April 27
End: Blackrock Hut
Miles: 40.8
Total: 2738.7
Orange Lightning was the first northbound hiker to leave the shelter, and I was close behind. His name is probably Orange Lightning because he hikes at least four miles an hour, quite fast on a mountain trail.
We were constantly getting in each other’s way as he would stop to look at every little thing, then speed ahead until he stopped again. In the meantime I would be hiking at a steady pace while he constantly leap frogged ahead of me. Finally I did an uphill climb and he never caught up.
From there on it was smooth hiking for me as I neared the part of the Appalachian Trail closest to home. I saw Wintergreen Resort across from Humpback Mountain. I used to ski and snowboard there, only breaking bones on two separate occasions in the span of twelve months.
It was a tad nostalgic for me to pass over Humpback Mountain and the side trail to Humpback Rocks, where my parents took me when I was a child. Soon I was thinking of Waynesboro, where I would meet my dad.
The last few miles went by quickly, and I got to the parking lot where my dad and I departed for the local Chinese buffet. It was fantastic, and I only wished that I could stick around longer to eat more.
Instead, I needed to get back on the trail, so we went to the grocery store and then back to the trailhead, where I left and started the second half of my hiking day.
The hiking was not particularly difficult as I made my way towards Blackrock Hut. I got a little confused with the mileage as darkness approached, but soon figured it out. With my headlamp on and my feet still moving, I got to Blackrock Hut to find it only partially occupied.
I felt lucky since it was a Friday night. With a full stomach I went to bed planning to get up early the next day.
