June 27 – B – A – N – J – O and "Banjo" Was His Name-O

Post date: Jul 1, 2012 11:41:52 PM

"Five Pair" hiked with "T", "Unbreakable" and "No Trace" and this day was a relatively easy hike where the hikers encountered a recreation area with a lake and better yet, a concession stand.

While the hike today was mostly in the woods the hikers did encounter a painted USA flag memorial on the rock on the top of Shenandoah Mountain commemorating 9/11.

As the day came to a close, the hikers approached their target for the day, the RPH Shelter. Upon entry into the camp they were greeted by the fact that "Dace" had ordered pizza for those at the shelter as a kind of going away gift as he had decided that his journey was coming to a close and that he would hike off the trail tomorrow. While disappointed to hear that "Dace" was concluding his hike, "Five Pair", "T", "Unbreakable", "No Trace", "Nomad", "CatDog" and the yet to be trail named, Andrew, enjoyed his gracious gift and were happy that he was content and satisfied with his journey.

During this evening, "Five Pair" suggested to Andrew a trail name and he being content with this name, was thereafter known as "Banjo". "Banjo" is a recent high school graduate that actually skipped the graduation ceremony to begin his hike and is doing a flip flop. After climbing Katahdin, he will travel to Springer Mountain and hike to his starting point, the Pennsylvania/New Jersey line.

As the day concluded, a quick look by "Five Pair" at her trail guide revealed her to be 19.9 miles from the rendezvous point of Appalachian Trail Train Station near Pawling, New York, where Ground Control is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

1,422.9 miles complete/761.5 miles to go