Technical issues....

If you're wondering why that last post was all pix and no text, there were a few technical issues. So here comes a little more info about the last week.
As we came to the end of SNP, the temps started to soar, hitting the mid and high nineties. One day, we passed a man and his kids, and, being friendly and helpful, he offers that it was 94 that day and supposed to be even hotter the next day. After we walked on a bit, I realized that I was a lot happier when it was just really freaking hot, without any number value attached. Just quantifying it made it seem so much worse. We decided to head into Front Royal VA, to do some more slackpacking. So we caught a ride with Mike, another amazing trail angel who runs a hiker hostel in Front Royal, at Gravel Springs Gap. He sent us along to an awesome little bar in Front Royal, the Lucky Star Lounge. Good food, cider on tap, and great live tunes every night. Highly recommended if you're ever in the area.
It was a tough week, with two 20 mile slackpacks--our longest hikes so far--and a ride on the roller coaster--a 13.5 mile section with 13 ascents/descents. Along the way, we met Junker, former thru-hiker and current ridgerunner, who told us some great stories and dropped our packs off in Harper's Ferry so we could hike the last 20 miles into town. We stayed at the Bear's Den, a great hostel run by the Potomac ATC, located in a former summer home that looks like a stone castle. Unfortunately, we ran into Johannes, the Swedish guy we met over the weekend, who was stuck there with a stomach bug. He's got a really tight schedule because of his visa, and now he may not be able to finish.
It was a pretty dramatic arrival in Harper's Ferry. We decided we might make it to town in time to pick up our mail drop at the post office, so we were pushing hard. Then Eric started to develop a blister and had to take a break with about 3 miles to go. So, since I'm a faster hiker, he told me to go ahead and get to the post office. So I took off, hauling ass down the trail. I burst through the door at 4:10, thinking I was golden. And it was dark. Closed at 4. I was determined not to start crying in the lobby of the Harper's Ferry post office. Just not going to do it. So I heard people inside and stuck my head into the mail slot, calling for help. The postal employees ignored me. I went outside and around to the back. There I found a lady on the loading dock, smoking. I told her I had just run the last three miles to get there, and was there ANY way I could get my packages. She said "well bless your heart, honey, we'll get 'em just as soon as I finish my cigarette." I have never been so grateful for a smoke break. After she got my packages and made my whole day, I headed down the street to the hotel. Another lady--going the opposite direction--stopped and asked if I needed a ride. She turned around and drove me to the hotel, then invited us to her house for lemonade. Trail magic, indeed.
We had a much needed day off today, spent hanging out with friends Scott and Tammy, and my awesome goddaughter, Evie, who made me two very cool bracelets to wear on the trail. Thanks, guys, it was a great day!!