Woke up to the sound of….birds! For the first time in three days, it wasn’t raining. Packed up and walked over to the brewery where they had a hiker breakfast for $5

After eating, they drove us back to the trail.  It started off with a nice flat section to warm up on before climbing

Eventually the trail did begin to climb, going over a good rocky section.  Even though it was not raining, the rocks seemed slippery than yesterday.  Almost slimey.

It led to some great lookout points though, and no fog today!

From the very top, there were views back to a ski resort across the valley.

After reaching the peak of Humpback mountain, the trail began a long set of switch backs to get down.

Had to pass over, around and straight through several flooded streams.

Towards the end of the day, near the ruins of an old cabin, I heard a crash through the trees as I came around a turn. It could only be one thing…..Bear!

It was about 25ft away, up a little incline.  It sat there watching me for a bit. Couldn’t get a great picture with the trees, but if you zoom in a bit you can see it.

After taking a couple pictures and a short video, it started to snort/ huff and puff at me, so I moved on down the trail and let him enjoy the afternoon alone.

I made it to Waynesboro about 6pm, wolfed down several hotdogs at a food truck near where trail comes out. Then hitched a ride from a former thru hiker to Stanimal’s Hostel, another former thru hiker.

$30 got me a bunk, laundry, shower and most importantly a place to dry out my damp gear.

Ran into Peacewalker, Magellan and Wonderwoman at the hostel. It was good to catch up with Peacewalker, but unfortunately she is laid up with shin splints and had to take a couple days off. Get better soon!

Tomorrow is the start of the Shenandoah National Park!