Bright sun, deep blue sky. Hi in the 60s and low in upper 30s.
Slept in and had a nice last breakfast at Flamingo's. Right Spot gave us a ride back to the trail. Fayetteville was a nice break.
Short hike today along a trout stream to Caldonia State Park. Talk with 2 fishermen name Rock who have family in Stanardsville (Camiletti) and have fished in the Rapidan and Rose Rivers.
Then climbed and hiked through pine forest (nice because there are still no leaves on the trees and I am sunburned) toward Quarry Gap. As we got close, we entered an incredible Rhododendrum forest.
We met a man walking with a rake and a bucket of pansies. Turns out he is the PATC overseer for Quarry Gap Shelter and about 12 miles of trails. He is quite a character and has lots of stories (like the rattlesnakes mating on the trail to the privy). This shelter is the most amazing one we have seen. It is more like a park (but you can't drive here). It has two separate sleeping areas connected by a roof with a picnic table and fireplace in between. His name is Jim Stauch (trail name is "Innkeeper"). The shelters here have all been nice but this one is over the top! (More than 5 stars?).
Tomorrow will be a normal hiking day to the next shelter.
Forgot to mention that 2 days ago we both saw a wild turkey. Not much wild life on the trip so far.
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