench in memory of a local hiker who died while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.

A neglected cemetary with most of the inscriptions either missing or worn away.

Perhaps the remains of the family house where the deceased lived?

Route from my Suunto.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Day 126/August 5

Miles hiked: 7.7 in 3:12

Start: Calf Mountain Shelter

Finish: Rockfish Gap, Waynesboro, VA

Elevation gain: 1,181'

A rainy, overcast day, so the only cheerful sight was these flowers.

Some blackberries to supplement lunch--unfortunately, they weren't quite ripe, so rather tart. Still a good source of fiber and viamin C.

Route from my Suunto.

Day 125/August 4

Miles hiked: 13.0 in 5:48

Start: Blackrock Hut, VA

Finish: Calf Mountain Shelter, VA

Elevation gain: 2,808'

While hard to see, these are clawmarks made by a bear--they were about 5" wide.

Route from my Suunto.

Day 124/August 3

Miles hiked: 13.20 in 5:57

Start: Pinefield Hut, VA

Finish: Blackrock Hut, VA

Elevation gain: 2,756'

Yes, it was a walk in the clouds, all day long.

Route from my Suunto.

I was told that this is a Gypsy Moth. But what I found fascinating was how the moth seemed to soak up some water from the bench top, followed by the expulsion of some liguid from its rear end, which it then soaked up with its probiscus. Really, what is going on here--anyone know?

The Pinefield Shelter is near the only spring for miles around; this deer was heading there for a drink.

Yes, that is a momma bear about 100 yards away--before she saw me. Eventually, she got up on her hind quarters to see me better and then wandered off the trail with her cub. Little did I know, but the other cub had climbed a tree on the left, and as I passed by, it dropped down from about 15' up and scampered away. No reappearance of mom though.