March 22 I slept surprising well last night on the ground, which is a remarkable admission from a diehard hammock camper. I did take some ibuprofen before bed, knowing that the tumbles I took yesterday would cause some aches and pains today. The one upside to the lower mileage is that my bruised hips are the only thing that hurts; I haven't hiked enough to have sore legs and feet!
We have no real plans for today. We are only 10 miles to Dickey Gap, which is where we need to get off the trail in order to walk to Troutdale and pick up my truck. We originally planned to hike to Partnership Shelter 15 miles further than Dickey Gap this section, but we covered such little ground this week due to the precarious weather and trail conditions, there is no way that is happening. We must return home by tomorrow night, as GG has a trail race next week. She enters them months in advance, and this was a last-minute trip while I had a gap in my schedule. She was able to accompany me with the caveat that she has time to prepare for her race.
GG and I break camp and sit at the picnic table, where we eat breakfast, and we linger to talk to the couple. Last night was his first night ever camping, and they really enjoyed the fellowship and campfire, as did we. I say my goodbyes and walk down the trail before GG, as I want to warm up with the effort of walking.
Less than two miles later we arrive at Fox Gap, which we have now driven by several times on our many shuttles with Cole. We cross the road and Fox Creek on a small footbridge. The creek looks like an inviting spot to soak our feet, but only if it were warmer!
While we walk, we talk of our options. We were planning to walk to Dickey Gap and into Troutdale this afternoon, then brave the traffic around Washington D.C. to get home tonight. Plan B is to stay on the trail tonight near Dickey Gap, then walk into Troutdale tomorrow morning, where we can get an early start and hopefully pass through DC before the traffic gets bad tomorrow afternoon. Actually, the traffic is always bad in DC, but it's much less so between 12 and 3 pm.
GG and I both have an extra day's worth of food, so we agree on Plan B, then consult our apps. There is a waterfall about one mile before Dickey Gap with a side trail that offers a small campsite above the falls next to a stream. The comments in the Far Out app report that it's beautiful place to camp, so we decide to check it out.
The hike is lovely, as is the weather. I know it's too early, but I look for morel mushrooms anyway, as these woods look like the perfect environment for the tasty fungi. I focus on the southern-facing, sun warmed patches of woods to no avail . I play music and dance around, enjoying the freedom and beauty of the trail. GG and I play hopscotch over the miles; she hikes ahead, and I pass her for a while, then she passes me when I take a break. We cross over lots of streams via bridges and rock-hopping.
The miles pass quickly, and we soon come to the blue-blazed side trail leading to the right, straight up the hill. We huff up the trail, which parallels the falls and then follows the stream above the falls. After only a quarter mile, we spot a flat site next to the stream. It's very small but will easily fit GG's tent and my tarp. GG lets me pick a spot first, since I need two trees to hang my tarp. I'm tempted to legit cowboy camp under the stars without the tarp, but I get a false sense of security by being under my tarp, always worried some unexpected rainstorm will appear out of nowhere.
We enjoy our last night of this small section in the woods. We have really made some memories on this hike, weather notwithstanding! Actually, the weather will contribute to the memories. I fall asleep to the sound of the rushing water.
Today's Stats: 9 miles, 1500 feet gain, 2440 feet loss
Trail Stats: 519 Miles, 130K feet ascent
