May 25: Tye River   Miles Today : 11.7 Total Miles : 270.7

At 10:00 I actually decided to unpack my pack and I crawled back into my sleeping bag. After all, it was cold and stormy and Drive By wasn't going to show up until 5 PM. As the three large section hikers were packing up their 80-pound packs, I managed to yogi a half a bottle of vodka off of them. There were getting off the trail today, so I offered to pack out this extra weight. Finally, at 11:30, after spending nearly 24 hours at the shelter, Gypsy and I moved on and headed up the trail into the rain. We took a swing of vodka first, to warm us up a little bit.

I was depressed for most of the day since it was rainy and dark and foggy, not exactly the best weather for a thru-hiker party and not the way I wanted to end my trip. I hiked with Gypsy for most of the 12 miles today, and whenever we got really cold or wet, we would take a swig of the vodka. On top of the ridge, it was very cold and the rain just kept getting stronger.

Even when I finally got down to Route 56 and the Tye River, it was still cold and rainy, and I was pretty miserable. So Gypsy, Lion King and I decided to try and hitch to a nearby store and get some food and beer. I wanted to be prepared just in case Drive By was late, which I KNOW he wouldn't do to me, but it pays to be prepared. All I have to say is, thank god that the store had beer.

After picking up a bunch of snacks and a good amount of beer, we hitched back to the trail in one of the more interesting rides that I have received. A guy in a cube van picked us up, but said we would have to ride in the back. We clambered in, and sat in total darkness for ten minutes while he drove us back to the trailhead. We made jokes about getting kidnapped and taken across state lines, but as always, it the ride worked out just fine.

By the time we got back to the Tye River, the rain had stopped, the temperature had risen a few degrees and we started to make camp. While Gypsy and I were getting set up, Lion King started to make friends with two couples who were camped nearby, a move that would prove critical later. Around 6:30, there was a whole group of hikers who showed up, but still no Drive By. Fortunately, I had some beer and food from the store, so all was not lost. Also, by this time, we had become quite friendly with the two couples camped nearby and actually ended up invading their site. They had a tarp, a fire, music, and much more beer and food - they graciously shared all of this with a bunch of smelly, wet hikers.

Apparently, they were going to go for a three-day canoe trip on the James River, which is usually around four feet deep. With all the rain lately, apparently the river has risen to 12 feet and is dangerous to travel on. Their misfortune was our gain, and we had a great time with them right up until 8:30, when Drive By finally showed up. He arrived with burgers, hot dogs, Mama Drive By's famous Taco Pie, candy bars and most importantly, more beer. We stayed up around the campsite eating, drinking and telling stories until almost midnight. It was great to see Drive By again, the first time since September of 1999, and what was an absolutely miserable day turned out to be a great night, as so often happens out here.

Tomorrow it is on to Baltimore where I will hang out with Drive By for the Memorial Day weekend. I will also get to see Mama and Papa Drive By for the first time since visiting the Drive By Hiker Hostel - I'll make sure to bring her the empty Taco Pie plates so she knows how much everyone enjoyed them.

With the end of this hike, I have just over 100 miles on the Appalachian Trail to finish up. By this time next spring, I will have finally completed the entire trail, and I will celebrate this accomplishment by hiking in to Harper's Ferry and into the ATC Headquarters building. I am getting ready to go to bed, and I have a big smile on my face. Until the next adventure...

-Chomp

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