Start Day: Front Royal

25 May 16

Start: Front Royal, VA

End: Mosby Campsite

Miles: 3.6

Total: 3.6

We made it through our first day! It was a long day, despite your initial reaction to the low mileage. Don't shake your head, I know you were all like "Oooh, how is she ever going to make it to Maine with such low mileage?"  Well, my dears, my answer to that is...one step at a time. 

 

We decided to stop early to sort out our camp situation. And we're so glad we did! We met Chris Cross and Sunray. A couple from Switzerland who quit their jobs and sold everything they own to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. They're hiking north from GA, so this is their 973rd mile.  Chris Cross helped us with our bear bag! Thank goodness. The best part of meeting these two wonderful humans was hearing what a positive experience they're having in our country. They told us several heartfelt stories of trail angels, helpful hikers and just plain good people they've met along the way. It's their first experience in the U.S. and it warms my weary soul to hear it was a good one!

Our first campsite was a good one. We got water from a nearby spring. Cooked our first meal of ramen and veggies. Laughed for at least 30 mins straight trying to figure things out. But not only did Chris Cross and Sunray get us through it, but they said there are some really helpful, great people behind them (they're 20 miler day peeps)! Hopefully, we'll run into them tomorrow night. 

 

Ferocious, dive bombing bugs are all around this tent. Luckily, I treated it with Permethrin...so they meet sudden paralysis of they happen to make a go for it, however  I say this with a short, nervous laugh as they're boldness and confidence in a barrier breach steadily increase as the evening passes. 

 

It's warm tonight. But there is a cool breeze coming in and I'm surround by the sounds of nature. Exactly why I'm out here. One day at a time. One step at a time. 

Happy Trails!