Bears on the Trail and Visit with Family

Saw my first bear on Sunday afternoon.  I had left Late Start in Waynesboro and decided I wanted to get some more miles in before the end of the day.  So I was hiking by myself.  All of a sudden I heard this loud grunting noise.  I think I scared him off before he really scared me.  I looked up and saw this massive animal going back up a hill and heard him grunting and making all kinds of noises.  I had talked to a ranger earlier in the day and he said that lots of bears had been seen by other hikers.  I turns out that Frizzle and his dad had seen a bear and had to hike around it.  It wasn't moving.  Also someone else saw a mama bear and 3 cubs.  The cubs had all climbed up a tree and mama was at the bottom checking on them.

Monday I had a visit from Kate and little Sam.  They had driven down for the day.  Kate picked me up at Mile Marker 92 on Skyline Drive.  We then drove and met Kate's brother-in-law Keith and his wife Molly with their two little guys Jack and Will.  We had lunch at Anna's, an Italian eatery in Crozet, VA.  It was so great to see familiar faces and visit with all of them, and also have a great lunch.

I was anxious to get back on the trail so Kate and Sam took me back.  We got some great pictures and shared some cookies, oranges and drinks with some of the other hikers.  The little guy has really changed since I saw him almost 4 weeks ago.

The bugs and heat have been terrible.  Kate brought me a net to wear over my face.  It's been very hot, but I actually have been sleeping pretty well at night.  My mattress has another leak so Kate brought me a waffle mat that I'll use until I get it replaced again. She also brought me some food and supplies.

Hoping to see Jan and Barb and Jerry from Ohio on Friday if they decide to make the trek to Skyline Drive.  By the way,  I've been doing some hiking with three hikers from Tiffin, Ohio which happens to be where Jan grew up and where Barb and Jerry live now.  Small world....isn't it?  I've also hiked with some section hikers from the Pittsburgh area.  Go Steelers!

Hoping this hot weather breaks a little.  Cell phone service has been very sporadic this week.  I think I'll take a break in a hostel or motel in Front Royal.  I will probably be there on Sunday or Monday. It's been a while since I had a shower....

“In every conceivable manner, the family is the link to our past, bridge to our future.”

-Alex Haley