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08/28/2015

Stanimal's

I walked 50580 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 21 miles today.
Well, this was a wonderful, eventful day. Bears on the trail, many nice miles, new hiker friends, and a great place to sleep tonight. This is Stanimals hostel in Waynesboro and it's a wonderful escape from the trail for a night (or two). There are 6 guys here tonight and it's been great fun hearing all their stories. Dana made us a super spaghetti dinner and there's a selection of movies. Now I'm just hoping the bed is as comfortable as it looks. I finished the shenandoah park so we'll see how the trail changes. But, tomorrow is a zero day to resupply and rest.

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Posted: 08/28/2015

Jeff and Gracie

Check out my current location on the map. I ran into Jeff and Gracie the Amazing Hiking Dog on the trail. They were out doing trail maintenance and are Scouters from Charlottesville. We had a nice chat and walk, and he gave me a coke. Thanks for the snack and all your efforts for the trail community!

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Posted: 08/28/2015

Barred the Changeling

A hiker named Barred the Changeling killed a huge rat in the shelter last night! Very exciting battle.

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Posted: 08/28/2015

Trail Journal

I walked 54496 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 21 miles today.
Vanilla Thunder and I hiked today. Another $$$ hamburger at wayside restaurant for lunch - probably the last since the park ends tomorrow. At the end of day, just 100 yards from the shelter, we watched a bear pulling down brush to eat berries - very cool.

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Posted: 08/28/2015

08/26/2015

Trail Journal

I walked 43135 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 17 miles today.
Hot Shower! At Lewis CamPground, we got showers for $1 for a generous 5 minutes. Randy, the campgRound manager was great! We've hooked on to Hightop shelter and joined Bloodblister for the night. She is yoyoing the AT. The hope is to push a tiny bit and get to Waynrsboro Friday night. The weather continues to be unseasonably cool which works well for me.

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Posted: 08/26/2015

Trail Journal

Have been seeing lots of deer but only that 1 bear the other day. The trail had been pretty nice through the park so I hope it remains that way heading south. Nothing to report except lots of climbing up and down. !

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Posted: 08/26/2015

Trail Journal

I walked 44975 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 17 miles today.
Just a guess at the miles because we're camped out in the forest rather than a shelter - just too far to the next one. It was a great day! Sunny and lower humidity so my underwear were actually dry at the end of the day. TMI Had lunch of a $$$ hamburger at Skyland lodge and then more reasonable drinks and snack at Big Meadow wayside. The trail had 3 long climbs today, but they went well. My legs are staying to feel worn so a zero or nero soon would be nice.

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Posted: 08/26/2015

08/25/2015

Trail Journal

Entered the shenandoah park. No bears yet, but saw a huge deer. Coverage is getting worse so I may not be able to get posts out. Met a scout and his dad doing their 50-miler hike. They might make it to the shelter I'm staying tonight.

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Posted: 08/25/2015

Trail Journal

Scored a couple of really great deals today. We stopped at elk wallow campground and they have a store so we got hot egg muffin type sandwiches. I just arrived at this wayside as big black clouds are forming so I got to wash with HOT water and drink cold water that I didn't have to filter - plus I missed the rain! Only 3 more miles to the shelter but it's a tough Rocky climb. I won't be sending pics for awhile due to poor coverage.

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Posted: 08/25/2015

Trail Journal

I walked 44015 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 18 miles today.
I saw a bear this morning! Lots of UPs today and we're at a shelter on a ridge so I'm hoping for cool, dry air. Very little sleep last night due to warmth and humidity.

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Posted: 08/25/2015

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Feb 13, 2020 - Jason Berklund

Hey hiking dude I have several questions planning my first north to south trip from 270 all the way down. I kind a know what to wear what to eat all that important jive. I am in relatively good shape definitely Not concerned about where in tear. 45 years old going with a 21-year-old nephew. My question is I have friends in Duluth that I don’t want to burden with driving me what’s the best way to get up to otter Lake Road that’s not gonna cost a crap ton. We were thinking 15 miles a day. We were also thinking hammocks. Let me know what you think please. I have read so much and look at so much and heard so many opinions but You seem to be very realistic on your comments. Thank you

Feb 13, 2020 - Hiking Dude

@Jason - Hammocks work fine - most campsites have lots of trees. 15MPD is realistic, and you'll probably do more than that many days.
Getting to the northern terminus is expensive (in my mind). If you can schedule correctly, Arrowhead Transit is cheapest to Grand Marais, but then Harriet Quarles is the only shuttle I know of. You might find a good ol' boy in Grand Marais willing to drive you the 35 miles to the end for a few $$$.
It's a 3 hour drive from Duluth - that's 6 hours and 300 miles round-trip. Maybe your friend would like to drive up the north shore for a day.

Feb 04, 2024 - John

Me and my fiance are going to Costa Rica for our honeymoon and we are so excited!

May 02, 2024 - Zeke Mead

Has anyone cycled this Camiño? Sounds like the trail is a road and if trucks are able to do it, maybe bikes too?

May 03, 2024 - Hiking Dude

@Zeke - Someone could certainly bike part of the Camino de Costa Rica, but other parts are simple trail that would not be passable by bike.

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