Trail Journal 06.15.02

Made it to Rockfish Gap in quick time yesterday--5 miles in just under 2 hours. Trail was pretty easy but weather was warm and humid even at 6:30 am. Had rain showers starting around midnight, continuing through breaking camp so we were damp pulling out. Woods were very misty and foggy so we got no views through the wood line. Saw a box turtle on the trail just after leaving camp. Rockfish Gap was completely fogged in when we arrived--the long-closed HoJo's and other empty building made it look very deserted. Fortunately the gas station had a pay phone so we were able to reach long-time friend Peyton who picked us up almost immediately. Went to Shoney's in Waynesboro for the breakfast buffet. So now I've been at Peyton's for over 24 hours and am enjoying the leisure. I went into Waynesboro to shuttle Red and Gary back to the trail and saw many hikers in the process: Zues, Kinky, Two-Timer, Sir Lady James and Green Man. Also saw the raft that some hikers will try to float on to Front Royal. It's a real work of art: 4 or 5 inner tubes lashed together with a styrofoam deck and a blue poly tarp superstructure. The stern has an inflated kiddie pool for beer; the bow has tiki torches. Seeing all the hikers reminds me that the AT is indeed a moveable feast. Some of these folks have been partying all the way from Georgia. I guess we're all partying in a way--we are on permanent vacation.