Bears Den to Harpers Ferry!!!! Woo hoo!

Bears den was packed last night on a cool, rainy night. Lots of the hikers we've been around for weeks. Uncle Tom, 19, Bubba, Looper, Gray Ghost, Oops, Gazelle, Pyro and Zachsquatch. There was a tv with a great selection of movies and what did we watch.... 3 documentaries about hiking the AT dating back to the mid 70's. Can you say obsessive? Actually, it was pretty interesting comparing the heavy gear that they used then to the light weight, quick drying gear of today. They actually wore cotton!! 

20 mile day in to Harpers Ferry. The trail was SO much nicer today. Not as much elevation and not all rocks Left Virginia and into West Virginia. 

Harpers Ferry is home of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. It's past the 1000 mile mark and the 'psychological half way point'. (A few more days to the actual half) It's here that you sign a log book and get your photo taken. I'm number 318 to pass through so far this year!!

It's a big milestone for us and honestly, I was surprised at how much more emotional I felt arriving here then I thought I would be. Pretty cool.

We had a discussion about those that are still out here hiking. The trail is kind of the great equalizer. There is no real advantage based on age or gender. To finish it's a combination of mental and physical strength and luck (staying well and injury free) A hiker that had to get off the trail for over a month, made an observation. In Hot Springs, it was sort of the 'honeymoon period' . The numbers had already thinned, but for those still hiking, it was still fresh and new. Now, a month or so later, the numbers have thinned even more and although it's still a lot of fun, he noted that there is a different look to those still here. You can't fake it to get this far. It's a lot of work each day and bodies get tired. But when you get up in the morning and start moving again, it all works out.  There is a huge amount of respect for each other, no matter what age. It's a very unique experience.

Taking a zero tomorrow to let my body rest and take in the sights here in this tiny town. Out to celebrate this milestone tonight with

 

Bubba, Uncle Tom, Trip, Looper, and 19.