My Hiking Life: The Roller Coaster

Day: 81
Start: 991.2
End: 1011.2
Miles: 20.0
Hours: 11
High temp: 72
Low temp: 61
Thru hikers met: 5

Boardwalk through a swampy section

Last night I saw the lightning flashes through my eyelids and the thunder was close by and loud. Thankfully my campsite was spared the rain, in fact I had very little dew on my rainfly.

Happily on the trail at 0630 heading to a close by stream for water. I briefly worry about Cheese and Einstein but assure myself they are experienced hikers and very self reliant.

I come upon the feared section called "The Roller Coaster".

A profile section of a portion of The Roller Coaster

Photo courtesy of Guthook

As you can see from the profile picture The Roller Coaster is a lot of ups and downs. While thankfully not long ascents, they are steep and very rocky. This section is 13.5 miles long and because of the rocks and today mud it takes a while to complete. One great feature is there is lots of water so I only carry a liter today. While a challenge this section feels lush and wild.

So a memorable spot on this punishing trail today is another mileage mark made.

WHAT? Yep a 1000

Within this section is an nicely build stone mansion with a lower portion turned into a hostel.

The Bear's Den Hostel

The place is closed until 1700 hrs according to a sign on the door. Darn I wanted to see this place and perhaps buy some food for lunch. As I walk around the back I discover a caretaker. He yells over to me the code to access the hostel lock. I look around, it's dark and cave-like inside with no hikers around. I notice a refrigerator with only the high fructose corn syrup sodas inside. I head back through the yard towards the trail telling the caretaker I was hoping for Gatorade. He say it's a $1 and how many can he get for me. I happily rest in the shade enjoying my rehydration. Time to finish the last 5 miles of The Roller Coaster.

Spots of wild rose gracing the trail

A little rat snake that appears to have just shed it's skin

Finished and thankful I'm through the Roller Coaster. Lots of memories in that section and lots of challenging hiking.

Today's only view looking east

Another milestone today as I leave Virginia.

Another state line

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has a trail support center .27 of a mile off the trail. I figure this may be a good place to go as they have water and a small bunk house. As I end my hiking day and turn to descend the steep trail to the ATC center I'm questioning my decision because I will have to climb this grade in the morning, plus I have water and can easily camp. I press on just to see the place. I put my gear on a bunk in the empty bunk house.

ATC bunk house

The caretaker, Cheryl, comes over from the center and welcomes me. Making sure I'm a through hiker she offers me some hot food, lentil soup, corn on-the-cob, bread and a refreshing beverage with no HFCS. I am amazed that prepared food is available, this is a much better place than described. I enjoy the delicious food sitting a table on the screened-in porch. There is a little view of Washington DC in the distance. Soon more hikers appear and the place fills up. A pleasant evening is had visiting with hikers I met in Luray, Cronk, Salty Camel and Tootles, as well as some friendly section hikers.