Our trip began early, putting boots on the trail before 10 AM, starting at a sweltering 80 degrees. We hit the first and seemingly only reliable water source within 20 minutes and scouted around, taking in what would be our campsite at the end of the day.
We continued on, up and up, through dry creek beds and dense ferns and plants. What had been a gushing creek in the fall was completely dry, not even a drip of water or dampness to be found. We took a break halfway up to Dan's Pulpit and finally created a new trail name-Water Spider-for our friend's habit of gulping water down at an alarming rate, and continued dedication to swatting down spider webs for us. Okay, not so much dedication as a luck of the draw from walking in front.
The next incline took almost all of our concentration and left us mostly silent, only stopping to take in the view of the trees and rocks below and the mountains peeking through in the distance. A short pause at the Hawk Mountain connector trail, and we were off again.
Through a small area of rocks we made it to Dan's Pulpit and each set ourselves up in different areas, seeking comfort in the now 90 degree heat in the direct sunlight. After eating and perusing the hiker log, we started the descent back down and made it to our camp site at 2 PM, promptly setting up tents and hammocks, and filtering water. Water Spider and I dozed in our hammocks while Sunny Bunny slept in her tent.
We awoke shortly before 5 PM, began gathering wood for a later fire, and set up our separate cooking apparatuses for making dinner. Poor Water Spider had another fluke with gear when her stove refused to light. After eating dinner, a thru-hiker joined our camp and we descended on her with questions with fervor. I was amazed at how much I learned from her in such a short period of time, including her love of the Grayson Highlands and seemingly deep hate for the Roller Coaster south of Harper's Ferry.
Later, our fire crackled and popped, burning until well after 10 PM when Sunny Bunny finally succumbed to sleep. I fell asleep on my trial set-up-a Thermarest Z Lite Sol, my Sea to Summit pillow, and my Enlightened Equipment quilt. What I found was that I experienced the same amount of waking up and hip pain as I did on my blow-up mattress without the negatives of sliding around and adjusting and losing my pillow at all hours of the night. Seems like I will be keeping this set-up from now on.
The following day we spent at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, taking in beautiful views and snapping copious amounts of pictures. Sunny Bunny treated us to the best popsicles on the planet-okay, I may be a little biased, and we made our way back home with a quick pit stop to our traditional McDonald's. We talked in depth about our next overnight and I am very much looking forward to it.
Until next time,
Mighty Mouse
