WREN Agent Hiking Appalachian Trail
6/14- Friday- Linda's Arrival- and 6/15- Saturday
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, 2013:
Ron and I knocked out 17 miles from Big Meadows to Hwy US211 ( Luray ). Linda took us into town to resupply and we returned to Big Meadows for a nice Dinner and good night’s rest. The terrain was pretty easy and the views of the valley were spectacular. The weather was cool and clear for a change and we were at our peak performance.
On Saturday 6/15 Linda checked us out of the Big Meadows Cabin and into a cabin at Skyland Resort. Ron decided to continue on and camped at the Matthews Arm Campground. The good news for the past few days is that we were able to slack pack several segments allowing our legs to recover as well as knock greater than average mileage. The terrain in the Shenandoah is fairly level compared to parts farther south, so we used this to increase our distance.
Slackpacking the Shenandoah
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13Thursday, June 13, 2013:
Ron and I enjoyed the Big Meadows Lodge with a Ribeye Lunch and Ice cream Sundays. Since the weather cleared, we hiked back out to the Skyline Drive and shortened the distance of the segment we skipped in the morning. The rain renewed so we hitched back to Big Meadows. We had another nice meal at the Lodge in the evening and shared our cabin with HOBO, Trouble and Matt. The next morning we would head south from Big Meadows for a nice 17 mile day.
The Trail Continues!
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13Wednesday, June 12, 2013:
I met Alex Wiatt 3 weeks ago when he was on his annual AT reunion hike with his army buddies. They've been hiking segments of the AT for more than a dozen years. Alex invited us to visit him at his home in Elkton so we took advantage of his offer. Picked up at Swift Run Gap for a relaxing day, dinner, showers, and a great night's sleep in a bed. Alex and Karen own a beautifully renovated 100+ year old home. We only hiked 6 miles today, but the therapy was worth it. On Thursday Alex drove us back to Swift Run Gap where we slack packed 7 miles to Lewis Mtn campground where Karen picked us up and brought us to Big Meadows Lodge where we would spend the night in a nice cabin and wait for my wife Linda.
Monday, June 10th - Monsson!
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13Monday, June 10, 2013:
Today it was raining cats and dogs so we ate a nice breakfast with Tom Larkin, then took the rest of the day off. Tom continued on to Syracuse. Tomorrow trail angel Steve Doroughty will take us back to skyline drive to continue the trip. We'll probably camp tomorrow night so I hope things dry out considerably.
Pick-up at Wildcat Ridge trail on the Skyline Drive - mile marker 92.1.
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13Sunday, June 9, 2013:
I (Tom) left Charlotte around 10 AM for my drive to Syracuse. The plan was to pick up CABO and FLOATER around 4 PM at Wildcat Ridge trail, take them back to the Comfort Inn, spend the night and take them back to the trail on Monday. When I turned into the parking lot I thought I had come across a mass murder of AT hikers... About a dozen hikers were strewn across the parking lot, all topless and laying on the blacktop. I was ready to take off when CABO popped his head up. Seems they all had been caught in a brief rain storm and were drying off in the sun.
Much relieved, I loaded CABO and FLOATER into my car and drove back to Waynesboro, VA where, after a few beers, long showers for them (did I mention how 2 AT hikers smell after a 12 mile hike and downpour?) we went to a great Italian restaurant and then to Wal-Mart for supplies. Back to the Comfort Inn for more liquid refreshments and tales of their adventures.
Morning came much too soon, but the free breakfast of eggs, sausage, waffles and more relieved us. The plan was to take CABO and FLOATER back to Wildcat Ridge so they could continue on their northbound hike - unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans and so I left them at the motel to watch the 2 inches of rain predicted for the day.
Adieus Amigos! See you on the trail soon!
Friday, June 7th - Waynesboro, VA
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13Friday, June 7, 2013:
Another rainy day, so we devised a plan for the next week. Leaving the comfort of the Dutch Haus was tough, but tactically we needed to reposition ourselves for the better weather to come. Sluggo gave us a ride into Waynesboro where we bought new shoes and found our new base for the next 3 days- the Comfort inn. After the all you can eat buffet at the Golden Corral we planned the rest of the week. Tomorrow Orion has consented to drop us off at Reeds Gap so we can return the 18 miles back to Waynesboro and the comfort of our nice hotel.
Thursday, June 6th - 935 miles - 1,245 to go!!!
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13Thursday, June 6, 2013:
Earl dropped us off at Reeds Gap for a 22 mile slack pack back to the Dutch Haus. It started raining at 7:30 am and didn't let up at all. This section over Priest Mountain required a 4000 ft vertical climb from where we put in. Not to mention 22 miles. Did I tell you my feet hurt? Not much to see in the rain, but we did put in some long miles. A total of 935 miles so far.
Wednesday, June 5th
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13Wednesday, June 5, 2013:
Today we walked 3 miles to the Dutch Haus B&B to rest in preparation for tomorrow's 20 mile marathon which will return us back to the hostel in the evening. Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy which will make the going difficult. It is our goal to hike the remaining 20 miles into Waynesboro on another rainy day Friday. Then 2 days off to recover.
Tuesday, June 4th
by Thomas Larkin on 06/24/13
Tuesday, June 4, 2013:
Soggy Monday
by Thomas Larkin on 06/04/13Monday, June 3, 2013:
It rained most of the night but had pretty much stopped by 6:00 am. Even so the tent and fly were soaked as we packed up. What a mess. We'll dry out in 11 miles when we get to Buena Vista. The hike was pretty easy - level until Brown Mountain Creek Shelter and then slowly escalated 2000 ft up to US 60. We hitched a ride into town for some good food, resupply, and rest for weary legs. Tomorrow we will leave in mid morning for a short hike of about 11 miles to set up Wednesday's 6 mile hike to Dutch Haus B&B .
