Day 73: Ducking the Heat Dome

• Pinefield Hut (898.6) to Hightower Parking Lot (908.8)
• 1690 feet ascent,  1506 feet down

Children and old people are more vulnerable to temperature extremes than the general population. That kept rattling around in my head as we struggled to hike today in the 100 degree heat. We are old people.

We tried to stay safe by hiking early and taking breaks. We sipped electrolyte water constantly. We had a resupply stop at a motel scheduled for tonight. We could make it.

Starting Early 

The weather had been warning of a heat dome for days. We tried to be prepared. Yesterday was awfully hot but we had rested through the hottest part of the day and done well.

Last night was hot, we sweated on our sleeping pads, quilts thrown to the side. At 5 am we gave up trying to sleep and got ready to hike. We left the shelter as the sun was rising. 

Hot Hiking

We made good time hiking, settling into the Shennandoah pattern of 300 to 500 foot graded climbs followed by 300 to 500 foot descents. Up and down, up and down. 

The heat was building. By 10 am it was pressing 100. Both of us were overwhelmed by the thought of hours more hiking until we reached Elkton this evening. 

Resting in the Shade

We crossed the Skyline Drive and took a lie down rest under a shady road sign. Another thru hiker arrived and flopped down near us. He was very distressed by the heat. He called his family and soon announced he had a shuttle coming if anyone wanted a ride. He was quitting the trail today. 

We were shocked. He had come so far. When his shuttle arrived, two other hikers we didn’t know availed themselves of the opportunity. 

Hiking On

After our rest, we moved on. The departure of our fellow hiker disturbed us. We felt really sorry for him, but also a little scared for all of us. His quitting highlighted how serious the heat was. 

We kept moving, sweat pouring off of us faster than we could replace it. We needed food but it was impossible to think about eating. We managed to cram in a couple of protein bars but no where near enough calories to keep going. 

Getting Good Advice

We kept going as fast as we could in order to reach the road to Elkton. We wanted out of the heat. We had a reservation amd resupply waiting. 

As the clock crept forward, the heat increased. Eying our progress, I was afraid we would be after 6 pm and was not sure we could even get a shuttle. 

I called the number the motel gave us and was reassured by the wonderful shuttle driver he would pick us up at any time. 

He said we could get picked up before the road to Elkton if we wanted. He was worried about our safety. He seemed worried about all the hikers today in the heat. 

Changing Plans

We made another round of up and down. Both of us were despondant thinking about the remaining miles. 

I looked at the map. It would be possible go get picked up in 2 miles rather than 6. We could just add those miles to a future day. 

We called the shuttle driver and arranged to meet him in one hour. We could make the one more section. 

Waiting on Relief

We arrived at the designated spot about 20 minutes early. There was poisen ivy all in the grass around the parking lot. I lay down on the parking lot pavement.

I was spent. I had heat rash all around my socks, elbows, and sports bra. Moving was awful. 

The Historian was spent. His back was hurt. He tried to get on the ground and decided a little cat-cow yoga might relieve the back strain he was struggling with. 

After stretching, he rolled over and rested against his pack. The pavement felt cool compared to the air. 

Blessed Relief

Our shuttle driver arrived right on time. He helped us load our packs. As soon as we got on his vehicle, he offered us a selection of sports drinks. We were so grateful. They were cold!

After a short trip to the hotel, he offered us scent free laundry soap to use at the hotel that had free laundry. 

He said we could pay when he took us back to the trail. He also offered us a free ride into town for dinner of we wanted it. We were so spent and overwhelmed by his kindness we didn’t have an answer. He said for us to just text when we knew what we wanted to do. 

Cool at Last

We checked in and retrieved our resupply. They had ice too. Our room was perfectly cool. The shower was perfect and the towels fluffy. 

After showering we struggled through getting a pizza delivered. In fact, they dropped it off, contact less delivery, but to the wrong hotel. I was about to give up when the hotel staff spotted a driver. Our pizza was found.

We retreated to our cool room. We celebrated the riches of cool air, water to bath and drink, and food to eat. In our luxury, we took a moment to remember those who did not have the luxury of, or access to, relief. It was a humbling moment, and one that increased our gratitude for the kindness of those who look after thru hikers.