June 27, 2004 - I finally saw a bear today. Only took 900 miles to do so. It was a big one but when it saw me it ran off. Also saw 12 deer. 26.8 miles today and it felt so easy. Felt like I was barely walking and was hiking 3.5 mph. Made it to camp by 5:30 pm with lots of time to visit with the other 15 people here at the shelter. It was another beautiful day, just like yesterday. The trail was the same as yesterday. So today was the same as yesterday, only with less miles. I’ll leave SNP tomorrow, just a few days until Harper’s Ferry. Don’t think I’ll try for the 4 state challenge.
