The Rollercoaster and the end

The "Rollercoaster", so named because of the thirteen peaks it rolls up and down over for 17 miles. We broke it into two sections. The easier section was only 3 major peaks with over 7 miles. We enjoyed walking this piece with section hikers Snacktime and Teacher.  Talking and joking with them made the days colorful and unique for the trail. We stayed at the Blackburn Center, a trail icon with an enclosed shelter. Then next day we had breakfast at a local restraint and they dropped us off at the trailhead to complete the roll coaster at 11:30am.

We had several miscalculations that day. It was almost 3 miles longer than we planned and this side climbed 7 peaks in 10 miles. No shelters or suitable campsites for a crucial 6 miles. We got a late start and were forced to hike with only minimal breaks. And, we had just resupplied our food for 5 days so packs were at least 5 pounds heavier each. Between the peaks, the rocky trail and weighted packs we should have completed this in a minimum of 12 hours but were compelled to finish in 8 and a half. We stumbled into the shelter at 8 pm, after sunset, with just enough light to get water, eat dinner, bear bag the food and bed down.
Am I proud of our accomplishment? Yes. Several times I have surprised myself at what I have done and how good I felt the next morning. But this time I strained my back, irritated a rotator cuff injury, and injured my left knee.
I didn't sleep well that night. The terrain got easier and we hiked shorter days but it was clear I was in need of help. Lee's snoring at shelters was causing enough problems that I was now sleep deprived. Friday morning we made the decision to leave the trail after 150 miles of hiking.
With a heavy heart I hiked the 3 miles to a road. It was relatively easy trail and we should have flown over it but I couldn't. I didn't want to leave the trail. I loved the simplicity of life. The singleness of purpose. But both knees were now hurting and I was beginning to limp. My shoulder and neck were burning pain and it took 3 hours to hike what should have taken an hour and a half.
We hitched a ride into Front Royal, rented a car, drove to Pennsylvania to retrieve our car, drove back to Front Royal to drop off the rental and plan our next move.