Appalachian Trail (day 43) - Byrd's Nest Shelter #3 to Tom Floyd Shelter / mile 969

Last day in Shenandoah National Park, I'll miss it's views and accessibility.

First task in the morning was to climb the Mary's Rock, another very popular with tourists spot, I was there early enough to have it all to myself and I must say that it might have been my favourite place in Shenandoah, very charming place.

From here I was heading towards last of the Wayside restaurants, this one was called Elkwallow, I've arrived there just before midday and had a good calorie boost of smash burger and fries.

It was Saturday so many day hikers were scaling the variety of trails Shenandoah had to offer, I've met a couple of bird "nerds" (that's how they described themselves) sitting by the side of the trail trying to locate a bird they heard when they were here last time. They've guessed the names of the birds I've seen so far on the AT after a short description.

I've updated my plans and decided to walk few additional miles past the National Parks border to get within easy reach to Front Royal, next town I was planning to resupply in and buy new shoes as the ones I was wearing were falling apart. You only meant to be wearing shoes for 500 miles on the hikes like this, so this one's truly outlived themselves.

My final destination was Tom Floyd's Shelter and campsite, it was located on a heavy slope so campsites were scattered along the forest, they were all numbered. Number 1, 2 and 3 were taken so I ventured along until I found campsites 4E and 4S, first one was very rocky so I decided to pitch on the campsite 4S. Then it was quick dinner, weather report (no rain thank God) and bed time.