Day 97

Today was a grueling day. I woke up feeling great. I’m definitely happy with the sleeping pad upgrade. The hike from camp was rough as we were still in the Roller Coaster. Before finishing the Roller Coaster, we came across the Virginia / West Virginia border sign. (Actually, the trail from here bounces in and out of both States for a while until shortly before Harper’s Ferry.) Then after leaving the Roller Coaster section, the elevation calmed down. That would have been a positive if it wasn’t for the crazy heat. It got up into the upper 90s F and 86 F in the shade. It’s also a very long dry section so you have to carry a lot of water. (Donuts and I did jump off trail at a street crossing and walk to the convenience store where they have a grill. I ordered a cheeseburger, wedge fries and a Gatorade and then went back in for a beer to pack out to camp with a turkey sandwich and also had to grab a corn dog for devouring immediately. Had jalapeño and cheese in the dog. Yum!) There was also our biggest road crossing yet. After we had finished going to the convenient store, we headed to camp. Zipper showed up later and joined us. There were two already here so it’s a tight fit for the tents. We’ll get up tomorrow and head into Harper’s Ferry. Maybe early enough to find a nice breakfast.