Trail Journal 07.25.02

Another late day into camp.  Didn't get in to Morgan Stewart Shelter till 7:30.  Hadn't planned to come this far today but the trail was good, weather nice, and we felt good so here we are.  Did some climbing this morning--over Shenandoah Mountain and again coming into camp but none of it was hard.  We crossed  great slabs of rock that made me feel like I was walking on he back of some great beast which in a way I am. Had lunch at RPH Shelter which is a former four-sided building that has one wall removed to make it a shelter meeting National Park Service requirements.  It's pretty nice--even has a mowed lawn for tent space.  The water from the pump is awful, though.  Tastes like rust.  We hiked on to Stormville Road where we went in for pizza.  Met Hollywood and Pop Tart there.  Also met a section hiker, Orion, who split a large pizza with me.  Got back on the trail around 5:45 and pushed hard for the shelter.  Trail was good, climb not too hard, and the evening light was exquisite.  Got in just in time to set up before dark.  It was a long day.