The last time I camped out with my bro was 400 miles ago. The last time I camped out with Dad was my Cub Scout troop’s “Operation Zero” around 1984. I don’t remember ever camping out with both, but this evening has been enjoyable. As Ultralite (AKA Romeo) just said “this is the smelliest slumber party I’ve ever been too!” Alas, things can’t be perfect all the time!

Today’s hike was fairly nondescript, as we were hidden in the fog and light rain most of the time. I met Sarah, the kind caretaker of the Blackburn Trail Center, then met up with my parents and bro at 2pm. We said good-bye to Mom and walked 3 miles to the wonderful shelter where we’re spending the night.

There’s a great sleep area, porch, benches, pavilion with bench swing and more. The water source is halfway to hell, but what else are you going to do with your time when you show up at 4:30?

Dad did well today. Hopefully he’ll be as strong tomorrow over the 9+ miles we have planned. I enjoyed talking volleyball with Ultralite and Malboro Man (Juliette). I miss playing and coaching! Einstein is sharing the shelter here as well.

We reached a new state today—West Virginia! We’re walking the line between VA and WV for the next day. There are a few more miles to my 1,000 mile mark and then the unofficial halfway point in Harper’s Ferry. Those are big milestones and I am glad to be doing them with my dad on his 61st birthday.