Shenandoah National Park and Lots of Trail Magic

On Wednesday (5-25) I left at 8:45 AM for a 5 mile hike into Waynesboro on a well worn path.  It was the same path that another hiker left on 45 minutes earlier.  After 15 minutes of hiking, I realized that I had not seen any white blazes so I went back to the shelter.  The unmarked path next to the shelter was the correct trail.  It was marked with a white blaze about 100 yards down the path.  I was glad I got on the right path on the second try.  I arrived in the outskirts of Waynesboro before noon to find trail magic of cold drinks.  I hiked into Waynesboro with two other thru-hikers to Mang's Chinese Garden for lunch.  The buffet was very good for a low price of $7.15.  I capped off my lunch with pie and ice cream.  I went across the street to a Salvation Army store and bought a belt for a dollar, but because it was Wednesday, 1/2 off day, I only paid 50 cents.  What a bargain!  Since I have lost weight on the trail my pants are too loose so now I have solved that problem.  I got a free shower at the YMCA, went to the library and used the internet, and crossed the street to the Grace Lutheran Church where I would spend the night.  At 6:30 PM, they fed hikers dinner of soup, grilled cheese, salad, lasagna, cheesecake and ice cream.  Sleeping there was a problem due to a loud snorer that drove me out of the basement sleeping area to the music room where I slept-sort of-on three padded chair cushions pushed together.  On Thursday (5-26) I was up at 5:30 AM to pack, eat, and take the shuttle to the trail.  After completing the mandatory permit application at the entrance to the Shenandoah National Park, I began to hike at 7:45 AM.  There were no long climbs but many 300-500 ft ascends and descends.  Due to the poor night of sleep, I needed to rest twice in the shade--short naps.  During the hike I crossed Skyline Drive 10 times.  I finally arrived at the Blackrock Hut at 7:15 PM.  The SNP refers to permanent structures for overnight sleeping as a hut rather than a shelter.  I covered 19.9 miles.  Friday (5-27) I began hiking at 7:25 AM on a gorgeous day.  It was cool and clear.  I immediately climbed to 3,100 feet to Blackrock Mountain.  Here is a picture of it.

I again crossed Skyline Drive an additional 10 times.  I saw three southbound hikers who told me about some upcoming trail magic at campsite 55 in the Loft Mountain Campground.  Eventually I arrived there to find a large trailer and a man who worked on the trail for the Potomac AT Club.  He had soft drinks and snacks for us.  After enjoying his hospitality, I walked to a campstore and bought energy bars, chocolate milk, and a pack of Hostess cupcakes.  I started hiking again at 11 AM.  At 4:20 PM I arrived at Smith Roach Gap--yes, not Smith Rd--to enjoy super trail magic.  Every year on the Friday before Memorial Day, a hiking couple (she's hiked the AT twice) sets up two tents with chairs and host a big picnic for thru-hikers.  There was a large amount of food including hotdogs, hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans, donuts, homemade cookies, watermelon and pop.  Wow!  A hikers delight for sure!  There were about a dozen hikers  when I was there enjoying the feast.  Rain was threatening so I hurried about 1 mile to Hightop Hut.  I set up my tent and got water out of the spring and was elated with the day.  I hiked 21.4 miles.