July 1 Mile 947

Finally saw a bear today!! He was in the trail ahead about 150 feet. He saw us and moved along out in the woods to our left. Took some pictures, but he was pretty far away. I think everyone out here had seen a bear, except us.
An absolutely gorgeous day! Blue skies, cool breeze and a high of about 70. Unbelievable for July. Slack packing today, thanks to Don's very gracious hospitality, driving us here from his home in Marshall. Trying out different shoe inserts today on my feet that I bought at CVS. Need to find a solution to my right foot ache. No final solution, but less ache than before. Developed a sore muscle or pull in my upper back. Not sure the cause of that. May be my pack being strapped on too tightly.
Wonderful hiking landscape today, most accomodating of the last three months. Plus a restaurant right on the trail, at Elkwallow in Shenandoah Park right at lunchtime - perfect! BBQ sandwich and milkshake . Weighed myself at Don' s last night and I have lost 20 lbs since starting. That's too much and don't want to lose anymore. Need to eat more and fatty things, too. Just the opposite of life at home. Out  here men lose weight, women don't , weird.
Hiked about 14+ miles, finished at 5:00 and Don picked us up, took us to his house and made us dinner.
This is really nice!


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