Day 73 - 5/13

Daily mileage: 21.6
Total trail mileage: 950.8
Starting location: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Ending location: Hogwallow Gap
Weather: cloudy, foggy, and rainy all day, 58 degrees in the morning,
58-60 degrees during the day

I am at
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=38.916292,+-78.185249

Despite setting up my hammock last night, I decided to stay in the
shelter. With the fire going in the fireplace, the shelter was nice
and dry. But, I think the drier air made me dehydrated during the
night.

Unfortunately, it was raining this morning although the weather report
had showed no rain. I made good time though as all of the look out
points were clouded over. So, I wasn't distracted by views. But, it
was neat walking through the foggy forest.

We reached the wayside by lunchtime, which was where my dad was
finishing his trip. After having lunch again at the wayside (the last
one :( ), I changed my plans a little. I was going to go to the
hostel tomorrow because of my maildrop. My dad offered to pick me up
further down the trail and take me into town today. This way I could
get my drop today and get back on the trail tomorrow, putting me a
half to a full day ahead. So, I walked a few more miles and my dad
met me at one of the road crossings.

We got a motel room, went to a pizza place, got custard, and I did
laundry. Back to the trail in the morning and then about 65 miles
left to Harpers Ferry. At that point I will return home for about 2
weeks.