6/13/12 – 856 miles
Everyone at the shelter was up early. I packed my tent in the predawn darkness and made my way to the shelter to find Sicilian Gypsy and Kleenex both up and packing their things. It was 21 miles into Waynesboro and we knew it would be a long day.
I hiked out of camp first and about an hour later Kleenex caught me by the trash barrel on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We always dump our trash and lighten our load by an ounce or two every chance we get.
The trail passed across several cliff overlooks, many that were shrouded with fog and mist from the morning rain, but gradually the sky cleared and we could see Waynesboro many miles in the distance.
Along about 10:00 am we met another thruhiker. It was Honest Abe, whom I hadn’t seen since… well, in a long time. Then there were three of us all being pulled toward the comfort of civilization. We made excellent time and enjoyed each others company as the miles slid by effortlessly.
It was only 4:00 pm when we arrived at Rockfish Gap, the trail exit to Waynesboro. We were almost an hour earlier than Kleenex had arrainged for her sister to meet us. Honest Abe got a ride into town with some friends and Kleenex and I sat down in the shade of an abandoned building, eating kettlecorn Kleenex bought from a nearby vender. It was a nice relaxing wait and in no time a car pulled up. It was great to meet Allison, Kleenex’s sister, and I can’t thank her enough for the ride.