It was a short hike, about three hours, to Massey Gap, the pickup point for Grayson Highlands General Store & Inn. I got going around 7am and reached Massey Gap at 11:00.
It was a cloudy day so I didn’t see many of the famous views today. I did, however, come across two groups of wild ponies. They seemed very docile and let me approach to take pictures. They were also fairly uninterested in me as long as I moved slowly and quietly.
Just before the side trail to Massey Gap I passed Wise Shelter where I met Sneaky Pockets from Finland, Thunder Pee from Denmark, and Happy Face (not her real trail name) from France. They were a cheerful bunch and had lot of questions. I was in no particular hurry today and we talked for quite a while. I wished them luck and continued on my way.
And on my way to Grayson Highlands General Store I saw the only good bear print I have seen so far. I happened to be off the trail quite a ways in a place people wouldn’t normally be. I found it crossing a little creek with a muddy bank.
I reached the store around 1:30pm, in perfect time for lunch. The store offers a deli, grill, and decent hiker resupply. I had a burger and onion rings and purchased some trail food for the next couple days.
I planned to meet Ryan at this location tomorrow, Tuesday morning. However I didn’t realize camping isn’t allowed in Grayson Highlands State Park. So I inquired with Dennis, the owner, about staying. I took the “hiker cot” for the night. I had lunch then hung out in the back yard where a large stream flowed by. It was a good half-day’s rest and the cot was actually a twin-size memory foam folding bed that was quite comfortable.
So tomorrow Ryan and I should meet up and continue on. We expect 2-3 days until Damascus then a couple more days to Boots Off Hostel where Ryan’s car is waiting.